Saturday, April 25, 2026

Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book Two) by Chawna Schroeder

About the Book

Book: Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book Two)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.

Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.

Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.

As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

More from Chawna

Cracking the Cover Code

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.

We’ve all done it.

We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.

Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.

The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.

This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.

Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.

So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.

The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.

Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.

So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 21

For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Spotlight)

Book Looks by Lisa, April 22

The Bookish Ledger, April 23 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 27 (Spotlight)

Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, April 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Spotlight)

Vicky Sluiter, May 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and 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/zK7oW/perplexity-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, April 23, 2026

The Bounty Hunter and the Bride by Vickie McDonough

About the Book

Book: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 14, 2026

She’s wary of trusting her heart again. He’s haunted by his wife’s tragic death. As danger threatens to tear them apart, they must choose between fear and the chance for lasting love.

Pregnant and alone, Katie Hoffman struggles to save the family farm after her husband’s death. She nearly marries a charming stranger with dark intentions, but she’s saved by bounty hunter Dusty McIntyre. Though grateful, she blames him for the loss of her home and her brush with disaster. But as she witnesses his gentle way with her son and his determination to protect her, Katie finds her defenses crumbling.

Dusty McIntyre has spent two years tracking the outlaw who killed his wife, letting vengeance consume him. When his pursuit leads him to Katie, he never expects to feel such a powerful connection to the stubborn widow and her sweet baby boy. Yet his guilt over the past and anger toward God stand between them and any chance at happiness.

As an escaped criminal threatens their newfound peace and forces them to confront their fears, Katie and Dusty must decide if love is worth risking their wounded hearts—and if faith can light the way to a future together.

Click here to get your copy!

This was another great book in this series! This story features Katie from an earlier book and now she is all grown up and gets another chance at love as well as Dusty. This book is filled with faith and sharing of the Gospel and several kidnappings. It kept me turning the pages. I recommend this series and it is best to read them in order. This book is a lot about forgiveness.

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.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter 1

Spring 1903, Sanders Creek, Oklahoma

“You ought’a be right proud of yourself.”

City Marshal Dusty McIntyre’s chest swelled at Deputy Tom Barker’s comment, then he heaved a sigh of relief, knowing the crafty swindler he’d been after for months was finally behind bars. He eyed the solemn prisoner in the cell. “I have to admit, there were days I wondered if we’d ever catch this weasel. Feels good to have him locked up.”

Ed Sloane’s eyes narrowed as he peered through the bars. “Just ’cause you got me locked up today, marshal, doesn’t mean you will tomorrow.” One cheek kicked upward in a cocky sneer.

Dusty wanted to smack that belligerent look off Sloane’s face, but he wouldn’t. As a law officer, he was bound by a different code than the man in his jail, and as a Christian, he was called by God to walk a straight path and control his temper. He looked at Sloane and recognized him for what he was—a lost man. A man on the road to hell if he didn’t change his ways real fast.

Sloane stuck his hands between two bars. “Think you could take these cuffs off now that you got me safe in your jail?”

Dusty didn’t miss the sarcasm that laced his prisoner’s voice. The man still didn’t seem to realize he’d been caught. Much as he’d like to leave Sloane handcuffed, he crossed the room, his boots echoing on the wood floor. He pulled a warm metal key from his shirt pocket, but stopped and glanced at Tom. “If he tries anything, shoot him.”

Tom pressed his lips together and nodded as he pulled his pistol from his holster and pointed it Sloan’s direction. “Be happy to.”

Dusty approached the cell with caution. Ed Sloane was slipperier than a greased hog at the county fair. A chill crept up Dusty’s spine when an evil glint flashed in the man’s pale blue eyes. What could bring a man to be so depraved that he would prey on the elderly and widows, stealing them blind, and leaving them penniless and heartbroken?

With a few rattles and clicks, the handcuffs were off, and Dusty moved back. Sloane chuckled a guttural laugh that sounded like a snarling, wounded animal. Shaking his head, Dusty crossed the room to his desk and tossed down the key. Tom picked it up, stuck it in the desk drawer, and then holstered his weapon.

“Don’t you reckon you ought’a head home to supper and tell that fine wife of yours all about your exceptional day?” Tom grinned, and his thick moustache twitched. “If she’s fixin’ that rhubarb pie of hers, you might save me a slice—if you’ve a mind to. Mmm mmm, it’s mighty fine.”

“I may do just that.” Dusty smiled at his deputy. Tom had been his best friend since school days, and it seemed natural to hire him as his assistant when Dusty’s father retired as City Marshal and Dusty took over. Most of the time he worked days and Tom evenings, but lately they’d both been pulling twenty-four hour shifts as their search for Sloane narrowed. They’d gone from house to house, ranch to ranch, searching for Sloane and his gang. His trail resembled that of a cyclone’s, leaving in its wake a debris path of desperation and destruction. Now that he’d captured Sloane, it shouldn’t be too hard to get the rest of his gang.

Dusty’s belly grumbled, and he yawned. All he wanted was to eat one of Emily’s fine meals, give her some lovin’, then hit the hay and sleep a full day and night.

Except for Sloane and the havoc he and his gang had caused lately, this past year had been the best Dusty could remember. First, he’d given his heart to God, then five months ago, he’d fallen in love and married the new banker’s daughter.

He longed to run fingers through Emily’s thick auburn hair. Soft as a horse’s muzzle, but as sweet smelling as the rose bushes in front of their porch. He imagined her pine green eyes twinkling with merriment as she played one of her little pranks on him. An only child, Dusty couldn’t wait until they had a houseful of children. Emily would be a wonderful mother, and he could only hope he’d be a decent father. God would help him in that area.

Ah, yes, life was good.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Texas Book-aholic, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 25

Lyssa Loves Books, April 26

Stories By Gina, April 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 27

lakesidelivingsite, April 28

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Donna)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 30

Artistic Nobody, May 1 (Author Interview)

A Simple Texas Girl, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Pause for Tales, May 3

Jodie Wolfe, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Guild Master, May 6 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vicki 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/iBJYy/the-bounty-hunter-and-the-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Hannah’s Quest by Jodie Wolfe

About the Book

Book: Hannah’s Quest

Author: Jodie Wolfe

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 13, 2025

Hannah Moore escapes the overbearing grip of her relatives and forges her own way in Shippensburg, PA, far away from their clutches. Despite Hannah’s sheer determination, she finds life on her own daunting as she loses job after job. Unsure where she fits in, Hannah wonders if she’ll ever be good enough. She feels as if God has forsaken her and questions if she will ever find a place to belong. The last thing she needs is an ignorant shop keeper constantly questioning her abilities and standing in her way. Hannah will take almost any position available so as not to return to the place of her upbringing.

Luke Weiser has one goal in mind—finding a way to save his grandmother and restore her health. Only trouble is, she has other ideas about what is best for her. Gran longs to see Luke’s return to faith in the Lord, but he blames God for his grandmother’s sickness and the tragic events of his childhood. After the death of his mother, followed by his father’s abandonment, Luke refuses to trust his heart to anyone, and certainly not a wife. When Hannah keeps popping up in the hardware shop where he works, Luke is forced to think twice about his convictions.

Can two bruised hearts follow their personal quests and discover healing in the process?

Click here to get your copy!

I am going to start this review by saying if I had started reading this book just a couple of years ago, I don't think I could have finished it. now, let me say it isn't because the book wasn't good because I loved it. "Hannah’s Quest" by Jodie Wolfe was really an inspiration book for me. This is the second book in the series but could be read as a standalone. I am choosing this book to be my favorite book this year so far. My heart actually ached for Hannah as soon as I started reading the book and the more, I read my heart ached for Luke. By the end of the book, I was crying! This book has messages on forgiveness and trust in God and shares the Gospel message without being preachy. It clearly shows the reader that God loves us. The abuse that Hannah suffered as a child, (only one example is talked about) must have been extreme. The reason I said I couldn't have finished reading this book a few years ago is based on "real life incidents in my own life (death, fire, cancer, a loving grandmother, struggling to believe I was loved and worth anything.) I urge everyone to read this book.

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

About the Author

JODIE WOLFE loves writing historical fiction after years as a homeschooling mom. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. Jodie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. Jodie enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking.

More from Jodie

It’s been such a joy to set a series in the town where I graduated from college almost 40 years ago. I’m so thankful my husband suggested it, as it’s been a lot of fun digging into the history of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area during the 19th century. Before this series, all my other books had settings in the Mid-west—Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.

When I started writing the first book, Abigail’s Pursuit, quite a number of years ago, I never intended to create a series about prodigals, let alone experience the pain of it in my life… but God knew what the future held. While each of the books in this Time to Come Home Series revolves around the common theme of a prodigal, each of the tales is a stand-alone. My prayer is for those who have children who have wandered away, or perhaps were once prodigals themselves, or even others who enjoy Christian historical romance with strong spiritual themes—that each of these groups find encouragement through reading this series.

Hannah’s Quest was exciting to write as I incorporated information about one of the oldest continually run hardware stores in PA that is still operating to this day, even though it’s changed names various times through the years. I hope you’ll enjoy stepping back in time to a small town in south-central PA where faith and family are celebrated.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, April 18

Stories By Gina, April 19 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 20 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 22

Guild Master, April 23 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, April 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

For the Love of Literature, April 27 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 28

Blossoms and Blessings, April 29 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 30

The Bookish Ledger, May 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle!!

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

https://gleam.io/NokHu/hannahs-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

The Last Disciple: Sharing the Gospel (The Last Disciple Book 5) by Kurt Brouwer

About the Book

Book: The Last Disciple: Sharing the Gospel (The Last Disciple Book 5)

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: December 19, 2025

Discover the Untold Story of Sharing the Gospel Message

John, the last disciple of Christ, holds the completed Gospel of John in his hand. But when an earthquake strikes, he and his two scribes, Emmaus and Avram, must fight fire and destruction to preserve the precious scroll.

The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating new Christian historical novel from Kurt Brouwer.

Stand With John the Last Disciple of Christ

John had followed Jesus for three years. He saw the Son of God sacrifice his life on the Cross; he entered the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the grave; and he watched his Lord and Savior ascend to heaven from the Mount of Olives.

Now his mission is to share his eyewitness account of Jesus with believers throughout the Roman Empire. In the face of grave difficulties, God provides help from two surprising sources. Tiberius Celsus, a Roman officer and unlikely ally, brings a copy of the Gospel of John all the way from Ephesus to the believers in Antioch. And the Apostle Timothy helps John fulfill his divine mission of sharing the story of Christ with believers in Ephesus.

Temptation And Betrayal Plague Believers

John also faces human fear and frailty among believers. Archelaus, a wine merchant, resists temptation and returns to the faith. Diotrephes, a former church leader, betrays both his faith and his fellow believers.

If you’re struggling with doubt, searching for meaning, or are hungry to deepen your faith, The Last Disciple: Sharing the Gospel is the Christian novel you’ve been waiting for—biblically accurate fiction that strengthens and informs your faith.

Have you ever wondered what it truly cost to preserve, protect, and share Scripture? Do you long to experience the unwavering devotion of the early Christians? The Last Disciple: Sharing the Gospel will help you transform and renew your spiritual journey.

Don’t miss this fascinating tale of believers uniting to share the gospel message of salvation and the hope and promise of eternal life.

Click here to get your copy!

"The Last Disciple: Sharing the Gospel" by Kurt Brouwer is the fifth book in this series and I have really liked reading them all. These books are written so well that a reader can image that they are right there watching the scenes unfold as they are reading them. This book is about John and his helper's travels and struggles as they copy his scrolls and delivers them to the Christians in Antioch and Ephesians. Whether you are just learning who John was or have studied him for years, I believed you would enjoy this series. And if you haven't read the other books, I think you could read this one and enjoy it but as for me I am glad I read them in order and I say I think you should do yourself a favor and read them too.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own

About the Author

Kurt just released The Last Disciple: Sharing the Gospel on Amazon in both ebook and paperback versions. Amazon tagged it as the #1 New Release in Christian Classics & Allegories. This is the fifth book in the epic saga of the Apostle John, the last disciple of Christ.

By way of background, Kurt retired a few years back as the chairman and co-founder of an investment management / financial advisory firm in California. He spent 36 years in that industry, the last 27 in the firm he founded. Over that time, he also wrote two investment books and articles in publications ranging from Forbes to the San Francisco Chronicle to Pension World. But now that’s ancient history. Kurt lives a quiet life with his wife so he should be hanging out at the beach, playing golf, and taking it easy, right?

Well, he does all that from time to time, but what gets him fired up these days is writing The Last Disciple Series of Christian historical novels as well as penning periodic blog posts on his web site.