Thursday, September 3, 2026

Drandar and the Quest for Redemption (Book 2) by Terrie Hellard-Brown

About the Book

Book: Drandar and the Quest for Redemption (Book 2)

Author: Terrie Hellard-Brown

Genre: Middle School Fantasy Chapter Book

Release Date: June 15, 2026

What do you do with an enemy who tried to destroy you?

Drandar didn’t expect to find the answer in a dungeon.

Seaton the knight betrayed the king, hunted Drandar, and lost. Now he’s locked up and miserable — and somehow, Drandar can’t stop thinking about him. When Drandar was ready to give up, Seraphina and the fairy believed in him anyway. Maybe Seaton needs the same thing.

The king has a different idea. He’s sending both of them on a quest to find the kingdom’s greatest treasure. Together. Whether they like it or not.

The problem? Drandar isn’t sure he trusts Seaton. And the quest is harder than either of them expected.

Drandar and the Quest for Redemption is a story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and discovering that the greatest treasure isn’t always what you went looking for.

Click here to get your copy!

This second book (a sequel to Drandar the Dragon Knight) in my opinion was much better than the first. As a rule, I don't like fantasy, but I did enjoy this book even if it is for middle school students and not 66 old grandmas lol. Drandar and Seaton are enemies and the king sends them on a quest to find the greatest treasure! Will they find it and what is it, it might not be something you expect! A great book to read and then how a discussion on why the greatest treasure is what they find! I recommend reading the 2 books in order. I really like the song that Drandar learns in this book, "Don't worry about anything, but ask God for everything Your needs he will meet every day Instead of fear, have gratitude Make faith your attitude Chase all those wary warts then you can have a brighter day " As you can see this song is for adults as well, if we have a case of worry warts.

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

About the Author

Terrie Hellard-Brown is an award-winning author, speaker, and missionary with over thirty years of experience as a teacher and homeschool mom. That time at the classroom and kitchen table convinced her of something she writes into every story: every child’s journey matters, and no one is too far gone for redemption.

Terrie works with families — especially mixed-needs families (those raising both neurodivergent and neurotypical children) — to disciple their kids and build a peace-filled home culture. She hosts two podcasts focused on equipping parents to raise the next generation to follow Christ with their whole hearts.

She holds a BA in sociology and psychology, an MA in education, and is currently pursuing her DMin.

More from Terrie

Forgiveness, redemption, purpose, trust, truth – these are so important for children to grasp early. Those are the motivation and foundation behind the Drandar the Dragon series.

Drandar and the Quest for Redemption is the second book in the Drandar the Dragon series of chapter books. It picks up where book one ended, but it also can stand alone on its own as long as readers begin with the understanding that Drandar is a knight in a Medieval, fantasy kingdom.

I began writing these stories for my daughter who is autistic because I saw such potential in her and God’s blessing in her life, yet I watched her struggle with doubt and fear. (She is also the illustrator for the series which is exciting for both of us).

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, September 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Texas Book-aholic, September 4

Vicky Sluiter, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 6

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, September 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 8

Fiction Book Lover, September 9 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 10

The Bookish Ledger, September 11 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Pilgrim, September 11

Artistic Nobody, September 12

Guild Master, September 13

Books, Books, & More Books, September 14 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 15

Blogging With Carol, September 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terrie 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/hFZiv/drandar-and-the-quest-for-redemption-celebration-tour

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Thawing the Frontiersman’s Heart by Andrea Byrd

About the Book

Book: Thawing the Frontiersman’s Heart

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 25, 2026

A missing father. A deadly storm. And a stranger who may be more dangerous than the wilderness.

Kentucky Territory, 1785
Roisin Duncan has spent her life guarding secrets—her father’s failing mind, her own quiet eccentricities, and the fear that one misstep could see them both locked away like the aunt she lost. But when her father disappears into the wilderness caves he loves, Roisin has no choice but to venture beyond the safety of her carefully controlled world. Caught in a brutal snowstorm, she finds refuge at the cabin of Jared McFadin—a man as scarred on the outside as he is within.

Haunted by war, Jared has built a life of isolation on the edge of his family’s land, convinced he is more danger than protector. But when a desperate young woman arrives at his door, he cannot turn her away.

As they search the treacherous caverns and race against time to find Roisin’s father, the greater danger may not be the wilderness, but the fears that have kept them both imprisoned. To survive, Roisin and Jared must risk what they’ve guarded most—their trust, their hearts, and the fragile hope that love might be stronger than their weaknesses.

Perfect for fans of Lori Wick and Janette Oke.

Click here to get your copy!

"Thawing the Frontiersman’s Heart by Andrea Byrd is the second in the series. This story is a story about accepting ourselves as we are. I kept turning the pages because I have to find out if the missing father is found. The ending has a surprise turn I didn't see coming! This can be read as a standalone!

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

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them.

More from Andrea

Prior to becoming officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) went by many names including Combat Fatigue, Shell Shock, and Soldier’s Heart. However, none of these categorizations even came about until the Civil War.

When considering the horrors faced by the soldiers that fought for our freedom 250 years ago, though, there is no doubt that it would have had a lasting effect on the mental health of a great number of men. And yet, during the Revolutionary War, the only term used for any kind of anxiety or sleeplessness amongst soldiers was simply Nostalgia.

But we all know that PTSD is extensively complicated, rather than simple homesickness. Not only can it bring flashbacks and nightmares, but it can cause hypervigilance, insomnia, and considerably more. It affects a person’s thoughts, behavior, mood, and overall quality of life.

In this Wilderness Romance series, and particularly in Thawing the Frontiersman’s Heart, I strove to give readers a small glimpse of what this might have looked like for the Revolutionary War soldiers to which we owe so much.

I pray that it serves to bring awareness to the struggles that many men during the time likely faced in darkness, without recognition or support. And I hope that you enjoy both Jared and Roisin’s stories as they each strive to find freedom from the confines of their own minds.

Happy Reading!

Andrea Byrd

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, September 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 2

Texas Book-aholic, September 3

For Him and My Family, September 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 5

Devoted To Hope, September 6

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 7

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

Books, Books, & More Books, September 9 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, September 9

Blossoms and Blessings, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Pause for Tales, September 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 13

Lyssa Loves Books, September 14

Cover Lover Book Review, September 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea 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/VzZoo/thawing-the-frontiersmans-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, August 29, 2026

A Contrary Betrothal by Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

About the Book

Book: A Contrary Betrothal

Author: Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 18, 2026

A Cherokee lieutenant, a colonel’s daughter, and a desperate fight to protect both land and love.

Sam Hicks may be the educated son of a Cherokee chief, but his command of multiple languages and diplomatic skills can’t erase the prejudice he faces as a mixed-blood warrior. When he’s tasked with guarding Colonel Moore’s spirited daughter, Susanna, at a wilderness fort, he never expects to lose his heart to a woman he can never have.

Susanna Moore dreams of making her own way on the frontier like her Cherokee stepmother. The last thing she wants is an arranged marriage to the fort’s stuffy doctor—especially after she meets the noble and intelligent Sam Hicks. When she’s captured by a turncoat warrior during a Creek uprising, Sam risks everything to save her.

Their shared values and growing love give them hope—but with the Creek War raging and cultural pressures mounting, can a Cherokee lieutenant and a colonel’s daughter overcome the loyalties and prejudices set against them?

Click here to get your copy!

I didn't like this book as much as I did the others in the series, but it still was an interesting read. I really like the two main characters trusted in God as they faced the challenge of prejudice and different customs. This is a story about the war between the Red Stick Indians and the American and Cherokee nations. To be truthful I don't remember ever hearing about the Red Stick Indians but then I am 66 and may have forgotten. But this book is fiction based on actual events in history. I like that facts are told without a lot of gory details. If you haven't read any of the series this is the last book in this series and I encourage you to read them all. I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

The seed idea for A Contrary Betrothal came from another author a number of years ago. She proposed a collection of stories in which the heroes were all Native Americans who served their country in different wars. I still love the idea even though it never came to pass! In fact, I loved it so much, I went ahead and wrote my story. And that story became Bent Tree Bride, first published with Smitten Romance. Now, it’s joining my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series as book six.

Many people are unaware that the Cherokees fought alongside American troops under Andrew Jackson during the Creek War or Red Stick War, a portion of the War of 1812 that occurred in present-day Alabama. The Creek people were allied to the British, as the Cherokees themselves had been during the American Revolution. The motivation for this was, of course, to keep their land. Their warriors were so valuable to Jackson that they broke the ineffective cannonade on the town of Tohopeka, swimming across the river from behind and making the victory possible that ended the war at Horseshoe Bend.

Sam Hicks, the hero of A Contrary Betrothal, is a mixed-blood Cherokee lieutenant with the head of a scholar and the heart of a warrior. His struggle to intermingle the old ways and the new ways proves reflective of the metamorphosis of his people. Even though he’s been educated as the wealthy son of a chief, he knows his white colonel’s daughter, Susanna Moore, is out of his reach. But when he’s assigned to guard her and her little brother at a wilderness fort, he can no longer deny his attraction to the feisty young woman who’s determined to convince her father she can survive on the frontier as well as her Cherokee stepmother.

A Contrary Betrothal will resonate with readers who enjoy stories by authors like Laura Frantz, Shannon McNear, Michelle Griep, and Lori Benton. The forbidden love and fish out of water tropes create plenty of angst, and the battlefield scenes echo Last of the Mohicans. When people have asked me which of my books would translate well onto the big screen, in fact, this is one I think of. I invite you, dear reader, to be swept away by the action and romance of my final book of the Scouts of the Georgia Frontier.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 25

lakesidelivingsite, August 26

Books, Books, & More Books, August 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 27

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30

Cover Lover Book Review, August 31

Jeanette’s Thoughts , September 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 2

Connie’s History Classroom, September 3

Simple Harvest Reads, September 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

Blossoms and Blessings, September 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 6

Holly’s Book Corner, September 7

Pause for Tales, September 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise 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/7zfBE/a-contrary-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, August 27, 2026

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax by Terrie Todd

About the Book

Book: The Reluctant Healer of Halifax

Author: Terrie Todd

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: August, 2026

Her Family, Her Home, Her Future—All Leveled in One Thunderous Explosion

When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Three days ago, Pearline Campbell’s family was whole, and Oliver Hamilton still loved her. But upon returning to Halifax disfigured and shellshocked, Oliver ended their relationship. Then came Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the Halifax harbor was leveled by a tremendous explosion. . .and Pearline fears nothing will ever be whole again. Her parents are dead, her brother is missing, and her sister refuses to speak. Pearline must fortify herself to open her home to needy orphans, including an unidentified baby. Where can she find the strength for each new day as misery grips the city?

Click here to get your copy!

Just like the other 5 books in this series I enjoyed "The Reluctant Healer of Halifax" by Terrie Todd. This was a great book but it was a sad read as well. This book has sorrow and faith and had this reader heart feeling sad. But such a satisfying ending. I had never heard of this tragic explosion but this book is based on the real history of the 1917 Halifax tragic. I think this is my first read by this author but I can promise it won't be my last because I was kept turning the pages until the last page. I really liked every character in this novel. I really recommend this book and every book in this series.

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

About the Author

Terrie Todd is a Canadian author of nine historical and split-time novels and one nonfiction book. Her work has earned numerous Word Awards from The Word Guild, the 2018 Janette Oke Award from Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship, and the 2022 Braun Book Award. She is also a Carol Award Finalist. From 2010-2024, she wrote a weekly “Faith and Humor” column for her hometown newspaper, and since 2021, a monthly column for the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog. Terrie lives with her husband, Jon, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, where they raised their three children. They are grandparents to five boys.

More from Terrie

It wasn’t until I was interviewing a friend for a newspaper column that the Halifax Explosion of 1917 began to interest me. My friend, Gene, had gone blind from macular degeneration, and I wanted to write a series of columns about what it was like for him to lose his sight and now live with blindness. One of the books Gene mentioned as having inspired him was the true story of Eric Davidson. At the time of the explosion, Eric was a toddler, playing with his toy car on a windowsill in his Halifax home. The glass exploded, permanently blinding Eric. The north end of Halifax was destroyed, and roughly two thousand residents died. Nine thousand more were wounded, including hundreds blinded or partially blinded by flying glass. The mass blinding helped birth the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Eric’s daughter, Marilyn Davidson Elliott, wrote the book The Blind Mechanic about her father.

I found Eric’s story fascinating. When given the opportunity to try for a spot in Barbour’s series of books about historical disasters, I decided to write one about the Halifax explosion. The more I researched, the more I wondered why we didn’t learn about this in school, and the harder it was to imagine the devastation that the city and its people survived. This was during a world war and only five years after being highly involved in the recovery of the Titanic’s victims and survivors, a disaster that helped prepare them for this one. Story after story, many revealing the incredible determination of the stalwart people of Nova Scotia and the Bostonians who came to their aid, moved me to tears. It was difficult to choose which experiences to borrow for my characters. I was thrilled to visit Halifax in 2025, a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Naturally, the book includes some blind and partially blind characters. I so appreciate the input from my two blind beta readers, Alexandra Banwell and Leanne Merren. One of my favorite things to do with each book I launch is to choose a charity to which I give a portion of the proceeds from my local book launch. For this book, I’ve chosen the CNIB’s Guide Dog program.

Although my book never became a part of that series, Barbour decided it would be a good fit for their “Enduring Hope” series. The rest is, literally, history. I’m thrilled to be part of this series and have enjoyed the first five immensely. I hope you read them all!