Before the King: Joanna’s Story Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on April 8, 2025April 7, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Before the King: Joanna’s Story by Heather Kaufman is the second book in the Women of the Way series. The first book, Up from Dust, was about Martha. I thought that was a beautiful novel as is this one. Author Kaufman has a marvelous perspective on what life might have been for these two ladies.

This book tells the story of Joanna and her sister Dalia. While not much is said about Joanna in the scripture, the author has used her imagination and research to fill in details for this follower of Jesus. I totally fell in love with this amazing woman.

The writing is extremely well done. I was whisked away to a time and place that I had never been. I appreciated the research done to make this story authentic. The characters and places came alive for me through the vivid details.

Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genre if it follows scripture. This one does. It has scripture woven throughout it and follows the story as best it can without having a lot of details to go by.

I loved the life and Christian messages tucked inside this inspiring story. Parts of it moved me to tears. I highly recommend this. It would make a fabulous reading group choice. There is so much to glean and discuss. It receives a 5 out of 5 star rating from this reader. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these were my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Before the King: Joanna’s Story (Women of the Way Book 2)

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: January 21, 2025

Joanna’s wealthy family aspires to Herod’s inner circle, but when her father’s esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.

Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Reviews for writing “a charming and well-crafted tale.” She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

More from Heather

Hello, Fellow Book Lover!

My heart behind the Women of the Way series is to highlight the beauty of Jesus through the eyes of some of his lesser-known female followers. In Before the King, we behold Jesus through the eyes of Joanna. Although she’s only named twice in Scripture, the little we do know about her is compelling. In Luke 8:1-3, we discover that Joanna was healed by Jesus of an infirmity and then followed him, supporting his ministry from her own means. What’s so shocking is that she’s the wife of Chuza, Herod Antipas’ steward! During my research, I discovered that her husband’s position is better translated “procurator,” someone in charge of financial affairs. Such a position suggests that Chuza was a prominent man within Herod’s administration. But the surprises don’t end there! My research also indicated that Chuza was most likely Nabatean. Nestled just southeast of Herod’s own territory of Perea, Nabatea was a major world power at the time of Christ.

The more I researched, the more my jaw dropped to the ground. How did a Jewish woman married to a prominent Gentile within Herod’s administration come to support Jesus of Nazareth? Did her husband know? Did he approve? Did Herod himself ever find out? You’ll have to read Before the King to see just where my imagination took me!

I depict Joanna as caught between two courts—that of Herod Antipas and that of Jesus Christ. She chooses to risk everything for her faith and that choice pays off. The second time we see Joanna in Scripture is in Luke 24:10 as an eyewitness to the empty tomb. Not only did she behold the empty tomb, she gazed upon the risen Christ, for in Matthew 28:9 we read that as the women left, they encountered Jesus himself. What an amazing privilege to be one of the first to meet the risen Lord in the flesh!

I hope Joanna’s story encourages you to live a bold faith that clings to Christ, despite opposition. Our world now isn’t so different from hers then. Christ’s Kingdom is still advancing in the midst of political unrest, social division, and rampant greed. May we pin our hopes upon King Jesus, who is worthy of our devotion. Like Joanna, may we place all we have within his hands, deeming him worthy of the cost.

While you read, consider listening to the Before the King playlist! It’s full of inspirational music that ties into the themes from the book. Give it a listen HERE. Happy reading (and listening)!

Surrendering with you to Him,

Heather

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2

Stories By Gina, April 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 8

She Lives to Read, April 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impression, April 9

Cover Lover Book Review, April 9

Lily’s Corner, April 10

Bigreadersite, April 11

Inspired by Fiction, April 11

For Him and My Family, April 12

Pause for Tales, April 13

EmpowerMoms, April 13

Holly’s Book Corner, April 14

Inklings and notions , April 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Heather is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54190

Dawn of Grace Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on April 7, 2025April 7, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Dawn of Grace by wordsmith extraordinaire, Jill Eileen Smith, is a Biblical Fiction novel. This amazing tale brought the New Testament to life with its retelling of Mary Magdalene’s story. The author has a brilliant perspective on what might have happened. It is totally plausible.

I was immediately drawn to this story with its familiar characters. Within the first few pages the story had me totally captivated. It brought new light on what Mary’s life and struggles might have been like. I was moved while reading this beautiful story.

I highly recommend Dawn of Grace. It would be great for a reading group or individuals. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: February 18, 2025

From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow–until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.

Now Mary’s one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she’ll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.

On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear–and Jesus makes all things new.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, Miriam’s Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, Daughter of Eden, and The Ark and the Dove. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in Michigan.

More from Jill

Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s story, is a biblical novel based on the life of Mary Magdalene. Step into first century Israel during the time of Jesus Christ and meet the woman whom Jesus healed from demon possession. See how her life went from one of despair to one of grace.

We learn, through Mary’s point of view, what it might have been like to follow the rabbi, Jesus, throughout Galilee and Judea for at least part of His ministry. She is with Him as often as possible, and one of the few women in His circle who stayed with Him all the way to the cross—and watched Him die.

In her grief, Mary learned where they buried Him and determined to return after Shabbat to anoint His beloved body one more time. But when she arrived, He was not where they had lain Him. Distraught, Mary searches for answers until she hears Jesus call her name. She is the first to see the resurrected Messiah, and she is never the same again.

In Dawn of Grace, we imagine how the things we read about in the gospels might have played out through Mary’s eyes. The Bible tells us that she helped support His ministry out of her means, and she is mentioned often as one of His devoted followers. What emotions did she experience as she went from learning about a coming kingdom to hearing her Messiah speak about His coming death and resurrection? The men didn’t understand. Did she? What did she feel in that moment when she thought all hope was lost?

I hope you will gain a new perspective of what it might have been like for one of the New Testament’s most famous women, one who lived in a world where women were not given much notice or status. Yet Jesus included them, and even elevated them. The Scriptures tell us that there is no difference between male and female in God’s eyes. He loves us all. Mary got the chance to see God’s care for her and all women in a way she never expected. God’s love for all is the same today.

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 9

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 9

Stories By Gina, April 10 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

For Him and My Family, April 13

Pause for Tales, April 14

EmpowerMoms, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 15

Holly’s Book Corner, April 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jill is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54191

The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on April 5, 2025April 4, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride by author Lauralyn Keller is a Christian Historical Romance novel with a touch of mystery. This is the first book that I’ve read by author Keller, and I thoroughly enjoyed her inviting style. From the beginning, I was invested in the story and wanted to keep reading.

This is the tale of Ella Mountbatten, a runaway society lady from Boston, and Cody Brooks, a gruff yet lovable rancher. Cody is the guardian for three young children and in over his head with them. He is a caring person as is Ella.

The author crafted her characters excellently. I fell in love with Ella and Cody quickly. The secondary characters are wonderful, too. Each character is believable and unique. Their conversations sound realistic and add much to the story. I loved the three children. They are adorable.

Life and Christians lessons are sprinkled throughout this sweet story. It is inspiring, interesting, and well written. There are a few twists to keep readers on their toes and a mystery to solve.

I highly recommend The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride. It is a sweet romance and great book. Don’t miss this one. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2025

In the rugged Montana Territory, a Boston socialite’s bid for freedom collides with a rancher’s quest for a family.

According to Boston’s elite society, Ella Mountbatten has it all: status, prestige, and a bright future. What they don’t know is that her life as a socialite has become a gilded cage of abuse and oppression under the control of her cruel fiancé and domineering parents. Desperate to escape, Ella flees Boston and seeks refuge in the small town of Harmony Springs, Montana Territory, where her former friend now resides as the sheriff. But with her family determined to drag her back to Boston, Ella’s hard-won freedom—and her very life—hang precariously in the balance.

Rancher, Cody Brooks, is ill-equipped to be the guardian of three orphaned children. But that’s the situation he’s in after the death of his best friend. Now, what he needs is a wife to help provide love and stability to his makeshift family. So when a runaway heiress arrives in need of protection, it seems a marriage of convenience may be the answer to both their prayers.

But with danger closing in from Boston and the challenges of building a new life together, Cody and Ella must confront their deepest fears and desires. Can their marriage of convenience blossom into true love, or will the shadows of Ella’s past tear apart the fragile hope they’ve found in Harmony Springs?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

More from Lauralyn

Stories have a funny way of percolating in my mind. I’ll be driving or doing dishes or some other mundane activity, and all of a sudden, an idea pops into my head. What my mind does with it then determines the course of a story.

Here’s a peek at my thought process for The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride.

Marriage of convenience stories are fun—maybe I could write one. Oooh, and I love Montana. It should take place there. Historical, of course, since stepping back in time is also fun. Hmmm….who should the characters be? Maybe a socialite….or an heiress….where would someone like that be from? Philly? New York? Ooh, I know—Boston! Yeah, Boston. Let’s see, her name can be Ella, though that doesn’t sound terribly high society. Maybe Ariella, but she prefers being called Ella. And she wants to leave town because she feels that society life is suffocating her. Hmmm, that doesn’t quite seem like a strong enough reason. Oh! She comes from a stuffy family….with harsh parents….and an abusive fiance. That’s why she runs away. I can iron out the details later. Okay, so Ella runs from Boston to Montana. Now, who’s her love interest? A farmer might work, but why would they agree to a marriage of convenience? I suppose Ella could be a mail-order bride….hmmm, no, that might not work. She needs to leave in a hurry (the why to be determined later). Maybe the guy (let’s call him Cody—that’s a good name) is a widower raising young kids and needs a wife to help. Or….no, he took in the kids after their parents died. That’ll create an immediate need for a wife. Perfect! Actually, I think he should be a rancher instead.

And just like that, a story is born. Sometimes it comes to me in moments, other times in weeks. This story developed over a couple of years. I wrote one draft, decided it was too fluffy, and ended up giving it a complete rewrite. I’m very happy with how Ella and Cody’s story turned out. It’s a sweet, love-comes-softly romance, and I hope you enjoy it.

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, April 1

Texas Book-aholic, April 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 5

Devoted To Hope, April 6

lakesidelivingsite, April 7

Stories By Gina, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Guest Review from Melissa)

For Him and My Family, April 12

Holly’s Book Corner, April 13

A Reader’s Brain, April 14 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, April 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54189

Mary’s Redemption Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Mary’s Redemption is book two in the McKenna Sisters series by talented author Lena Nelson Dooley. This Christian historical novel is filled with life and Christian lessons. Even though it is the second book in the series, it is easily read and understood by itself.

Set in 1885, this is the story of Mary and Daniel. Mary is the eldest in her family and has taken exceptional care of her siblings and father. Her faith and church are very important to her. Daniel has admired and loved Mary and wants to court her.

There are twists and turns all throughout this poignant story. The characters are carefully designed and were realistic. I enjoyed the care and concern Mary’s church family freely gave her. The tale flowed at an even pace. I was quickly invested in it and wanted to keep reading.

I highly recommend this lovely novel. It swept me away to another time and place with its exceptional writing. I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Mary’s Redemption

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 11, 2025

Her childhood friend wants to rescue her from her responsibilities, but she can’t abandon her grieving family.

Despite being adopted, Mary Lenora Caine was always “God’s Blessing” to her mother. But after her mother passes, and her father can barely cope, Mary bears the burden of running the home on her own. Her drudgery hides any blessings for her future, until her childhood friend, Daniel, begins courting Mary with promises to take care of her.

For years, Daniel Winthrop has carried a torch for Mary, but his vision for their future together clashes with her duty to her family. Can’t she see he’s offering a better life? But when Mary’s faced with her worst possible scenario, Daniel isn’t sure he can handle the burden.

Mary and Daniel seem set on a path that will test their dreams and the boundaries of their love. Can they trust God’s plan for them and overcome the obstacles between them and their future together?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

More from Lena

My mother died when I was 7 years old. Back in my growing up years, grown-ups didn’t tell children a lot of things. My aunt, who was living with my mother and father and older brother when I was born, gave me some surprising information when I was in my 30s. After my mother came home from the hospital with me, she had to go back in a little while later. She had surgery to remove a mass of bones and tissue they believed was my twin that didn’t develop.

I found that interesting, because there had been times over the years when I felt as if part of me was missing. I became fascinated with the connections between twins and other multiple births. This fascination planted the seed that became the stories of the McKenna Sisters series.

At one time, there was a lot of discussion about which influenced people more—heredity or environment. These discussions added depth for the story of the triplets. I prayed a lot when writing these books, and God helped me see how to connect the girls when they didn’t know about their other sisters.

They were definitely reared in totally different environments, and Mary’s was the hardest. It was difficult for me to put her through so much anguish.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

Stories By Gina, March 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 2

For the Love of Literature, April 3 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, April 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 5 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 6

Cover Lover Book Review, April 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54185

Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose is Book 3 by the Christian Writers Collective, founded by Stephanie K. Reynolds. Including in the pages of this powerful book are true testimonies of what Jesus can do by forty-six international people. The eclectic mix offers a world view of how Jesus sweetly brought people into His Kingdom through salvation and gave them purpose for their life.

Each factual account to moving and allows readers to hear what Jesus is doing in the lives of so many people. This Christian, Inspirational, Self Help book is amazing. The writing is excellent. I felt like I was sitting at a table drinking tea listening to each author’s heartfelt experience. Some of them moved me to tears.

This would be the perfect book for a devotional or small group study. Churches would benefit from having it in their library. It is a great way to share Jesus with others. In fact, the final chapter contains the plan of salvation and instructions on how to receive new life in Christ.

Don’t miss this phenomenal book. The stories are inspiring and some even unbelievable due to the pain individuals endured. I am eagerly awaiting Book 4 and recommend all in the series. One things rings true throughout all of the books, Jesus can, yes, He can.

I highly recommend Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose. It gets a well deserved 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Jesus Can . . .Give You Purpose (Jesus Can… Book Three)

Author: Stephanie Reynolds/Christian Writers Collective, LLC

Genre: Inspirational, Christian, Self-help

Release date: December 5, 2024

Can Jesus give you purpose?

He most certainly can! You’ll find plenty of proof in the pages of this book. Its 46 testimonies display Jesus’ power to give purpose to people all over the world, whether they were shot and left for dead during a political revolution in Africa or struggling with loneliness and suicidal thoughts in small town America. Jesus Christ brought a unique purpose to every writer featured in this book. And He can do the same for anyone who reads it. We dare you to put Jesus to the test today!

Whether you’re looking for God’s truth yourself or want to share the gospel with family, friends or acquaintances, books from the Jesus Can … series may be the perfect solution.

Give You Purpose is the 3rd volume in this inspirational series published by the Christian Writers Collective, LLC.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

The Christian Writers Collective, LLC

Founded in 2020 by Stephanie Reynolds of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the CWC is a growing organization with writers worldwide. Our ultimate goal is to feature 100 members/writers in each Jesus Can book and to publish 10-12 books each year, equivalent to the publication pace of the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul® series. We want to reach millions each year with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray that you’ll join this fast-growing moment as a reader, a writer, or by giving Jesus Can books to others. Thanks in advance for your participation!

More from Stephanie

Hi, my name is Stephanie Reynolds. I am the founder of the Christian Writers Collective, LLC, which publishes the Jesus Can book series. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I’ve lived here most of my life. Like many Baby Boomers and only sisters from a family with three children, I have had the privilege of caring for both of my parents during the last months and/or years of their lives. What an honor it was to be present when my mom received Jesus as her savior just a few months before she passed in 2014. It was the Homegoing of my spiritual mom, Mrs. Naomi Walker, on October 8, 2019, that inspired me to publish Books 1 and 2 of this series on October 8 in 2021 and 2022. That’s because God gave me the courage to share my calling to publish books “to help spread the gospel far and wide,” for the first time at Mrs. Walker’s Homegoing Service. I believe God confirmed His calling by taking Mrs. Walker home to Heaven on October 8, my 61st birthday. I’m excited by the release of Book 3 of our series, Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose.

It was my privilege to care for my dad during the last five years of his life. He went home to Heaven in February 2024. This book is dedicated to him.

The Jesus Can . . . Give A Helping Hand Fund

For every copy that you purchase, a portion of this book’s net profits for two years will be given to an organization or individual that shares our primary mission: To spread the Gospel far and wide.

Our first honoree for this grant was an easy and obvious choice: Literacy & Evangelism International (LEI), located near Atlanta, GA, and staffed by missionaries Bob & Mary Mulloy.

The selection of LEI was easy because 29 of the 46 articles in this book are testimonies from individuals served by or affiliated with LEI. Bob and Mary’s testimonies are counted among the 29.

Atlanta is the ideal location for LEI because it is the home to the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL), the world’s busiest airport. Many of the people arriving at ATL from over 150 nations choose to make metro Atlanta their new home. As evidenced by the writers in Jesus Can Book 3, Bob & Mary have had the opportunity for 16 years to minister to many individuals, including three writers in Book 3 who are victims of violence in Africa, escapees from the killing fields of Cambodia, and a Haitian woman that was buried alive for three days.

It is our prayer that this grant will help them serve the diverse mission field in Atlanta for many more years, for it’s in Jesus’s name that we pray, Amen.

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13

Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 15 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 15

Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 24

Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Stephanie is giving away the grand prize of a $75 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54171

A Constant Love Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on March 13, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Constant Love is a Christian historical western romance fiction by the talented wordsmith Tracie Peterson. It is book one in her new The Hope of Cheyenne series. After finishing it, I am eagerly awaiting book two. Yes, book one is that good!

It took only a few pages for me to become fully invested in the story and characters. Author Peterson has an inviting way with words. I love her style of writing. She took me back to the late 1880s in Wyoming where I learned about life there. Her characters are carefully crafted, and they sounded realistic and believable.

This is the tale of Charlotte and Micah. It is filled with Christian messages, hardship, danger, adventure, emotions, grief, romance, and love. There are twists and turns that will surprise you. I did not want to stop reading it until it was finished. It totally captivated me.

I highly recommend this beautiful book. It has stuck with me long after finishing it. This would make a fantastic reading group choice. There is so much to discuss. Historical and western fiction lovers will enjoy this immensely. It gets a 5+ star rating from me. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words

About the Book

Book: A Constant Love

Author: Tracie Peterson

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: March 4, 2025

Heartache has left them emotionally desolate, but traces of love and healing could forge a future.

In the wake of a harsh winter, Micah Hamilton and Charlotte Aldrich are grappling with loss and guilt after the disaster that took the lives of their loved ones. Struggling to cope with his grief, Micah abandons his father’s dreams of a prosperous ranch and cuts himself off from the rest of the world.

Charlotte has loved Micah her entire life and is determined not to lose him as well. With her mother’s help, she begins coaxing Micah to live again. Despite their enduring heartache, the affection between them deepens, but just as Charlotte thinks her dreams may come true, a scorned suitor threatens everything she holds dear. Micah and Charlotte must embark on a journey of healing and renewal to build a life founded on faith, hope, and love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

More from Tracie

A Constant Love is a book near and dear to my heart. The book deals with tragedy and loss that came about during and after the Great Die-Up—a hideous winter of blizzards and desperately cold temperatures that affected the prairie states and up into the Rockies. Many of the ranchers in the areas were completely wiped out and gave up their ranches when their cattle died off in record numbers.

Ranchers and farmers had dealt with the elements turning against them prior to this, but the winter of 1886–1887 was different. The summer of 1886 had brought about record droughts, and many of the crops had failed. The livestock suffered as the grass died off and feed wasn’t readily available. By November, early and heavy snows started and continued. Temperatures dropped to record lows. In eastern Montana the temperatures were said to drop to negative 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

In January, a Chinook wind warmed things considerably, melting a lot of the snow. This just made things worse, however, because when the plunging sub-zero temperatures returned, the water froze a thick layer on top of what little grass the animals had been able to dig down to eat. Mass starvation followed, and thousands upon thousands of animals were lost. In reading about the era and all that happened, I came across comments from people that showed the great despair that flooded the states involved. The hopelessness of it all was overwhelming.

During the same time I was researching and mapping out this book, a beloved family member committed suicide. The devastation we felt was overwhelming, and it all seemed to come together with what I had been reading. I felt that deep sadness and despair. I read that some people had taken their lives after that winter. People were at a loss as to what to do, and in that day and age, the church was not always very kind to the families of those who killed themselves. As I prayed about the book I planned to write, I felt compelled to write about suicide and the ripple effect it has on family, friends, and even total strangers. I wanted to share the hope that I found in God’s Word, and A Constant Love was born.

There are times in our lives when we are overwhelmed to the point of despair, when giving up seems far easier than going on. I pray if you ever feel that way, you’ll reach out to someone and talk it through. But I also challenge those who aren’t feeling that way to be observant . . . to care about those around you enough to get in their business when things just don’t seem right. You might very well save a life. As the Bible says, we need to bear one another’s burdens. I hope you’ll keep that in mind as you read A Constant Love.

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, March 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 8

Devoted To Hope, March 9

Allyson Jamison, March 9

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 10

Simple Harvest Reads, March 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, March 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 12

Jodie Wolfe, March 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 14

Stories By Gina, March 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16

Maureen’s Musings, March 16

She Lives To Read, March 17

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 18

For Him and My Family, March 18

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 19

Cover Lover Book Review, March 19

Holly’s Book Corner, March 20

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 20

lakesidelivingsite, March 21

Pause for Tales, March 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54169

CAST: 1 Peter 5:7 Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on March 10, 2025March 9, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Cast: 1 Peter 5:7 by author Richard J Nisen is an inspirational Christian non-fiction book that was so encouraging. The major focus of this book is trusting God fully. It is scripturally based and excellently written. I found it easy to understand and follow.

Each chapter provides examples of living 1 Peter 5:7 in life. Biblical references and ideas for ways to reflect and grow are also included. This is a book that will help everyone and will be great to go back and read.

I highly recommend this for individuals and small groups. There is much to learn and think about from this inspirational book. It would make a great gift for anyone that might be struggling. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: CAST: 1 Peter 5:7

Author: Richard Nilsen

Genre: Christian non-fiction

Release date: November 14, 2023

Book: CAST: 1 Peter 5:7

Author: Richard Nilsen

Genre: Christian non-fiction

Release date: November 14, 2023

Discover the profound art of casting your cares to God and surrendering your problems to the Creator of the universe. We are thrilled to introduce you to CAST – 1 Peter 5:7, a life-changing new book from author Richard Nilsen.

Based on the popular verse, “Cast all your cares on God for He cares about you,” CAST offers practical and spiritual guidance on how to overcome worry, fear, anxiety and stress in your life.

You will learn how to trust God with your problems, how to find peace in His presence, and how to experience His love and care for you. CAST is more than just a book, it’s a journey of faith, freedom, and personal transformation. Whether you are facing personal, relational, or global challenges, this book will give you an entirely new perspective on how to cast your cares on the One who can handle them all.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Richard Nilsen is the author of several self-help books in the Christian market, including “The Road to Recovery,” “Sleep Great for Life,” and now “CAST – 1 Peter 5:7.” He lives in Tarpon Springs, Florida with his wife of 25 years and three beautiful daughters.

More from Richard

If you had told me I would write a 168-page book based on one verse in the Holy Bible, I would have said you were crazy. God works in mysterious ways, and I believe He inspired me to write this book, a project that took three years to complete, in order to help others who are struggling.

During the process of battling earth-crushing anxiety and depression, I learned how to cast my cares to the Lord and leave them with Him. The result: He would take care of all my cares and handle my problems for me. What I discovered is that casting your cares is a skill that one has to learn. It is not something that you just do without any practice and without the correct foundation. Learning to cast your cares on God can be a struggle at first, but it is a pathway to a God-fearing and eternal mindset. Once you learn the art of casting your cares to the Creator of the universe, your life will never the same.

I have always felt compelled to help others, and writing has always been for me the best way to convey my thoughts. When my college sweetheart and wife of 4 ½ years died in a tragic accident, I wrote the free grief guide “The Road to Recovery” specifically for the victims of the September 11^th tragedy. I later converted that work into an e-book for distribution online and through Amazon. CAST – 1 Peter 5:7 is another book based a difficult time in my life and how God pulled me through.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I promise that discovering how to cast your cares to our Lord is a skill you will not regret learning! Join me on this adventure.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 6

Vicky Sluiter, March 7 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 8

Fiction Book Lover, March 9 (Author Interview)

Abba‘s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 10

She Lives To Read, March 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12

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

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 14 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, March 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17

Artistic Nobody, March 18 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Richard 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54176

His Grace’s Governess Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on February 25, 2025 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

His Grace’s Governess by author Jackie Killelea is a Christian Regency Romance. This is book one in the Saving the Spinsters Series. I was immediately invested in the characters and the story. Once I had started this book, it was difficult to put it down. I was captivated and wanted to keep on reading.

Set in London, England in 1817, this is the stunning story of Eleanor Clairbridge. She has been unselfishly helping her mother after the death of her father, but now they need more money. Eleanor’s prayer is answered when she is hired as a governess for Duke of Albermarle, His Grace, Edmund Colhampton’s young niece, Rose.

I really liked the author’s style of writing. Twists and turns made the story exciting. Characters were lovable and realistic, but some were horribly mean and downright bullies. One of my favorites was young Rosie. She added humor and light. The butlers certainly showed how fond they were of their employers.

All conversations sounded authentic to the time period. The descriptions took me to a time and place that I had never been, and allowed me to easily imagine it. The message of Christian faith and love is delightfully woven throughout this beautiful novel. It was definitely demonstrated throughout the characters’ actions. This is a sigh worthy love story between two people carrying hurt from the past.

I highly recommend this mesmerizing story. It was entertaining and inspiring. A reader group would enjoy this as a selection. There is so much to discuss. It receives a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: His Grace’s Governess

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historic Romance

Release date: February 4, 2025

A governess with a secret. A duke with a broken heart. Can love heal their wounds?

Miss Eleanor Clairbridge, at five and twenty, has resigned herself to a life without love. With her family’s London townhouse threatened by dwindling finances, she accepts employment as a governess to help support her widowed mother and preserve her cherished childhood home. When Eleanor arrives at Ivy Grange Estate, the last thing she expects to find is a spark of attraction between her and her new employer. Determined not to risk her position, she resolves to keeps her distance. There is more than one reason a romance between them can never be.

Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle, has no intention of finding love. Since losing his family in a tragic carriage accident five years ago, he has devoted himself to protecting his young niece, the only family he has left. But when his niece’s enchanting governess arrives at the estate, Edmund finds himself reconsidering his vow never to love again. Why then, as he seeks to know her more, does she seem determined to avoid him at all costs?

As Eleanor fulfills her role as governess, her past begins to catch up with her, threatening to unravel the secrets she holds dear. Both Eleanor and Edmund must confront their deepest fears and decide whether to succumb to the darkness within or brave the path to healing and love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

More from Jackie

In His Grace’s Governess, much trouble befalls Edmund and Eleanor as they attempt to sort out their close proximity to and burgeoning feelings for one another, but there is one scene in particular that I enjoyed researching.

In one scene of the novel, Mr. Roskilly(the gardener at Ivy Grange Estate) worries at Eleanor plucking the plant Rabelera–otherwise known as Greater Stitchwort–from the ground. He fears that danger will befall Eleanor if she takes it from the garden and Eleanor, misunderstanding him, even believes at one point that Mr. Roskilly might be threatening her. But, why is Mr. Roskilly so worried? Is he really so concerned that Edmund’s hackles will be raised when he sees that Eleanor has plucked a few mere flowers from the garden–and with his niece, no less?

Indeed, that is not where his concern lies, for if you read the passage closely, you’ll see that Mr. Roskilly is Cornish. This is an important factor. When doing my research for the novel, I found that, in Cornwall, it is believed that Greater Stitchwort is the property of the pixies. It is believed that to pick it is to take it from them and to anger them, and if you anger them then there is all the chance that they may well retaliate for you having stolen what was theirs. Truly, they may even enchant you, according to legend. Having read this and being sufficiently intrigued, the scene was born! I do hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do.

Here is an excerpt from it so you know what I’m referring to:

“Hope yer walk’s went well. ’Tis a fine day fer one.” He grinned, revealing a mouth full of crooked teeth. His Cornish accent was thick, with a friendly tone to his voice.

Eleanor returned his smile and nodded. “It certainly is. What better way to spend a morning than to enjoy the sun in these beautiful gardens? They’re the finest I’ve ever seen.”

She could’ve sworn there was a hint of a blush on the man’s tawny face. “I than’ ye, miss. We do our righ’ bes’, and keepin’ i’ as i’ is makes ’is Grace ’appy. Ever since…” The man trailed off, a growing look of concern on his face.

What had he been about to say? Something about the duke or his family?

“Greater Stitchwort.” He spoke with a grave edge to his words, looking intently at the flower in Rose’s hand.

Eleanor’s gaze flitted from the man to the flower, her brows furrowing. “Is something wrong, sir?”

The man tilted his head, flicking his eyes to the side in a plea for a private conversation.

I will not say whether this decision to pick the plant affected Eleanor later on in the story or not, but I’ll leave you with this: Do consider all of the plants you touch before you decide to place your hand upon them and pull them from the ground.

Happy reading!

Jackie Killelea

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 19

Texas Book-aholic, February 19

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Stories By Gina, February 22 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, February 28

Pause for Tales, February 28

Book Looks by Lisa, March 1

Blossoms and Blessings, March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54157

The Trail to the Lonely Tree Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on December 16, 2024December 15, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

The Trail to the Lonely Tree is Book 1 of the Jaguar Oracle Series by author Kurt Mähler. This is a Christian, Magical Realism Fantasy novel. The eye catching cover on this book intrigued me and played a large part in why I signed up for this book tour. I am so glad it did, too. This book is an utter delight filled with hope, inspiration, and faith.

This is the story of Oracle, the jaguar, and his adventures. His friends are some animals and a young boy. They are charming as they embark on a mythical journey to fulfill a prophecy. These characters are cleverly crafted and easy to engage. They are adorable and wise.

The author has a lovely style of writing. From the beginning I was invested in the story and later the characters. His plot seemed plausible and not silly. I found myself turning page after page to continue the story. It had me captivated.

This tale has stayed with me since finishing it. I was challenged to define myself. It made me want to know the story God wrote about me. I really loved this book. In fact, I am still pondering it.

This would make an amazing book club selection. There is so much to discuss. It gets a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Trail to the Lonely Tree (Book 1 of the Jaguar Oracle Series)

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Christian Magical Realism Fantasy

Release date: September 30, 2024

A richly poetic tale of friendship, courage, and destiny that will awaken the imagination of children and adults alike.

When Oracle, a jaguar from the Yucatán, learns of the dying words of the last jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley, he finds himself on a perilous journey to see a prophecy fulfilled.

To do so he must travel 1,400 miles to Texas and find the Lonely Tree, where his kin spoke an enigma to the heavens as hunters took him down. But the Lonely Tree is in the dangerous realm of Man—and Oracle will need more than his own wisdom and strength to fulfill the task.

Oracle remembers Eden and the naming of the animals; what Adam spoke to the first of each kind. He discovers the animals in the Valley have forgotten their names—as has Man himself.

Can he not only fulfill the prophecy, but help the animals reclaim ancient truths before they are lost forever?

This hope-filled tale explores the quest for courage in a fallen world and how to make the faith journey—and its sacrifices—worthwhile.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kurt Mähler writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and cultures of the world. He and his wife have served in forty nations as encouragers in the Christian faith, where Kurt discovered the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. His roots include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

More from Kurt

During my eleven years in Afghanistan with my wife Karen and five children, I learned that sometimes we need ‘aha’ moments instead of how-to manuals; a story instead of a sermon; an encounter instead of a lecture.

That’s why my answer to the question, “What if a jaguar appeared in South Texas?” is saturated with parables, prayers, poems, proverbs, and prophetic words set in the voices of creation.

My wife Karen is from where this imaginary tale takes place, so I have visited it often. On one visit, I saw a 1946 black-and-white photo of what was believed to be the last jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley. Hunters gathered around their prize. The question, “What if a jaguar came back here?” struck like a match inside me and became a bonfire of discovery for six books, beginning with The Trail to the Lonely Tree.

C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Tolkien, Milton, and Dante are the literary mentors I have looked to for this Christian fantasy, which, in my case, is a form called “magical realism.”

It’s real in that you can visit, for example, the Port Isabel lighthouse or the Rio Grande River; it’s magical in that I have immersed that world into another one—one that isn’t “real” yet completely true. The ranches are fictitious and yet, as symbols, speak the truth to the way things are and the way things could be as wheat and weeds grow together in the realm of Man.

The descriptions of the animals and plants of the Rio Grande Valley are as accurate as I could labor to attain. For the stars, I employed the astronomy app Starry Night Enthusiast 8 to precisely describe the activity of the heavens during the time of the tale, which is from September 2016 through August 2017 in Book 1.

The herblore is a work of research too. Patch the raccoon heals a friend’s injury with aloe vera and the pita plant, while later he and ab aplomado falcon named Sent attempt to heal an ailing, abandoned child with leaves of the anacahuita (Texas wild olive); twigs of the allthorn (amargoso); and tasajillo berries of the Christmas cactus.

A word about the jaguar named Oracle. He isn’t Aslan, but he sure seems to have spent time with him. His faith journey might be like yours, with clues to the future, a heart to serve others—and profound disappointments along the way.

Let’s discover together how to begin again, own our faith, leverage our sorrows, and pick up the trail before us. For the way to our future often begins with a memory. Our destinies are found in the first things our Creator told us long ago in childhood and before. That is where we will most likely find courage for our calling.

I don’t mean ‘calling’ in the sense of clergy alone, but in the sense of living as your original self, the one God thought of when He said, “Let there be…”

I wrote this tale to impart such courage.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Vicky Sluiter, December 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 16

Simple Harvest Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Denise L. Barela, December 17

Aryn The Libraryan, December 18

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 21 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Blossoms and Blessings, December 23 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 24

Stories By Gina, December 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a detailed digital map of the entire six-book tale, a paperback copy of the book, and an audiobook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54120

To Choose the Longshot Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on November 26, 2024November 25, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts on To Choose the Longshot

To Choose the Longshot by author Lisa M Prysock is book two in her Kentucky Debutants of the Gilded Age series. It is a Christian historical romance that is delightful. Living near Louisville, Kentucky and having had grandparents that lived in Lexington, I am familiar with the beauty and regality of Kentucky horse racing. However, this book taught me some things about it during the Gilded Age that I did not know.

This is the tale of Delia Lyndon. She is the second born child to her parents, loves horses, riding, and is expected to make a prosperous marriage. There are two suitors that have caught her eye. She now needs to decide what she really wants for her future.

I loved the faith message in this novel. It illustrated how we should all ask for guidance and discernment from God. When we pray that His will is done in our lives, things begin to become clearer to us. There were life lessons on priorities, forgiveness, grace, and family. All of the lessons were inspiring.

Since this is the second book in the series, I would recommend reading it after book one. It would make for a clearer understanding of the story, but it could be read as a standalone. This is very engaging and filled with romance, suspense, and excitement. The characters are realistic and relatable. The story was interesting and had a nice pace with no lulls.

I highly recommend this novel. It is very entertaining and will leave you with some tidbits of information you did not previously have. This gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my own thoughts.

About the Book

Book: To Choose the Longshot

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

In a world where wealth and status reign, can true love prevail?

Miss Delia Lyndon, a young woman born into the prestigious Spencer-Lyndon family, is initially enamored with Thaddeus, the son of a prominent local stable owner, when he begins vying for her hand in marriage. She is keenly aware of how a union between the two families would seal their status as one of the most beloved couples from Lexington. However, when Jake, a handsome and charming newcomer, arrives on the scene, he catches her attention, casting doubts and fears in Delia’s heart. Torn between two suitors, Delia must navigate societal expectations, family pressure, and her own desires. Will she choose the man who seemingly has it all – wealth, charm, and a shared background in Kentucky’s elite circles – or will she follow her heart to the humble yet captivating Jake?

Jake Williams is determined to prove his worth in the competitive world of horse racing. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, he refuses to be intimidated by his rival’s malicious attempts to sabotage his chances, both on the racetrack and in winning Delia’s affections. With his trusted steed, Horizon, by his side, Jake faces each challenge head-on, guided by his unwavering faith.

When mysterious events begin occurring leading up to the annual Phoenix Stakes horse race, Delia must look beyond appearances and uncover the truth that lies beneath.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

More from Lisa

Hello Celebrate Lit Friends and Readers! I’m back to share a looksie at Book 2 from Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age. I’ve really enjoyed my deep dive into all things Kentucky Derby and the world of horseracing in To Choose the Longshot.

Most of us have heard of Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland. But before Keeneland was the Lexington Association Racetrack. The annual spring race generally opened each year on that course with a featured race known as the Phoenix Stakes. It dates as far back in history as 1831! You can take a peek at the fascinating horse names of all the winners from 1831 to 2012, here. Of course, I’ve fictionalized names of winners and many events around the races in my series, but it’s fun to peek at real-life history when crafting our stories.

Leading up to and through the Gilded Age, the time period and setting of this series, the Phoenix race was generally sponsored by the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington. And more than Kentucky horseracing history, in Book 2, readers will get to come along for a glimpse at another course located in Baltimore, Maryland when the story takes our main characters to Pimlico. They referred to this track as the Old Hilltop in the early days of American horseracing history.

And atop Pimlico sits the famed weathervane. Did you know that painting the Preakness Stakes weathervane is a grand Pimlico tradition dating to 1909? The vane style is unique, commissioned by the Maryland Jockey Club, bearing the shape of a thoroughbred and jockey ever since the original arrow-shaped one was struck down by lightning. The new vane was christened by the colors of the silks carried by that year’s winner, Effendi.

I had a great deal of fun writing To Choose the Longshot starting with the very first page. The novel opens with a runaway bride! It’s always a wonder what makes a bride runaway, and my imagination went to work at once creating the situation that causes this bride so much consternation.

Readers get to learn more about Veronica’s sister in Book 2, Miss Delaney Lyndon. Everyone calls the shy and demure middle sister, Delia. And all of Lexington expects one of the Lyndon sisters to marry into the Sullivan family, since these two families are “Kentucky horseracing royalty.” But who will Delia choose to marry? Will she marry her handsome, wealthy, and daring beau, Thaddeus Sullivan, or will a rugged newcomer and underdog in their midst from the Adirondacks, Jake Williams, turn her head?

I cannot fail to mention that the beloved character of Aunt Mae from Book 1 makes an appearance in Book 2. She certainly has her hands full attempting to help Delia reach a decision about who she should marry, knowing it will impact the future of Velvet Brooks Farm for generations to come. But if anyone can help steer Delia to a decision, it’s Aunt Mae. As our heroine grapples with perceptions and tries to balance expectations with what’s in her heart, find out what happens next with a deeper look at the world of horseracing, sure to give horse enthusiasts plenty to cheer about.

Happy reading!

Blessings!

Lisa