Cerulean Rose Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Cerulean Rose

Author: Demi Griffin

Genre: Romantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Release Date: January 20, 2026

Hidden in a tiny cottage away from the ordinary existence of Cerulean’s citizens, Aural lived a simple life with her father in Sabean Woods. When he is struck by a serious illness, that ordinary life suddenly became extraordinary.

In search of a physician, Aural breaks her promise never to leave the woods. When her path crosses with a Mystic, the manipulative Duchess, and the Prince of Cerulean, Aural realizes something beyond her simple quest to help her dying father has mapped out her journey.

An ancient legend about a brotherly rivalry that resulted in tragedy stirs up the Fates guarding Cerulean. If the Cerulean Rose doesn’t bloom again, the kingdom is destined to perish.

A wild path filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue shapes Aural’s heart in ways she could not have imagined as she gets sucked into the legend. Would it be enough to restore the foundation of true love that established the kingdom of Cerulean hundreds of years ago? Could a simple girl satisfy the Fates, capture a prince’s heart, overcome a king’s prejudice, and save Cerulean’s Rose?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Demi (also D.M. Griffin) Griffin is the author of several novels and has won multiple literary awards. Her novels in The Encounter Series won various Independent Author awards in the category of Religious Fiction.

She writes Christian Fantasy, Biblical, and Historical Fiction. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband of over thirty years. She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

 

More from D.M.

The inspiration behind The Fates Trilogy came after I spent a few years crafting an epic fantasy series called The Illumination Chronicles. I wanted to write something light-hearted and less involved. What began as a simple idea for a single story quickly escalated into a trilogy—all because of the final scene in the first book. Though it isn’t a cliffhanger, my author’s mind grabbed onto the possibilities, and the second book invaded my dreams at night. Then the third. The combination of romance and fantasy was too much fun to stop at writing one book.

The royalty element is what I enjoy most about the stories in this series. Exploring the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, and the unspoken bond of brotherhood, added depth to the otherwise light-hearted stories. In this trilogy, the Christian influence is less pronounced than in my other novels, but the overarching themes of unity and sacrifice reach their peak in the final book.

The characters in The Fates Trilogy struggle with issues that echo Christian values. Some of the issues include the sting of prejudice, the challenge of forgiveness, and the ache of feeling forsaken. Each book dives deeper into those ideas until they culminate in the epic climax in the last story.

However, my main goal in the first book was to ensure that the narrative centered on the theme of love. Fairy tales swirled in my mind during my childhood, weaving vibrant worlds in my imagination. Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales, so it comes as no surprise that those vibes worked their way into this story. Yet, putting my own spin on it, I added depth, intrigue, and instead of glass slippers… a blue rose.

While the vibes of that classic story have found their way into Cerulean Rose, it pulses with its own heartbeat. The faint imprint of a quest for true love feels familiar … but there is so… much…. more.

Author Interview

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I find my most productive writing happens in the quiet of the early morning, before the day’s demands start to fill my mind. Typically, when drafting a novel, my sleep is often interrupted by characters’ voices and unfolding plot points, compelling me to grab my phone to jot down notes before the inspiration fades. That way, upon waking, I am filled with an eagerness to write after spending time with a warm cup of tea and my Bible. After writing for three or four hours, I take a long walk to clear my head and spend the afternoon editing or marketing. Then, before I know it, the day is over and my mind is plotting the next day’s chapters.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I would like to be a plotter. (I think it would make my sleeping hours more enjoyable.) And, while I have attempted to plot out my books in their entirety, I find the characters or plot take me off that wonderful outline only a few chapters into it. So, in the decade I have been writing novels, I have become somewhat of a hybrid. I plot two to three chapters at a time, usually right before going to bed, then get up in the morning and see if my characters allow me to stay on track. One of the things I learned about this process was to let go of control and trust God with the story. He sometimes reveals things to me that I would not have included if I had stuck to a rigid plot outline. Honestly, that is my favorite thing about writing—growing closer to God.

Is there a particular literary period that you’re drawn to (Regency, Victorian, Romantic, Modernism, etc.)? Why?

As a reader, I am hopelessly drawn to the Regency era. Don’t ask me why! I suppose it is because of the romantic elements. But, as a writer, I doubt I would ever write anything in that era. I tend to gravitate toward medieval times or imaginative stories that take place in fantasy worlds when writing. My historical fiction novels span quite the distance from ancient times to the Victorian age (those novels are still a work in progress but coming soon, I hope).

Describe your book in five words.

Cerulean Rose in five words: Romantic. Intriguing. Suspenseful. Swoony. Gripping.

What is your favorite book?

It is impossible to pick a favorite book. I read a lot, and have many series I truly enjoyed. The first is Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion Series. I absolutely loved that series and read it multiple times. I also liked Lynn Austin’s Gods and Kings series. Gabrielle Meyer’s Ladies of the Wilderness series resonated so deeply with me that I had to read them twice. Ashton Dorow’s Royals of Acuniel series did not leave me with a dry eye. Finally, Carrie Cotten’s The Huntress series absolutely floored me with the way God perfectly timed each book to teach me a specific lesson. See why I can’t pick a favorite?

Do you prefer traditional books, ebook, or audiobooks?

While I love a paperback, I don’t have a house big enough for all the books I read. I switched to ebooks a few years ago. It has some benefits in that it allows me to keep track and is easier on the eyes. But someday… when I get my castle, I will definitely have a library. 😉

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 11

Lily’s Corner, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14

Guild Master, April 15 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 16

Fiction Book Lover, April 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

For the Love of Literature, April 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 22

Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Demi 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/s3FDM/cerulean-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

God Storys: Told By a Daughter of the Most High King Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: God Storys: Told By a Daughter of the Most High King

Author: Victorya Wright

Genre: Non-Fiction; Inspirational

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Do you have a personal mantra that guides you? Have you ever felt God’s presence so strongly that it seemed as if He was right beside you? Do you seek His wisdom when faced with tough decisions?

For me, my constant prayer is “Not in my own strength, Lord. Not in my own strength. Guide me. Direct me. Help me.” Since childhood I have experienced God’s undeniable presence, leading me in ways both profound and personal. There are moments when I turn, expecting to see someone beside me, only to realize it is His unseen nearness. When uncertainty arises, I seek clarity through prayer and my own version of the ancient Thummim and Urim – trusting Him to reveal the way forward. God Storys is a compilation of 30 true, standalone vignettes that testify to these Divine encounters – extraordinary moments that are not mere coincidences, but God-instances. May these stories inspire you, strengthen your faith, and open your eyes to His presence in your own life.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Born at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles during one of the city’s largest earthquakes, I took my first breath as the building swayed and the gurney rolled – my parents recount a dramatic beginning marked by both chaos and grace. Life since then has been rich with God’s goodness, meaningful relationships, and profound learning. It has also brought seasons of hardship, loss and shame – yet grace has always abounded. I am the mother of seven children, two of whom are already in heaven. My five God-fearing, compassionate, and well-educated adult children live in five U. S. states. My greatest joy is spending time with them and my 14 adorable grandchildren. I have spent most of my life working in healthcare and continue to serve part time in my orofacial myofunctional therapy private practice in San Diego County and beyond. I am passionate about proclaiming all that God has done.

More from Victorya

I have been asked, “What is the purpose of this book? I believe that the answer to that question lies in the fact that you are holding this book in your hands and reading these God storys. That is not a coincidence; it is another God incidence. I do not believe in coincidence. I believe that our lives and our world are beautifully orchestrated by a very personal, very relational Creator.

This book is not about me; it is not about spiritual one-upmanship. This book is all about Him … about having a relationship with Him. I am an ordinary person; I am an ordinary Christian. I am merely His scribe writing out of obedience. Even the cover and subtitle of this book reflect God storys. I photographed the sunset from my front door before this book was ever written. The song that I refer to “The Truth”, reflects our royal relationship with Him as our King. The lock on the cover is to be unlocked as you explore your own relationship with Him, the God Who breathed life into our nostrils.

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

I grew up watching my mother be a prolific writer and a reader/editor for the local junior college’s English department. Initially her writing was journaling and letter writing and later on in her life she wrote and illustrated a children’s book that she never officially published. I believe because of those observations early on in my life I assumed that writing was just part of living and writing was never anything that was perceived as difficult or daunting. In elementary school, I enjoyed Spelling Bees and that grew into a love for words. I had favorite words because of how they sounded when pronounced and how they rolled off of my tongue when spoken. For me, my like for words naturally transitioned into a like for writing. In my youth I wrote poetry. As I got older, I journaled about my days and thoughts in a diary and exchanged letters with an international Pen Pal in Brazil. Writing became an important method of communication in my relationships. In my adult life, I journaled my God Storys as they occurred. It was about 10 years ago when God directed me to actually write out those stories. Hence, from that, my first book was, written, published …”Born”!

Describe your book in five words.

True. Inspirational. Glorifying. Adventurous. Brave.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

My writing process is/was both spontaneous [pantser] and very planned [plotter]. By nature, I am a very organized, detail oriented, planning person. I planned and organized the getaway to go away to write but when it actually came to putting pen to paper, or in my case words to dictation, I was very spontaneous as I was being led by the Holy Spirit. For many years, I was organized and kept track of my/His stories in a notepad on my phone. They were just bare bones, reminders. I learned early on that I was not able to write/type as fast as I could speak/create, so I concluded that dictation would be the best way of communicating His message of proclaiming all that He had done. When I returned home, I hired a transcriber to type His stories.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

My book preference has changed over the last 10 years. For most of my years I preferred a traditional book, what I call a page turner. I particularly like the feel of the paper in the pages of each book. I am a very sensory person. After my 2 concussions in the past five years, my preference in books changed to audio books. Currently it is easier for me to comprehend and retain what I hear, versus reading a traditional page turner.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

God gave me the verse Psalm 40:1-3 ESV in 1982 when I was a student at a non-denominational Christian Learning Center for 3 months in Julian, CA called the Julian Center. The Julian Center was patterned after the Schaefer’s L ‘Abri, in Switzerland. While at the Julian Center I was transitioning from my life in the world to my life in Christ. The verses Psalm 40:1-3 reflected my life experiences to date. That verse is my life verse, my favorite verse, it belongs to me. My/His book, God Storys, is a profound manifestation of that verse.

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 ESV

If you could live inside a book, which one would it be?

If I could live inside a book it would be The Bible’s Book of Revelation. I want to be at the Golden Gate when Jesus Christ returns.

If you could meet one author, living or passed, who would it be?

The author whom I most would like to meet is James, who wrote the Book of James in the Bible.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

My advice to aspiring authors would be … 1. You CAN do it … at ANY age and at ANY season of life! 2. What you have to say is important and valuable. 3. It doesn’t matter how short or how long it takes you to write… just write. 4. You are not and will not be alone in this endeavor. There is, and will be, a lot of support to help you persevere and be victorious. 5. I highly recommend intentionally prioritizing having or developing/pursuing a personal relationship with God. Once in a relationship with God, listen and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 6. Celebrate your wins both small and large. 7. Give God the glory for all that He accomplished in and through you.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, April 8 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, April 10 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 12

Fiction Book Lover, April 13 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 14 (Author Interview)

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

Lots of Helpers, April 15

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Blossoms and Blessings, April 18 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, April 19 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 20

Books, Books, & More Books, April 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victorya is giving away the grand prize of a $100 VISA gift card, a hardcover signed copies of the book and 2-Gold Antique Skeleton Keys [for bookmarks, decoration, favors, or handiwork]!!

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

https://gleam.io/C8evw/god-storys-told-by-a-daughter-of-the-most-high-king-celebration-tour-giveaway

How to Make a Miracle Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: How to Make a Miracle (How to Be a Hero Book 2)

Author: Carol Schlorff

Genre: Middle-grade action and adventure

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Three teenagers. One perilous quest. A miracle worth risking everything for.

Trapped in the Past … A visit to an old palace takes an unexpected turn when Stefan, his sister Julia, and their friend Hugo are mysteriously hurled into the harsh, unpredictable world of the Bible, where they meet Nasiya, a young slave girl caught in a dreadful fate.

Danger and Destiny … In a land where any shadow can hide an enemy, the trio must summon every ounce of faith to survive. For Stefan, however, the battle isn’t only against ruthless warriors—it’s against the anger and guilt holding him captive for too long. As the teens embark on a dangerous journey, Stefan must face the wounds of his past before they shatter his future.

A Race Against the Clock … With time running out and lives hanging in the balance, Stefan must discover that the greatest miracles aren’t about changing the world—they’re about renewing the heart. Fast-paced, richly immersive, and carrying a powerful message of redemption, this middle-grade adventure will grip readers from the first page to the last.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol’s passion is to write exciting stories that encourage, inspire, and boost the reader’s faith, possibly because she has always felt like an outsider. She was born in North Africa to American parents and grew up in France. At age 15, her family’s abrupt move to Philadelphia resulted in a rough transition to American life.

After graduating from Penn State, Carol joined the Army in search of adventure. She was stationed in exotic—for her—locations like California, Arizona, and Texas.

Since then, Carol has lived in Krakow, Poland, where she teaches English and organizes language camps. She also writes a blog on faith-related topics.

Carol enjoys watching or reading a good murder mystery and getting nervous while watching NFL games.

More from Carol

The idea for a middle-grade novel came to me while I was listening to a series of sermons on meditating on God’s Word. How could I show that the Bible is exciting, far from boring, relevant to our lives, and has the answers we seek about our purpose in life? And do so in a way that is fun and intriguing, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats? Write a time-travel adventure into the Bible, of course! Granted, the premise may not be new, but I aimed to write it in a way that is fresh and stimulating, giving valuable insights into the Bible.

The result of this crazy idea is the How to Be a Hero series, of which How to Make a Miracle is the second installment, although each book can be read as a standalone novel.

I targeted middle-grade readers because it’s an awkward age when young people begin to question what their parents have taught them and seek answers for themselves (speaking from experience, here). If my books can encourage them in their faith, I will consider my writing a success.

I chose the book themes based on issues young people struggle with. How to Make a Miracle addresses the problem of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, which I don’t need to tell you are far too prevalent in our society. The solution is forgiveness—and we all need to learn how to forgive each other, regardless of age.

Author Interview

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a plotter for sure. Before I start writing a book, I create an outline. It doesn’t have to be very detailed, but I need to know where I’m going before I begin. To guide this process, I use the general beat sheets from the book Save the Cat! Write a Novel because I’ve found they offer a helpful roadmap. That said, I usually change things up once I start writing. As I progress through the story, I often come up with new ideas and plot twists I hadn’t thought of before, and they alter the direction I was heading. It’s as if the book had a mind of its own.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

Is there a particular literary period that you’re drawn to (Regency, Victorian, Romantic, Modernism, etc.)? Why?

Describe your book in five words.

Teens face danger, faith, redemption.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I prefer eBooks. The biggest reason is that I can carry them everywhere and they don’t take up much space. Another reason is that I live in Poland, where access to English books, especially Christian fiction, is limited. I would have to order paperbacks from the States or England and wait for them to be shipped. Not only is it time-consuming, but it is also expensive. With an eBook, I can get the latest releases instantly. Or even better, I can borrow books using the Libby app.

Having said all that, I have nothing against reading a paperback or hardback when I get the chance.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

One of my favorite Bible passages is Proverbs 3:5-6:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (NIV).

These were the first verses I memorized as a child, and I’ve tried to follow them throughout my life (I can’t say I’ve always succeeded). Every time I had an important decision to make, I would reflect back on this passage. Frankly, I wouldn’t be writing if it weren’t for these verses. When God placed the idea for the three books of the series into my mind, I was tempted to lean on my own understanding and dismiss it. But instead, I chose to submit to him, and he led me every step of the way.

If you could live inside a book, which one would it be?

The Narnia books! Since I must pick one, it would be The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As a child, I checked the backs of wardrobes multiple times, just in case, by the slightest chance, they didn’t lead to Narnia. The world of Narnia fascinated me, and it still does. Talking with the animals would be an enchanting experience. However, the chance to meet Aslan would be nothing short of extraordinary.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, March 19

Artistic Nobody, March 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

Guild Master, March 22 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23

Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, March 25 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, March 25

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 26 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 27

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 28 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 30 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol 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/OTSG5/how-to-make-a-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Half Agony, Half Hope: Dear Lily Edition Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Half Agony, Half Hope: Dear Lily Edition

Author: Joy Michelle Austin

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: March 17, 2026

Lily
Days before her wedding, Lily Wentworth’s carefully planned future is shaken by an unexpected turn. Unsure how to move forward, she turns to the one person she has always trusted—her father.

Rick
Determined not to let their darkest years define her, Rick Wentworth offers Lily the journals he wrote during the season he fought to keep her safe and survive one day at a time.

As Lily reads, she begins to uncover not only the truth of what they endured, but also the fierce, steady love that carried her through—and the strength she may need now.

Half Agony, Half Hope: The Dear Lily Edition is a clean, closed-door story of resilience, family, and the love that shaped two lives.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Joy Michelle Austin is an award-winning novelist writing contemporary fiction. Her debut found an immediate audience among readers drawn to heartfelt stories of healing and second chances, launching the Jane Austen’s Men series. She also wrote The Seaside Sleuths and the Bridal Batter Blunder, a cozy mystery tie-in project for young readers.

Joy draws inspiration from real stories of courage, grace, and the quiet heroes found in everyday life, crafting fiction for readers who seek hope, honesty, and heart in contemporary storytelling.

She is the recipient of the West Coast Christian Writers Encourager Award and the Walt Disney Legacy Award—an honor given to fewer than 1% of Cast Members worldwide for embodying Disney’s “Dream, Create, Inspire” legacy.

Through her blog, The Joyous Living, she connects with thousands of readers who share her love of culture, storytelling, and meaningful living. She lives in Southern California with her dog, Captain Hastings.

More from Joy

Half Agony, Half Hope was not a story I set out to write lightly.
It was an answer to a call God placed on my heart as a survivor of sexual assault—a call to tell the truth without exploiting it, and to create hope without diminishing the pain. From the beginning, I knew this would be a heavy debut novel. I also knew I wanted it to be clean, faith-centered, and redemptive.
The decision to tell this story through the eyes of a man was intentional. So few novels explore male survivors with compassion and dignity, yet one in six men are sexually assaulted. Their stories are often hidden, misunderstood, or minimized. Rick Wentworth’s journey exists to say plainly: healing is possible, faith is not erased by trauma, and masculinity is not diminished by suffering.
Because of the weight of Rick’s past, much of the abuse in Half Agony, Half Hope is veiled. I wanted readers to feel the truth of what he endured without being retraumatized themselves. Still, after the book released, readers told me they longed for more gentleness—more space to breathe inside the story.
That is how the Dear Lily Edition was born.
Lily was Rick’s hope and grace during the darkest years of his captivity. In the cellar, she was the reminder that love could still exist, that innocence could survive, and that God was not absent—even there. Their bond became the quiet heartbeat of the story: a wounded man learning how to hope again through the steady, healing love of a child.
At its core, Half Agony, Half Hope: Dear Lily Edition is a story of survival and faith—but it is also a story of a father and daughter choosing trust and hope despite hardship, and building a family where brokenness does not get the final word.

Author Interview

Describe your book in five words.

Hope. Endurance. Healing. Courage. Redemption.

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

I do — though never in a way that distracts from the story itself.

I enjoy weaving small, meaningful details throughout my novels — subtle nods to literary heroes and friends and family, symbolic threads, and quiet connections that attentive readers may recognize. It is my way of honoring those who read carefully, allowing them the delight of discovery.

Stories, after all, often reveal more of themselves the second time we visit them.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story that resonates with you?

Jeremiah 29:11 has long anchored my heart: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.”

It has steadied me through seasons when the path ahead felt uncertain, reminding me that God’s perspective is always greater than our present understanding.

I am continually comforted by the truth that no chapter of our lives is without purpose — even the ones we would not have chosen for ourselves.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Write with patience, and write with courage.

Do not be discouraged by where you begin. Growth is part of the calling, and every writer develops their voice over time. What matters most is your willingness to remain faithful to the story you feel led to tell.

Read widely, observe the world with compassion, and trust that your perspective has value. The stories that endure are rarely the loudest — they are the ones written with sincerity and care.

And perhaps most importantly, remember that writing is not a race. Faithfulness in the quiet work will shape you into the writer you are becoming.

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

Lily speaks to my heart in a deeply personal way. While she is entirely her own character, I found that I understood many of her emotional landscapes intimately as I wrote her.

Her journey touches on themes that have shaped parts of my own life — learning to navigate unexpected paths, understanding what it means to feel like an outsider at times, and discovering quiet strength in seasons that ask more of us than we anticipated.

I was also drawn to the tenderness of her father-daughter relationship. There is something profoundly grounding about being known and loved with that kind of steadiness, and writing those moments remains especially meaningful to me.

More than anything, Lily embodies resilience. She reminds us that courage is not always loud; sometimes it is simply the decision to keep stepping forward with hope. Characters like her stay with a writer long after the final page is written — and I suspect she will stay with me for years to come.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, March 21 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, March 22 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, March 23 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Fiction Book Lover, March 25 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

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

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 30 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, March 30

Stories By Gina, March 31 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 1

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 2 (Author Interview)

Books, Books, & More Books, April 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joy is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a Kindle 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/DEiCR/half-agony-half-hope-dear-lily-edition-celebration-tour-giveaway

Titus and the Christian Coin Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

6 Replies

About the Book

Book: Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom

Author: Dennis Conrad with Co-Author Derinda Babcock

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Release Date: November 7, 2025

When Titus refuses to deny his Christian faith, Roman persecution destroys his family and condemns him to a brutal life in the copper mines of northern Italy.

Underground, surrounded by despair and danger, he must choose between hatred and hope, revenge and redemption.

From a mine collapse to an emperor’s audience hall, Titus’s journey spans the Roman Empire during Constantine’s transformative reign. Alongside Tribune Felix, he discovers that true freedom comes through forgiveness, not force. Authentic historical details bring ancient Rome to life while timeless themes of faith, friendship, and courage inspire modern readers.

This gripping adventure combines accurate historical research with compelling storytelling. Readers will witness early Christian persecution, experience Roman culture, and walk through Constantine’s palace while following Titus’s transformation from broken slave to Roman citizen.

An unforgettable tale where archaeological accuracy meets heart-pounding adventure, proving that faith can triumph over the darkest circumstances and that God’s love never abandons His people.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Authors

DENNIS CONRAD is a retired Professor of Speech Communications. He’s taught in the U.K., Central Asia, and Asia. His picture book, Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin, won Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference First Place, Kudo’s Award, for best children’s book. He is a Fellow of the National Writing Project and an Amazon Bestselling Author. Dennis is a life member of the American Numismatic Association. His books are available on Audible.

 

  DERINDA BABCOCK is an author and graphic designer. She lives in southwestern Colorado near the base of the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. In her previous career as an English as a Second Language teacher, she worked with students of all ages and many different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The richness of this experience lends flavor and voice to the stories she writes.

 

More from Dennis

The Dairy Cow: The Origin of My Life as a Writer

By the Author of Titus and the Christian Coin

There it was at my fingertips. It was the evidence I needed to prove I’ve been a writer since childhood.

Imagine my surprise when I found The Dairy Cow in my garage. Not just any cow. It was the one I had drawn a picture of and written about in the 1960’s.

I walked by the image and ten lines of writing every day growing up because my mother placed the famed picture in the hallway on the way into my bedroom.

Why would something like this be so important to a man who has written an award-winning children’s book, Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin, and The Two-Cent Piece about the first coins with the words “In God We Trust?”

From starting school until fifth grade, I was a slow reader. My teacher took me aside one day after class and asked, “Have you ever had your eyes checked?”

My response. “No, but my father wears glasses.” After an eye exam, and glasses were prescribed, I could see.

My grades started improving. By the time I was in high school, I was given a scholarship to the six-week University of Kansas Speech and Debate Institute. It changed my life. I earned a master’s degree in Speech Communication. One year, I became Speech Coach of the Year. I ended my career as a Professor of Speech Communications.

The picture of the cow and the little I wrote about the history of cows is an heirloom from a bygone era.

Writing the earliest manuscript of Titus and the Christian Coin, my current young adult novel, required skills I acquired over a lifetime of writing including my writing and illustrating The Dairy Cow.

May God bless you and your family,

Dennis Conrad

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

I have written for decades. I started out as a hobbyist, eventually found an agent, signed a seven-book contract with Elk Lake Publishing, and went on to self-publish Titus and the Christian Coin. The process began during graduate school when I took the option of writing a master’s thesis instead of testing out. My first published articles on procrastination and sales and marketing tips came out in the 1980s as did a limited-edition, self-published book on politics. In 2007, I attended the Inland Area Writing Project, became a Fellow of the National Writing Project, and wrote my first children’s book manuscript. After 2021, I became an Amazon bestselling, first place award-winning author of children’s picture books. Titus is my first Young Adult (YA) novel.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I have grown accustomed to the hustle and bustle of number favorite hangouts. I have favorite seats in a local Starbucks, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, and at local diners. I often order salad, coffee, or tea, and make myself at home. I often write longhand and when I get home, I will dictate what I have written into Microsoft Word 360 or use Easy Voice Recorder and send the transcribed text to my email.

Describe your book in five words

“Adventure in Faith and Freedom.”
    Adventure: Danger lurks when a young person finds themselves persecuted for their faith in Ancient Rome. Faith: The main character’s faith is tested and almost leads to a breaking point, yet this testing builds character. Freedom: The main character is taken far away from his home, but does he lose hope? The route to Titus’s freedom is neither easy nor direct.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

I love the story of the Prodigal Son. I grew up in the Lutheran church, but I fell away in my teens after taking a course in comparative religions. For twenty years, I was not close to God. However, a woman I was dating tried to “dump” me because I was not a follower of Jesus. She gave me a Have You Heard of the Four Spiritual Laws tract. She left me alone for 20 minutes, and during that time, I read the tract and prayed the prayer in the back. I believed, married the woman who shared the tract with me, and thank God every day. My life became more than I could have ever asked or imagined. Praise God!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t give up. Figure out your writing best-practices and capitalize on your strengths.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What is the best time of day to get my best, most productive writing done?
  2. What methods work best?
    Is it writing longhand?
    Or, does typing directly into a Word or Scribner document work best?
    Or, do you like to dictate directly into Word on Microsoft 360?
    Does brainstorming and then using a recording device or a phone app like Easy Voice Recorder produce the best results? Easy Voice Recorder is an app that will transcribe the words that are said, so it is possible to send them to Word.
  3. Do you prefer silence, or does a noisy place work best?
    When you decide it is time to sit down and write, write for at least 5 minutes. It is likely once you start to write, you will continue. This is not the time to get up and give up…keep writing.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 12

Simple Harvest Reads, March 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Guild Master, March 15 (Author Interview)

A Simple Texas Girl, March 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 16

Fiction Book Lover, March 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 18

Vicky Sluiter, March 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 20

For the Love of Literature, March 21 (Author Interview)

Capturing Luminous, March 21

Lily’s Corner, March 22

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 23

Artistic Nobody, March 24

The Bookish Pilgrim, March 25

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dennis is giving away the grand prize of a $100 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/Vpjph/titus-and-the-christian-coin-celebration-tour-giveaway

Fear, Faith, and Freedom: Breaking Through Life’s Challenges with God’s Help Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

3 Replies

About the Book

Book: Fear, Faith, & Freedom, Breaking Through Life’s Challenges with God’s Help

Author: Jenn Dafoe-Turner

Genre: Christian Memoir/Devotional

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Fear, Faith, and Freedom: Breaking Through Life’s Battles with God’s Help is a raw, redemptive journey from despair to deliverance. With deep vulnerability and spiritual clarity, author Jenn Dafoe-Turner invites readers into her story of pain, trauma, addiction, and ultimately, transformation through the power of Jesus Christ. Blending compelling personal narrative with creative retellings of Scripture, this book offers readers more than a testimony—it offers a path toward healing and wholeness.

Each chapter explores a different “battle” of life—fear, addiction, shame, identity, self-sabotage, church hurt, and more—and how God’s truth can bring lasting victory. Through heartfelt storytelling, biblical wisdom, and practical reflection, Jenn shows that freedom isn’t found in fixing ourselves but in surrendering completely to the One who sets captives free.

Structured as a spiritual memoir with devotional elements, each chapter concludes with a “gentle challenge,” reflection questions, a Scripture memory verse, and a heartfelt prayer. This format makes the book ideal for personal study, recovery groups, or women’s ministry settings.

Whether you are struggling with your own dark night of the soul or mentoring others through theirs, Fear, Faith, and Freedom will remind you that no battle is too great for God. His love meets us in the most broken places—and leads us, one step at a time, into a life marked by courage, hope, and the certainty of His grace.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Jenn Dafoe-Turner is a pastor, author, and spiritual midwife who helps birth purpose and nurture hope in the lives of others. Drawing from her own journey of brokenness, healing, and faith, Jenn walks alongside people in seasons of transition—guiding them to hear God’s voice, embrace their identity, and step boldly into their calling.

With decades of ministry experience, Jenn combines biblical wisdom with practical coaching to create safe spaces for transformation. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she equips others to trade fear for faith, move from confusion to clarity, and discover the joy of living out their God-given purpose.

As the Spiritual Midwife, Jenn’s heartbeat is simple: “Where truth is formed, purpose is born.”

More from Jenn

Fear, Faith & Freedom: Why This Book Had to Be Written

There are moments in life when fear speaks louder than faith.

Moments when freedom feels distant.

Moments when we wonder if God is still working—even here.

Fear, Faith & Freedom: Breaking Through Life’s Challenges with God’s Help was written for those moments.

I didn’t write this book because I had life figured out. I wrote it because I didn’t.

Why I Wrote Fear, Faith & Freedom

This book was born out of lived experience—through seasons of uncertainty, surrender, recovery, and deep wrestling with God. I have walked through fear that felt paralyzing, faith that felt fragile, and freedom that came one step at a time.

For years, I carried the quiet question many believers hold close to their hearts: Why, God? Why this path? Why this pain? Why me?

What I discovered is that God often does His deepest work not in the absence of fear, but in the midst of it. Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning to trust the One who does. And freedom isn’t a single moment; it’s a journey of daily choosing truth over lies.

This book is my offering to those who feel stuck between where they are and where they long to be.

What’s Inside the Book

Fear, Faith & Freedom is part devotional, part reflection, and part invitation.

Inside these pages, readers will find:

  • Honest stories of struggle, surrender, and spiritual growth
  • Biblical insights that meet real-life challenges head-on
  • Reflective prompts that invite readers to pause, pray, and engage personally
  • Encouragement without platitudes—because healing doesn’t happen through clichés
  • A clear message of hope: God is present, purposeful, and faithful, even in the mess

Rather than offering quick fixes, this book walks alongside readers, reminding them that God’s help is not distant or delayed—He is near, attentive, and deeply compassionate.

What Readers Can Expect

This is not a book that talks at you.

It’s a book that sits with you.

Readers can expect to feel:

  • Seen in their questions
  • Understood in their struggles
  • Gently challenged to release fear
  • Invited to trust God more deeply
  • Encouraged to step into lasting freedom

Whether someone is navigating grief, addiction recovery, burnout, faith fatigue, or simply longing for deeper peace, this book offers space to breathe and room for God to work.

Who This Book Is For

Fear, Faith & Freedom is for:

  • The believer who feels weary but the seeker who wants faith that feels real, not rehearsed
  • The reader who needs reassurance that God still shows up
  • Anyone ready to move forward—even if they’re taking small steps

If you’ve ever wondered whether God can bring beauty out of broken places, this book is for you.

Because fear does not get the final word.

Faith is still alive.

And freedom—true, God-given freedom—is possible.

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

I have wanted to be a writer since I could remember. When I was in my first year of high school, the English teacher gave us an assignment to write a short story. I wrote the beginnings of a novel but I failed because it was too long. I like to write poems as well. In grade school, my teacher encouraged me to write my poems down because they were good.

Describe your book in five words.

My journey from heathenness to holiness.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a pantser.

What are your hobbies?

I like to paint. I find it relaxing. I am currently learning to waterpaint.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

My favorite bible story is the love story between Hosea and Gomer. So much of Gomer’s story I can resonate with and to know that God loves me and he has turned my valley of trouble into a gateway of hope.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t give up. Surround yourself with a good critique group. Their input will be invaluable.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 5

Artistic Nobody, March 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Guild Master, March 8 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, March 9 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Books Less Travelled, March 12 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Vicky Sluiter, March 16 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jenn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/P9bMt/fear-faith-freedom-breaking-through-lifes-challenges-with-gods-help-celebration-tour-giveaway

Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

7 Replies

About the Book

Book: Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary

Author: Tony Stoltzfus

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: October 3, 2025

At the very edge of heaven, beyond pain and death, the Great Leap waits for you…

Dive in with physicist Amanda for a full-on immersion in a breathtaking, mind-bending new world that’s far, far better than you ever imagined! Gravity is optional, so you can fly. Mistakes are impossible, because evil no longer exists. Time is swallowed in the Eternal Now where you never miss out or run short of time. And an intimacy and acceptance we can only dream of on earth is present with everyone you meet, from the very first moment.

And heaven’s God is gloriously, ridiculously good—as comfortable and accessible as your best friend, completely satisfied in you, yet so big that you’ll never run out of adventure, wonder and delight. Marrying scripture, near-death experiences and physics, this profound journey of imagination will transport you into an eternity you’ll never forget.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Tony Stoltzfus is the author of 21 books on coaching, life and leadership, including the best-selling Coaching Questions (over 200,000 sold). His latest is Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary—a full-on immersion into life in heaven.

His specialty over 25 years as a professional coach is working with ‘senior leaders in painful transitions’, helping them find the goodness of God in the midst of suffering. He’s had plenty of opportunities to meet God in his own adversities, including betrayals, losing access to his life’s work, depression, a home burning down in a forest fire, and more. His message through it all is, “there is nothing that can happen to you that God won’t make something beautiful of.”

Tony has launched or co-launched several coach training organizations, including Leadership MetaFormation and Coaching Mission International. He has trained and certified thousands of Christian coaches, and been recognized by CCNI for pioneering contributions to the Christian coaching field. He is the developer of the Encounter Coaching approach, which transforms the emotional brain by making Jesus a live participant in the coaching conversation.

Tony lives in Redding, CA with his wonderful wife of 37 years, a dog that is a sucking void of emotional need, and a constantly-breaking sprinkler system.

More from Tony

“If people could spend just one day in heaven, they’d give anything to go back…”

Sounds right, doesn’t it? Then what would it take for people to have that experience on earth (without, of course, the messy detail of having to die in the process)?

The surprising key is in that word, ‘experience.’ Experience is the realm of your emotional brain. That side of you that thinks in pictures, stories, and feelings—not in sterile words and detached, rational concepts. Give people a story that transports them to heaven, that lets them feel timelessness, soar in the gravity-optional skies of the Beautiful Land or fall into the all-encompassing embrace of the lover of their soul, and maybe, just maybe, they’d give up anything to go!

The book, Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary, is that story. Join physicist Amanda as she finds herself on the other side, in an astonishing, mind-bending universe where evil has been so completely stamped out that no one remembers it ever existed. In this world built of light, gravity is optional—you can sky-dive without a parachute. Conversations are spirit-to-spirit, with no chance of misunderstanding. You travel at the speed of thought. And heaven’s extra dimensions let Jesus be everywhere at once—so you never have to wait to spend time with him!

For those who’ve experienced loss or grief in this life, it’s a heaven that holds the power to make ALL things well. You’ll weep with Amanda as the devastation of losing both parents as a teen is brought to light; but then rejoice when the Man of Light enters every painful memory, washing her heart clean. You’ll see how prayers and acts of kindness done in secret echo down through generations, joining all of us in a Great Tapestry of connections. Meet the mother of an autistic child, and see how the great sacrifices that circumstance drew from her made them both Great Ones in heaven. Learn how Jesus worked behind the scenes to make the man who betrayed Amanda’s father into one of his dearest friends.

And when Amanda learns that her mom has chosen not to come, discover how heaven makes even THAT well.

And yet this heaven is still, always, more! Join a flash-mob gathered to revel in unrestricted joy. Breathe under water in the River of Life. Garden with an angel, and make a plant grow simply by speaking to it. Travel through time to relive any memory in your life, whenever you want.

Heaven is beyond comprehension—but not beyond imagination! And when we give ourselves permission to imagine the unthinkable, the seed of heaven gets lodged deeply in our hearts.

Author Interview

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

CS Lewis. I read a lot of his stuff in my teens and twenties, and the combination of well-reasoned argument communicated simply in metaphor or story really appealed to me. As a trainer, I’ve done a lot of thinking about how people learn, and Lewis as a writer had a great mastery of that.

My latest book was influenced by The Great Divorce, as well as The Last Battle in the Narnia series. Lewis is one of the few Christian authors to try to envision heaven through fiction as opposed to theologizing about it.

For this book I’ve also read a bunch of NDE literature and stories, and I have a whole shelf-full of ‘I died and went to heaven’ books ( although in most of them I skip the 12 chapters about their medical emergency and just read the one or two chapters about heaven!)

Describe your book in five words.

Journey of Imagination into Heaven

What are your hobbies?

  • I build furniture (to replace the stuff I built and lost when our home burned down)
  • Landscape photography
  • Reading
  • Garage-sale-ing (which turns out really well financially when your house burns down and you have a replacement-cost insurance policy!)

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

My life verse is Romans 8:28, because my life message is about meeting God in suffering. There is nothing that can happen to you that God won’t make something beautiful of. I’ve been through losing my life’s work, losing my network (twice), our home burning down, abjectly failing to live up to my own standards, suicidal child, etc. Who I am is the produce of how I’ve met God in those moments.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Live a life worth writing about. If you are a Christian author, and you are in it to influence people and not just to make money, your impact (not your sales, but how you touch people’s hearts) will be proportional to how Jesus has impacted your heart, as demonstrated by how you live. Cultivate relationships where you are authentic and others are authentic with you, or you will never write well about the heart. Meet Jesus in your suffering, and grow through it. Steward your story—it is your most important ministry tool.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, March 11

Simple Harvest Reads, March 12 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, March 13 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, March 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

Fiction Book Lover, March 15 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 16 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 17 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Blossoms and Blessings, March 20 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, March 21 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Books, Books, & More Books, March 23 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Tony is giving away the grand prize of a $150 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/FRl5c/heaven-experience-the-extraordinary-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Power of the Reframe Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

5 Replies

About the Book

Book: The Power of the Reframe

Author: J.J. Bundy

Genre: Christian Living / Self-Help / Faith-Based Healing

Release Date: September 15, 2025

When life hits hard, you have two choices: stay stuck in the pain or learn how to reframe it. The Power of the Reframe is a healing guide for women who are ready to release the weight of the past, renew their minds, and step into a new future with God at the center. Blending biblical truth, real-life wisdom, and practical exercises, this book helps you: Recognize the patterns holding you back. Reframe your story through God’s Word and affirmations. Rebuild a new perspective rooted in faith, ownership, and hope. This is not about ignoring your pain—it’s about transforming it into purpose. With journal prompts, heart-check exercises, and encouragement for every step of the healing journey, The Power of the Reframe shows you how to take your broken pieces and build something whole.

 
Click HERE to get your copy!
 

About the Author

J.J. Bundy (Jasmine Shegog) is the founder of The Reframe Collective, LLC, a healing-centered brand that equips women and children to break cycles, renew their minds, and build generational wholeness. A mother, writer, and former teacher, Jasmine draws on her own journey through grief, emotional healing, and faith to create resources that make complex emotional and spiritual truths simple and life-changing. Through books, workbooks, and retreats, she helps others reframe their pain into purpose. She also writes children’s books under the pen name J.J. Shegog.

 

 

More from J.J.

The Power of the Reframe because I know what it feels like to be stuck in the weight of your past, unsure how to move forward. For years, I wrestled with grief, emotional pain, and cycles I couldn’t seem to break. But through God’s Word and the practice of reframing, I discovered that the same moments that once felt like breaking points could actually become turning points.

This book is my heart on paper—a guide for anyone ready to renew their mind, take ownership of their healing, and step into God’s purpose with freedom. It’s filled with encouragement, biblical truth, and practical exercises that will help you not just survive what you’ve walked through, but actually be transformed by it.

Author Interview

Who was/is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is Jesus—without question. Everything I write, everything I understand, and everything I grow through comes from Him. He is the reason I even have language for my healing. And right alongside that, my children inspire me deeply. Jesus is the reason I started, and my children are the reason I keep going. They remind me that healing is generational, and what I overcome becomes part of what they inherit.

Describe your book in five words.

Transformational. Honest. Healing. Faith-rooted. Clarifying.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

My writing schedule is flexible and intuitive. I don’t write at set times—I write when something connects, when God reveals something, or when a thought hits me that I know I can’t afford to forget. Sometimes that’s early in the morning, sometimes late at night, sometimes mid-day between responsibilities. I grab a pen and write wherever I am. I build around inspiration, not routine.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I prefer audiobooks. No matter what I’m doing, I can listen. I can multitask, cook, clean, drive, work out—my hands can be busy, but my mind can stay learning. With how fast-paced my life is, audiobooks give me the flexibility I need. I’m not tied down to a chair or a specific moment. I can grow while I move.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

The story that resonates with me the most is the story of Esther. It encompasses so many areas of life—identity, purpose, timing, obedience, courage, and elevation. In many ways, it feels like a female parallel to Joseph. Both Esther and Joseph went through a humbling process, a hidden season, and a series of steps that didn’t always make sense in the moment. But each step was leading them to the exact place God needed them to be.

Their stories remind me that elevation only comes through trusting God, even when the process is uncomfortable or painful. They both had to surrender their own understanding, lean completely on God, and allow Him to be God. That’s why Esther’s story resonates with me so deeply: it’s a picture of what happens when obedience meets divine purpose.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 28

Simple Harvest Reads, March 1 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, March 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Guild Master, March 3 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, March 4 (Author Interview)

It’s Mama Safe, March 5

Books Less Travelled, March 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 9

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 10 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 11

Vicky Sluiter, March 12 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 13 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J.J. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book and its companion workbook!!

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

https://gleam.io/wNgC2/the-power-of-the-reframe-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Restitching of Camille DuLaine Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

4 Replies

About the Book

Book: The Restitching of Camille DuLaine (The Rivenlea Book 2)

Author: Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 10, 2023

A splintered world, a heart gone cold.

Hope reborn in threads of gold.

After accidentally bridging the storyworlds together, Emlyn DuLaine faces an impossible task: sever the connections without destroying the stories themselves. If she fails, the characters will be trapped in twisted versions of their tales, forced to relive their worst moments forever.

But undoing the bridges is only the beginning. To truly fix what’sbunraveling, Emlyn must uncover the secret flaw buried deep in Rivenlea’sbfoundation, something that’s been wrong since the very start.

And the danger has never been closer to home. The clock is ticking for the injured wyvern who needs Rivenlite air to survive and the story boy Emlyn swore she’d never fall for. Emlyn and her team must rescue Frank and Laramie from chaotic, shifting story spheres before they’re gone for good.

But Frank and Laramie aren’t the only ones lost to the spheres. Camille DuLaine is a prisoner, held as bait by someone who knows exactly how to lure her sister in. After seven years of sleep, Camille wakes to find herself trapped in a storybook and sure of only one thing: Emlyn must stay far, faraway.

Racing to solve one mind-bending puzzle after the next, Emlyn uncovers a plan seventeen years in the making. She stands at the center of a fractured universe—and she might be too late to save it.

 

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Lindsay A. Franklin is the Carol Award–winning author of The Story Peddler, the ECPA best-selling author of Adored, and Managing Editor of Enclave Publishing. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives happily among the rain and evergreens of the Pacific Northwest with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their three (nearly) grown geeklings, and three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats).

 

 

 

More from Lindsay

The Fiction-Fixer’s Handbook:

A Guest Post by Emlyn DuLaine, the Newest Member of Novem XVII

I haven’t been a Novemite long, and if you want advice from an absolute expert, you’ll have to ask Captain Doyle or maybe Laramie, if you can manage to push your way past the cloud of ego that surrounds him at all times.

But I’ve been diving into upside-down classics, wrangling rogue characters, bridging broken plots, and saving story spheres long enough to give some helpful pointers on how to keep your wits about you when you, too, traverse the fantastical, fictional universes we all know and love.

Read on for my hard-won wisdom.

  1. Never accept apples from anyone. Ever. Even if they promise it’s organic and locally sourced. Just don’t.
  2. If a book starts whispering, close it immediately. This is not the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Cursed tomes are not to be trifled with.
  3. Stay away from unattended spinning wheels and mirrors that look a little too shiny. Exercise caution around wardrobe-shaped furniture. Odds are high you’re about to be enchanted, imprisoned, or transported. Stay vigilant.
  4. Beware of overly charming men in masks, hoods, and/or capes. It’s 50/50 on whether he’s a tragic hero or a villain with a vendetta. Proceed with caution.
  5. Always check the fine print on magical contracts. If the terms include “firstborn child” or an unspecified “favor” to be later named, run.
  6. Characters who break into song at random intervals are either harmless or extremely dangerous. If they’re just narrating their morning routine, you’re fine. If the music gets ominous, assume the worst.
  7. If you find yourself in the company of a talking animal sidekick, always ask for its backstory. Talking cats may be friend or foe, sometimes both if it starts telling riddles. Grumpy toads are probably cursed nobles. Overdramatic ravens are almost always bad news.
  8. When in doubt, follow the protagonist—but not too closely. The main character has plot armor. You do not.

If you’re hoping for a fairy-tale ending, these tips might get you there. Stay safe, friends. And happy sphere-diving!

Author Interview

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

If I have to pick one, I would say a plotter, but I prefer the term “puzzler.” I spend a lot of time staring at index cards and bullet-point-covered beat sheets and sometimes a blank page while figuring out my stories. Occasionally, the outline I’m trying to create simply refuses to come together, and I have to just dive in and start writing. That was the case with The Restitching of Camille DuLaine!

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I started my writing journey when I was a homeschooling mom of young children, and in those days, it was really important for me to get out of the house to write. I spent most of my time at home, being Mom and Educator, and it was really hard to morph into Writer on command when my daily demands were staring at me, so I got in the habit of writing at coffee shops a few nights per week. These days, my kids are grown, but I still find it helpful to move away from my regular desk when it’s time to write. I penned most of The Restitching of Camille DuLaine at my mom’s house, and most of The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine was written at various libraries and coffee shops.

Describe your book in five words.

Layered, heartfelt, inventive, wild, mind-bending.

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

This is such a tough question! I usually don’t spend time writing a character unless they speak to me in some way, even my antagonists. (Which is not to say I like or approve of them. J) But the ones that really get me in this story are Camille, Laramie, Wistlee, and Phen. I’ve poured elements of some real-life people I love dearly into these four characters, so they hold a special place for me—Camille, particularly, because she is the character through which I get to explore sisterly bonds.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

All of the above! Because I work in publishing, both as an author and Enclave’s managing editor, I spend a lot of time in digital books and manuscripts. So when I’m reading for pleasure, I do love the feel of a book in my hands (paperback for reading, hardcover for collecting). But nothing beats the convenience of my Kindle. And I’m a recent convert to audiobooks, which I listen to while working in my garden.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, February 25

Simple Harvest Reads, February 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, March 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 2 (Spotlight)

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4

Guild Master, March 5 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6 (Spotlight)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 6

For the Love of Literature, March 7 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 8

Stories By Gina, March 9 (Spotlight)

Fiction Book Lover, March 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lyndsay is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/iyeVn/the-restitching-of-camille-dulaine-celebration-tour-giveaway

Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll

Author: Nicholas Teeguarden

Genre: Christian Fiction Action/Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

When American grad student and Veteran Joshua Bennett lands in Amman, Jordan, he thinks he’s chasing academic glory. What he finds instead is a centuries-old mystery that’s been waiting for someone reckless or desperate enough to uncover it.

At the center of it all is the Copper Scroll, a cryptic Dead Sea artifact rumored to hold clues to an ancient treasure buried deep in the Judean desert. But Joshua soon learns it’s no ordinary scroll.

Hidden symbols, coded phrases, and whispers of a “shepherd’s path” point to something far more significant and far more dangerous.

As the clues mount, so do the warnings. A silent observer in the library. A cryptic priest with a knowing smile. A message slipped into Joshua’s backpack: The shepherd’s path is not for the faint-hearted.

A cryptic priest and a rabbi jump in to help understand uncovered information. As Mossad agents, Templar knights, and ISIS operatives close in, Joshua and his allies race to unravel the truth. But who seeks to unearth it, and who will kill to keep it buried?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Nicholas Teeguarden writes faith-fueled thrillers that explore the intersection of history, belief, and discovery. His debut, The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles, follows archaeologist Joshua “Masa” Bennett across the Middle East in a race to uncover one of history’s most enigmatic biblical relics. Praised for its vivid realism and clean storytelling, the novel has been honored with a ChristLit Award, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star review, and recognition at the Paris Book Festival.

A veteran whose global service inspires his storytelling, Teeguarden aims to create cinematic fiction that uplifts while it thrills. He is currently developing the next installment in The Masa Chronicles alongside The Teeguarden Writing Room, a growing creative community where readers and writers explore faith, art, and story together.

More from Nicholas

Whenever I think of telling a story, I have Indiana Jones swapping the bag of sand with the golden idol. The spirits swirling around the Nazis and the uncanny escapes from the clutches of death.

I spent my early adult years stomping through biblical lands with the military, experiencing life that seemed to represent many stages of evolution. Seeing the differences in how people value life, faith, and each other.

I experienced the heart-pounding adrenaline of adventure, the edge of life moments, and the strange stillness that follows them. The sights, sounds, and smells of those places stay with you forever.

When I finally retired, I walked to the altar, a different kind of battlefield, and realized that all those years of chasing survival were really leading me to understand purpose.

That moment changed how I responded to almost everything that came after, and it’s what shaped The Copper Scroll.

Like me, Joshua “Masa” Bennett isn’t just searching for an ancient artifact; he’s looking for proof that faith still matters, that truth can survive the centuries, and that even when everything feels lost, redemption can still be found buried beneath the dust.

Writing this book was my way of reconnecting with those memories, with the lands I once marched through, and with the faith that anchored me through it all.
It’s a story of mystery, courage, and belief. The kind of adventure that begins in the desert but ends in the heart.

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

Somewhere between devouring childhood adventure novels and realizing the “little stories” in my head were not going away, writing stopped being a hobby and became the thing I could not not do.

Most influential author on your writing?

Bill Wallace for early adventure and heart, plus Ernest Cline for immersive, nostalgic worldbuilding.

Interesting writing quirk?

I almost always write with a show or movie playing quietly in the background so my main story brain can focus while the rest of my mind is distracted.

Work schedule when writing?

Very blue-collar: show up, sit down, and put in the time, even on days when the words feel like pulling teeth.

Plotter or pantser?

Hybrid. There is a loose outline, but it changes constantly as characters make better (or worse) decisions than originally planned.

Favorite/special place to write?

The reclaimed home office that used to be my wife’s school space, with my dogs camped on the leather chair behind me.

Literary period you’re drawn to? Why?

Modern and contemporary, especially anything orbiting the World Wars, because the moral pressure and technological shifts are so intense.

Describe your book in five words.

Ancient treasure, faith under fire.

Character that speaks most to your heart? Why?

Masa, because his mix of stubborn faith, doubt, and longing for truth feels closest to real, everyday discipleship.

Do you hide things for readers to find?

Yes

Hobbies?

Reading, video games, hunting birds with my dogs, and exploring new places with no set plan.

Biggest inspiration?

My dad’s travel stories and his “seize the moment” attitude, plus the grace of God in the middle of a messy life.

Favorite book?

Ready Player One, probably, right now anyway.

Traditional, ebooks, or audiobooks?

Ebooks

Favorite Bible verse or story?

Acts 9 and the story of Ananias going to Saul—how God meets his hesitation, gives grace, and still sends him.

If you could live inside a book?

Just let me know when the Oasis opens up.

If you could meet one author?

The apostle Paul, to ask him about his letters and how he expected churches to live them out.

Advice for aspiring writers?

Write consistently, read widely, finish things, and do not wait for permission, treat it like a craft you apprentice in, not a lightning strike you sit around hoping for.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10

Simple Harvest Reads, February 11 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 12

Guild Master, February 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 14

Fiction Book Lover, February 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Vicky Sluiter, February 17 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, February 18

For the Love of Literature, February 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 23 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Nicholas is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a copy of the book, bookmarks, and stickers!!

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

https://gleam.io/XuOgC/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-celebration-tour-giveaway