Friday, October 2, 2026

Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele

About the Book

Book: Murder, Plainly Written

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Christian Amish Mystery

Release Date: September, 2026

She just wanted to fit into Amish Country. . .now she’s standing out!

First novel in The Plain Order Ink Society series, in which Amish writers crack the case of local mysteries.

Sadie Lynch thought inheriting her late Amish aunt’s candle shop was a blessing—a chance to leave her stalled writing career behind and find a fresh start. But running a Plain business when she’s not Amish isn’t exactly filling her store with customers—especially when the local minister insists she sell out.

Sadie, who doesn’t want to leave, thankfully meets Wanda—an Amish woman with a secret obsession. As Wanda continues to visit the candle shop, an unexpected partnership blooms when Wanda agrees to help Sadie’s shop in exchange for writing advice.

But the grand reopening of the candle shop takes a deadly turn when the body of the Amish minister is discovered behind the counter. Now Sadie is the only suspect, prompting Wanda and the Plain Order Ink Society to try helping her solve the mystery.

But in this Plain community, secrets burn brighter than flames—and nothing is as simple as it seems.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mindy Steele was raised in Kentucky timber country and has been writing since she could hold a crayon against the wall. Steele writes Amish Romance peppered with just the right amount of humor, as well as engaging Suspense, using rural America and the residents as her muse. Steele strives to create realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. A hopeless romantic, with a lyrical pen, Steele wants her readers to find themselves somewhere within her pages. A mother of four and grandmother to a half dozen blessings, Steele enjoys hiking and gardening, coffee indulgences and weekend road trips, and is personally doing all she can to make peanut butter its very own food group.

More from Mindy

Murder, Plainly Written

The Story Behind the Story

Stories often begin in the most unexpected ways, and this one started with a group of remarkable new friends.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a number of Amish authors from different communities. Among them were Old Order Amish writers, a New Order Amish woman, and a Danner Amish author from the Dan Amish church. What began as introductions soon blossomed into friendships that I treasure deeply.

Before long, I was invited to attend one of their monthly gatherings. Sitting among these talented storytellers, listening to their experiences, laughter, and unique perspectives on life, I found myself inspired not only by their writing but by their personalities. Since then, I have remained in contact with many of them, and our friendship continues to be a blessing.

When I was asked to write a cozy mystery series, my thoughts immediately turned to those wonderful authors. Their distinct voices, humor, wisdom, and observations about life seemed perfectly suited for solving mysteries. As we talked, they enthusiastically embraced the idea and even helped by creating character names for the series.

I could not resist imagining how each of them might approach a mystery. Who would follow the clues? Who would rely on intuition? Who would ask the questions no one else thought to ask? Those playful questions became the foundation for this series.

Murder, Plainly Written is the first book in that journey. While the story itself is entirely fictional, many of the characters were inspired by real people, and many of the settings were drawn from real places and experiences. It has been a joy to blend mystery, friendship, and a touch of Amish life into a story that celebrates the people who inspired it.

I hope as you read you get to know the characters and perhaps solve a mystery or two along the way.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure.

—Mindy Steele

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 30

The Avid Reader, September 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2

Texas Book-aholic, October 3

Artistic Nobody, October 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Guild Master, October 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

Avid Reader Nurse, October 9

Mary Hake, October 9

Fiction Book Lover, October 10 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 11

The Bookish Ledger, October 12 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print 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/q9rfA/murder-plainly-written-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 1, 2026

: Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Murders in the Marquee

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: September 1, 2026

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

Click here to get your copy!

"Murders in the Marquee" by Dana Mentink is a book that has twists and humor and an unlikely crime solving trio! It even has something I don't even remember reading in a book, a woman uses smelling salts to revive a fainting man. I admit I laugh out loud when reading that! I would have liked to have been there in that hotel to see the duck parades. If a reader likes mysteries without a lot of gory details, then I suggest this book. Yes, there are severed body parts but not in graphic gory details. The ending was a surprised I didn't see coming!

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

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over sixty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Revell.

More from Dana

Ice cream or pie? Cake or cookies? Beach or mountains? The answer for me is always, “Yes!” I’m a restless soul, I suppose, but I’ve never been able to choose one delight over the other. I’m that way with writing too. I started my career in mystery and sidestepped to suspense. It’d be so much easier to stick with one genre but no. Dana Mentink has to write both, it seems. I attended a Harlequin anniversary celebration in Toronto a couple of years ago and listened to the editors discuss their futures wishes. Tina James mentioned she’d like to see an “Only Murders in the Building” type book or maybe a historical mystery. Whammo! The idea hit me like a train. What about both? An Only Murders in the Building/Downton Abbey type mashup? The series idea was born. Lots of twists and turns? Check. Humor? Check? An unlikely crime solving trio? You bet! I’m truly thrilled to have been allowed to step back into mystery land. I hope you’ll enjoy the results!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29

Books Less Travelled , September 30

She Lives To Read, September 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Wishful Endings, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 3

Lily’s Corner, October 4

Blogging With Carol, October 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 6

Life of Literature , October 6

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Blossoms and Blessings, October 8

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 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/hz50N/murders-in-the-marquee-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

My Heart Is Home by Natasha R. Minier-Robinson

About the Book

Book: My Heart Is Home

Author: Natasha R. Minier-Robinson

Genre: Nonfiction- Memoir

Release Date: May, 2026

When the world grew loud, and grief weighed heavy on her, Natasha’s heart cried out, and God met her in the quiet.

Born out of a season marked by miscarriage and the ache that lingered after, My Heart Is Home gathers the moments where Natasha began to acknowledge the pain grief brought with it, to name it, to question it, and to face the reflection it revealed, as her heart found somewhere safe to reside.

For the woman grieving quietly.
For the one loving deeply but hurting silently.
For the heart that feels empty yet still longs for comfort and truth.

These reflections offer companionship, softness, and the reminder that God meets us gently in the places we struggle to name.

God has not forgotten you.

Click here to get your copy!

"My Heart Is Home" by Natasha R. Minier-Robinson is a book of poems written about grief about a miscarriage. I never experience a miscarriage but lost my son 5 years in November and I felt some of the grief that she wrote about! I really like that she shares that in her grief she drew closer to God. I would like to read her other books. I felt her sorrow and there is one poem that I felt could have been written by me.

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

About the Author

Natasha R. Minier-Robinson is a Christian author, poet, and speaker whose writing explores faith, grief, healing, hope, and the beauty that can emerge from broken places. Through honest reflections, poetry, and memoir-style storytelling, she invites readers into conversations about loss, resilience, and finding God’s presence in life’s most difficult seasons. Her work encourages others to embrace their stories, hold onto hope, and discover that even in the midst of pain, they are never alone.

When she is not writing, Natasha enjoys creating spoken word content, encouraging others through social media and her blog, and sharing messages of faith and perseverance with readers around the world. She is the author of Words Are Art, Beautiful Disaster, Colorless Love, and My Heart Is Home, and other works that inspire readers to find hope, healing, and purpose in every season of life.

More from Natasha

The My Heart Is Home series was written during a season of deep loss, hurt, uncertainty, confusion, and anger. Broken. Wounded. Heart bleeding. End of story, right?

Grief and loss equals the end, right?

No.

God used grief to birth something Natasha never could have imagined.

It was summed up beautifully by Amanda Lentz, the podcast host of Who We Become — Life Beyond Change! During Natasha’s interview with Amanda, she said something Natasha found so profound…

She said, “Grief is not the end of the story… it’s often somehow inexplicably, the beginning of a deeper one.”

As Natasha reflected on this quote weeks later, she realized grief was not the end. It was the beginning.

The My Heart Is Home series was birthed.

Even now, grief seemed like it was the whole story, but it is still unraveling. God has used the miscarriage Natasha went through and turned it into something she never would have imagined… something to help others feel seen, loved, understood, and, most of all, to help them see hope.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, September 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, September 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Guild Master, September 19 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 20

Fiction Book Lover, September 21 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, September 22 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, September 23

Vicky Sluiter, September 24 (Author Interview)

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

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 27

Blossoms and Blessings, September 28 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, September 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 29

Books, Books, & More Books, September 30 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/B0X3T/my-heart-is-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, September 28, 2026

The Marquess’s Masked Archer by Abbey Downey

About the Book

Book: The Marquess’s Masked Archer

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2026

A hidden identity. A relentless marquess. And a summer where love could expose everything.

When Cleveland society parades debutante Sylvie Bryce before another string of unsuitable suitors, she secretly claims the one thing no one can arrange for her—a life of her own. Hidden beneath a green velvet hood and emerald mask, she becomes the mysterious Lady Robin, a daring trick-shot archer who captivates the crowds at Cedar Point resort. It’s the one place where Sylvie answers to no one. The last thing she needs is a charming English marquess threatening to unravel everything she has worked so hard to build.

Miles Wentworth didn’t come to Ohio looking for love. He came to study insects, escape the shadow of a devastating scandal, and prove that a man can build a life on his own terms. But a chance encounter with a boldly independent woman—first in a glittering ballroom, and then behind the mask of a legendary archer—upends every carefully laid plan. Determined to protect her, even from himself, Miles steps into a dangerous game of secrets and deception—one that draws them closer with every anonymous letter and stolen moment…even as the truth has the power to ruin them both.

A richly atmospheric Gilded Age romance brimming with wit, hidden identities, and the tender courage it takes to love without pretense—a tale of a sharp-shooting socialite, a science-minded lord, and the summer of secrets that will change them both forever. Perfect for fans of Jen Turano and Roseanna M. White.

Click here to get your copy!

"The Marquess’s Masked Archer " by Abbey Downey had me wanting to keep turning the pages from the first few pages because I had to find out what Sylvie Bryce secrets was. The secret was revealed pretty quick to readers but then I had to keep reading to see if and how long she could keep her secret! And I wanted to know what Miles's secret was. So, this book is about secrets. This book also tells us we need to trust God and believe that He knows what is best for us! This is a story where we can meet a female Robin Hood. I recommend this book to all readers who likes clean romance novels that faith (maybe not so much at the beginning) is part of the storyline.

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

About the Author

Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her middle schoolers in all their activities and fixing up a 125-yar-old farmhouse with her husband.

More from Abbey

“Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be impressed and entertained by the marvelous skill of Lady Robin, our own famed archer. Reminiscent of Robin Hood of old, she performs feats with a bow that are only dreamed of by most masters. Now, please, sit back and enjoy the show.” – The Marquess’s Masked Archer

Why do fictional characters hide? They might keep their entire identity hidden under a costume, their face covered with a mask, or just parts of who they are kept behind a confident act, but secrets are often an element of the conflict in books we love. And it’s for the same kinds of reasons all of us have tried to hide aspects of ourselves at one time or another. Fear. Shame. Protection. Freedom. Survival.

Characters in fiction reflect the truth of our human existence. Most of us probably aren’t dressing up as a female Robin Hood to perform archery trick shots or writing secret admirer letters to win a love interest, like my characters do in The Marquess’s Masked Archer. But the reasons Sylvie and Miles choose secrecy are all too relatable.

Sylvie’s goal in hiding behind a green hood is to give herself a taste of freedom. Her high society world is prescribed and controlled. There are very few opportunities for her to make choices in life. And while she longs to have more freedom, she also worries that if she were to get the independence she so desires, she would fail miserably and be forced to return to her parents in shame. Isn’t it relatable to want something desperately but at the same time be terrified that we can’t actually handle getting it?

In a different way, Miles hides behind a new life for protection. After false accusations in his youth left him disgraced in England, he wrestles with his purpose. His passion for medical entomology has given him hope for a normal life, but he also feels the constant weight of expectations due to his noble title. He’s certain people only see what they want to when they look at him, so he hides away doing his research, hoping no one will look at all. How truly human is that? We hide so much of ourselves out of worry that people won’t understand or will immediately jump to conclusions about who we are based on one glimpse.

But God didn’t create us for secrecy. The tension of hiding makes it difficult for Sylvie and Miles to fall in love, in spite of their interest in each other from the beginning. Every step forward brings new worry that they’ll be found out and their plans will be destroyed. Each romantic moment comes with the discomfort of knowing they aren’t being completely genuine with each other. Even Sylvie and Miles’s first kiss is shrouded in questions about whether the other knows that they meant it.

In the end, Sylvie and Miles’s story is also about what happens when they’re forced to take off the masks. It takes trust in each other and in God for them to finally get to the moment of happily ever after that we all love so much. Just like in fiction, when we trust God with those secret parts of ourselves, we can start to see how living in truth offers more freedom than hiding.

Do you enjoy a hidden identity or secret admirer trope? What’s your favorite book that includes one of those?