Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Fatal Past by Sarah Hamaker

About the Book

Book: Fatal Past

Author: Sarah Hamaker

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Dr. Eve Davenport has forged a life for herself far from the pain of her past. But when she foils the kidnapping attempt of Ethan Smith, she comes face-to-face with the boy’s father, Jefferson Smith—the high school sweetheart who broke her heart and left her with secrets she’s buried for nearly a decade. Jefferson can’t believe the woman who saved Ethan, his late twin brother’s son, is Eve—the girl he once loved and lost. But as the danger mounts, Jefferson and Eve must confront their tangled history and uncover who is behind the attacks targeting Ethan and Eve.

Click here to get you copy!

About the Author

Multi-award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense, Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” She and her husband are therapeutic foster parents with UMFS. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and two cats.

More from Sarah

Life has a funny way of mirroring fiction at times, and that happened to me with Fatal Past—but not when I was writing it! I wanted my hero’s (and heroine’s) son to be school-age but not too old, so I picked second grade, which put him at age 7. This is such a fun age, as they are independent and inquisitive, and you start to really see their personalities develop.

Little did I know when I wrote this last fall that I would be teaching twenty-three second graders as a long-term substitute this current school year! I began in mid-September and will continue through early March while their regular teacher is out on maternity leave. It’s been challenging but rewarding as they expand their knowledge and build on their kindergarten and first-grade foundations.

Your turn—how has something you read resonated with you lately? Has a storyline mirrored something happening in your own life?

Sarah

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 31

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 1

Books Less Travelled, February 2

Stories By Gina, February 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 6 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Artistic Nobody, February 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Bizwings Blog, February 11

Fiction Book Lover, February 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

Giveaway

Fatal Past Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, an ebook copy of Fatal Past, a paperback copy of Truth, the limited collection of four short novels that includes Fatal Past, signed by all four authors, and Fatal Past-themed socks!!

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

https://gleam.io/k1w6L/fatal-past-celebration-tour-giveaway

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Click here to get you copy!

About the Author

More from Sarah

Your turn—how has something you read resonated with you lately? Has a storyline mirrored something happening in your own life?

Sarah

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 31

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 1

Books Less Travelled, February 2

Stories By Gina, February 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 6 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Artistic Nobody, February 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Bizwings Blog, February 11

Fiction Book Lover, February 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

Giveaway

Fatal Past Celebration Tour Giveaway

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

https://gleam.io/k1w6L/fatal-past-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, February 1, 2026

The Making of a Brave Hearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife by Dawn Damon

About the Book

Book: The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife

Author: Dawn Damon

Genre: Non-Fiction

Release Date: November 8, 2023

This time, it’s YOUR time.
Boldly voice a resounding YES to YOU. Embark on a midlife path that leads to a life brimming with BRAVE CONFIDENCE and a BOLD Vision.
In this ultimate guide to living midlife full-out you’ll find the courage to step out of the shadows of self-doubt and insecurity, and seize the unfolding opportunities before you.
So, with determination in your heart, shed your faintheart, and step into the brilliance that awaits. Say YES to your dreams, your growth, and your exceptional potential. Now is your time BraveHeart. The transformational quest to a future filled with fulfillment beyond measure has begun

Click here to get your copy!

" The Making of a Brave Hearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife" by Dawn Damon is really a guide to becoming a Brave Hearted Woman as we grow older. The book tells us to be brave we have to be more attentive to the words we use and also to what we tell ourselves about us and we are to honestly look at ourselves and allow God to show us the next step. We are to be who God created us to be and not to let age or past failures, disapproval and rejection and insecurity hold us back. This is another good book to reread multiple times. I suggest you have a notebook with you while reading this book to take notes as she asks many questions and have quoted many sources throughout the book. The book is only a short 185 pages but is so filled with so much information. I think every woman would benefit from reading this book.

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

About the Author

For over 25 years, Dawn Damon has inspired audiences as a speaker, author, podcaster, and teacher. Her greatest joy is equipping others to reach their goals and God-given purpose—whether in their personal lives or the platform of public ministry. With contagious passion and wisdom, Dawn says, “The purpose of my life is to help others fulfill the purpose of their life!”

Dawn is founder / CEO of The BraveHearted Woman, and BraveHearted YOUniveristy, a growth and development coaching enterprise for women, awakening their God-given vision and equipping them to live an extraordinary life.

Dawn is a Conference Speaker, Podcaster, and Author, 6 award-winning books including “When a Woman You Love Was Abused, by Kregel Publications and “The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, Redemption Press,” and most recent, Selah Award finalist, and CIPA 1st Place Award, “The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife.”

The Podcast and YouTube Channel, called “The BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Mindset Mastery,” echoes Dawn’s calling, offering solo episodes and meaningful interviews, coaching women to live as the vibrant “leading lady” of their life.

More from Dawn

One of my favorite movies as a kid was The Wizard of Oz. It aired on network TV once a year, and watching the movie with my two sisters, popcorn, blankets, (to hide my eyes during the scary flying monkeys scene) and staying up late, was a big deal.

One of my favorite parts is when the cowardly Lion makes his speech about Courage.

“What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage. What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage. What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage”.

Years later, I found myself in a place where like Cowardly Lion, I needed courage. I had to do some brave things in my life, but I was stuck in fear. I asked myself, “What would I do if the drag of fear wasn’t tethered to my soul; if scary stories and whispers of doom were replaced with curiosity and courage?

I would rise.

What would you do?

If fear was vanquished and lying voices silenced, would you catch the wind and rise to new challenges? Would you be curious enough to explore the new beginnings of an authentic life and brave enough to take important steps, even while afraid?

Sometimes we feel more like the cowardly lion. The dawn doesn’t come up like thunder, but, it does always come up! Can you do something today to move you toward living from your heart and not your fear? As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

If you’re being called to rise, if in areas of your life you need to become brave and step out of the comfort zone to reclaim the life you’re meant to live, I believe my book will help you take those courageous steps! It’s time to Rise.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 4 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

For the Love of Literature, February 6 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting , February 7

Cover Lover Book Review, February 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 9 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 10

Giveaway

The Making of a BraveHearted Woman Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dawn 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.

https://gleam.io/dSwy8/the-making-of-a-bravehearted-woman-celebration-tour-giveaway

More from Dawn

One of my favorite parts is when the cowardly Lion makes his speech about Courage.

“What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage. What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage. What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage”.

I would rise.

What would you do?

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 4 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

For the Love of Literature, February 6 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting , February 7

Cover Lover Book Review, February 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 9 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 10

Giveaway

The Making of a BraveHearted Woman Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dawn 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.

https://gleam.io/dSwy8/the-making-of-a-bravehearted-woman-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Of Dawn and Embers by Gillian Bronte Adams

About the Book

Book: Of Dawn and Embers (The Fireborn Epic Book Three)

Author: Gillian Bronte Adams

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Release Date: January 13, 2026

He rides a dawnling, a steed of light and glory, destined to restore.

Jakim Ha’Nor will save his people, or so says the prophecy that upended his life and drove his brothers to betray him. Now, he has returned as the dawnrider to fulfill his purpose and reconcile with his brothers—only to find himself embroiled in a war.

Captured in the fallout of a deadly attack, Rafi grapples with the ghosts of the past. His brother is alive but no longer himself, and Rafi will stop at nothing to save him. Farther up the coast, Ceridwen strives to reignite the embers of the rebellion to burn the empire down. When Rafi is sentenced to execution before the imperial court, Ceridwen must rally every spear and steed she can for a blistering strike at the heart of the capital.

But the empire’s schemes are already in motion, and Jakim’s two missions collide when an unexpected encounter with one of his brothers reveals the true threat behind the imperial thirst for ancient secrets. Hidden forces intend to unleash a cataclysmic power, spurring Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim to challenge the full, crushing might of the empire for the fate of the world.

Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own (and more coffee).

More from Gillian

This is, at its core, a book about hope. I discovered that fact partway through the writing process. Of Dawn and Embers is the cataclysmic finale to an epic fantasy trilogy where warriors bond with elemental warhorses and the action sequences strike with ever-increasing intensity from page one, and I was halfway through drafting it before I realized that beneath the searing visuals, the blistering pace, and the moments that set your heart thundering in your chest, this story sings with hope as a powerful undercurrent.

But you’re the author, you say. How could you not already know that?

Some authors go into each project with a specific theme in mind. They begin fully aware of the deeper meaning of the story they want to tell, and they intentionally structure the sequences of the unfolding plot and character arcs to match. I, on the other hand—while an avid worldbuilder who loves creating layered fantasy stories with multiple characters facing their own paths of growth—often wind up surprised by the overarching themes that also surface through those characters’ individual journeys.

Themes of identity and worth. Of finding the beauty in our broken stories. And, in this case, of hope.

Not the soft and feathery kind, fluttering in your chest. Or the brightly optimistic kind that lends itself to cheerful sayings. But the kind of hope that dares to kneel in the ashes, with blood on its teeth and knuckles, and trust that the sun will rise again. The kind of hope that endures and keeps on enduring. The kind of hope that is as stubborn and resilient as an ember’s deep and fiery glow, waiting to be rekindled with a touch of the morning breeze.

That’s the kind of hope that I find myself clinging to in my own life. Because we live in an age where discouragement can seem rampant, flung in our faces with each news cycle and with every moment spent scrolling on this or that screen.

Even once I uncovered that underlying theme, it wasn’t until I reached the end of the first draft and started working back through that I realized just how deeply it had already been woven into the story. It was there in each breathtaking moment of connection between characters, in the first touch of gold breaking through the cloud-wrack, in the hearty meals shared around a fireside, in the friends who refuse to leave one another to face the darkness alone, and in the loyalty that proves a greater defense than any shield or weapon.

It fairly came singing to me off every page, a reflection on hope at the heart of the book.

On the ache of hope. The seeming foolishness of hope. The defiance of hope. The way hope can feel like fresh air to oxygen-starved lungs, and the way it can cause your chest to ache with the fear of losing it again. The way it holds you up and keeps you standing long after you expected to be on your knees. And the way a lack of hope can leave you grasping for some sense of control, lashing out in desperation to find your own way forward after you put your hope in something that proved incapable of enduring.

In the prologue, one of the main characters, Jakim, compares holding onto hope in the midst of hardship as a candle flame that he has had to grip tightly to shield from the buffeting winds to keep it from going out. And “lately, it had felt like the only way to keep it alive was to grasp it so tightly it singed him.”

If you’ve ever faced the long and aching wait for a hope to be realized, you know what it feels like for hope to sting. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) talks about how “hope deferred makes the heart sick” but Hebrews 6:19 tells us where we can find that true and lasting hope that exists as “an anchor for our souls”: through the One who stepped into the darkest night in our place and took on our own hopeless state so that He could become our hope.

A hope that endures. That breathes life. That does not falter or fail. That doesn’t slip away. That isn’t in danger of burning out if we grip it too tightly.

A hope that holds onto us.

Later on, Jakim comes to the restorative realization that “Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after darkest night.”

Rising without any effort of his own. Rising beyond the pain of his circumstances. Rising steadfastly day by day.

And throughout the wild ups and downs of this book, through the aching chill of the dark nights and the resplendent glories of the new dawns, I hope that readers will walk away with that same assurance singing hope into their souls.