Review of Marantha, The Victory Battle (The Victory Series Book 3) by Blossom Turner

 

About the Book

Book: Maranatha, The Victory Battle (The Victory Series Book 3)

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Christian Suspense on Spiritual Warfare

Release Date: July 22, 2025

 

What if the greatest battle you’ll ever fight is the one you cannot see?

Mara has faced the unthinkable—abuse, betrayal, and loss—but nothing can prepare her for the final battle ahead. As demons scheme in the shadows and angels stand guard, she must confront her deepest fears. With her marriage hanging by a thread, an abandoned child thrust into her arms, and a relentless enemy determined to destroy all she holds dear, Mara must decide: will she trust in God’s sovereignty, or will fear consume her?

As darkness closes in, her faith is tested like never before. The forces of evil will stop at nothing to break her spirit. But Mara clings to one truth—God’s love is greater, His power stronger, and prayer can change everything. Yet, in her final days, with her life at risk, will she find the courage to stand victorious?

A breathtaking conclusion to The Victory Series, Maranatha: The Victory Battle is a heart-pounding Christian suspense novel that will challenge, inspire, and awaken you to the unseen war raging around us all. Your prayer life will never be the same.

“A powerful, faith-filled thriller in the vein of Frank Peretti. Turner delivers an unforgettable journey of spiritual warfare, redemption, and unshakable faith.”  — Creston Mapes, Bestselling Author

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Every book I read in the Victory series keeps getting better and better. This one was exceptional and demonstrated Mara's growing strength and increasing faith in God. When things are at their darkest point in her life, she praises God.

The storyline speaks of forgiveness, redemption, faith, and a loving God. The main characters in the book are relatable, with so many layers, and show us that God is always with us. I enjoyed every page of this exciting story and couldn't put it down. It's a fictional story, but it also contains a lot of truth. I'm hoping there will be another one in the series.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

 

About the Author

Blossom Turner is an award-winning author, multiple-time Canadian Word Guild Awards recipient, and ACFW Carol Award finalist who began her writing career later in life. An adventurer at heart, she enjoys skydiving, gardening, and singing for fun. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and other anthologies, worked as a newspaper columnist on health and fitness, and ultimately found her true passion in writing fiction with purpose. Her latest series, The Victory Series, brings to life spiritual warfare, weaving love, deep relationships, and hope into every page. She is also the author of the award-winning historical romance series The Shenandoah Brides, featuring five sisters and their love stories. Blossom and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, with their Shepherd/Bernese dog, Lacey. Learn more at blossomturner.com.

More from Blossom

Have you ever felt like something, or someone is watching you? Have you ever experienced darkness in a fully lit room? Or wondered if a malevolent force was working against you?

We all love stories on angels and God’s love and protection, but we also have an enemy… a living, breathing adversary who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Ephesians 6:12 says: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (NKJV)

This series—The Victory Series—found me. My genre is historical romance. I was building a following, won some awards, and loved what I was doing. But as I finished up my last series, the Holy Spirit made it very clear that Mara would be my next project. From my own experiences of childhood abuse and my marriage under fire, I added enough fiction to protect real-life people and created a story that reveals the unseen spiritual world hard at work—both benevolent and malevolent forces.

We do not fight alone. In this third and final book of this series, Mara comes face-to-face with evil attacks on her children and on the very life force within her. She must choose whether to remain faithful to the end or give in to the narrative the enemy of her soul whispers to her and to us all: God does not love you or care what you are going through—He never has.

Mara’s birth to death story unfolds in a unique, riveting, and page-turning experience that will alert you to events taking place in the unseen spiritual realm.

You will be entertained, (nothing wrong with that) but you will also come away with a greater appreciation for prayer, for Christ, and for His work on the cross. You may even view the trials of life in a new encouraging way. The battle is real—but the One by our side is victorious.

                Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, July 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 25

Devoted Steps, July 26

Fiction Book Lover, July 27 (Guest Review from Lily)

Blogging With Carol, July 27

Where Crisis and Christ Collide, July 28

Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 1

Blossoms and Blessings, August 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

Artistic Nobody, August 3 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 4

Texas Book-aholic, August 5

Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)

                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Blossom 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/00adcf54257

Review of The Last Disciple: Gospel of John by Kurt Brower

 

About the Book

Book: The Last Disciple: Gospel of John (The Last Disciple Book Four)

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 10, 2025

Discover the Untold Story of the Last Disciple to Witness the Miracles of Christ

In a world shrouded in doubt and darkness, one man holds the key to the greatest story ever told.

The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating new Christian historical novel from Kurt Brouwer. Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of one who was there. John, a disciple of Christ, watched the Son of God sacrifice his life on the Cross and entered the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the grave.

Witness Jesus Through the Eyes of One Who Was with Him

Years after witnessing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John seeks to faithfully write down the life-changing events he experienced firsthand.

Go back in time with John to old Jerusalem as he describes the fateful meeting between the Messiah and Nicodemus in which Christ uttered the most beloved passage in the Bible: ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John sets down the true story of Christ, contending with those who seek to water down the gospel message. Accompanied by trusted allies like Emmaus and Avram, John travels from Ephesus to Laodicea, Hierapolis, and beyond, determined to ensure the world never forgets the sacrifice and love of the Son of God.

John reunites with his old friend and fellow disciple, Philip, who is gravely ill. In a desperate bid to save Philip’s life, John seeks out the help of Evangeline, a skilled herbalist and healer. After Philip recovers, a mob whipped up by a high priest of the goddess Cybele lays in wait to attack John and Philip.

Will violent enemies of the faith cut off the gospel message John carries?

Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of the Beloved Disciple—and discover how one man’s courage can change the course of history.

If you’re struggling with doubt, searching for meaning, or hungry to deepen your faith, The Last Disciple: Gospel of John is the Christian novel you’ve been waiting for.

Don’t miss this gripping tale of courage, conviction, and the eternal power of the gospel!

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I loved this historical re-telling of the Gospel of John. It had my attention from the beginning. All the historical aspects of the novel appear to be well researched and helped bring the story to life.

The story is emotional, offering the reader a glimpse into the struggles, dangers, and faith that the followers of Jesus endured. The main event is the retelling of Jesus' death and resurrection. I felt as though I was right there with the disciples.

As I read through the story, I was transported to biblical times, which felt remarkably real. The disciples' account of their struggles touched my heart. I can't wait for the next installment in the series. This is another excellent read from this author.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Kurt Brouwer is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church on the Big Island of Hawaii. So, in addition to all the usual temptations writers face, Kurt has to fight off the lure of beautiful beaches, pounding surf, great weather, and lush golf courses. Can you imagine?

About nine years ago, Kurt did a study for his church on the Apostle John. If you’ve ever been obsessed by anything, you’ll understand what happened. Kurt couldn’t stop researching, digging, diving into the life of John and other first century Christians. Kurt read books by early church historians who wrote quite a bit more more about the disciples, but they often contradicted each other. Further, they never really delved into the daily lives and motivations, joys and sorrows of the first Christians.

Kurt took all of his research and knowledge, all the insights and details he had acquired and turned it into a series of Christian historical novels based on research and Biblical knowledge.

The first four books in the series are now available:

The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem, The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch, The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus, and The Last Disciple: Gospel of John.

You can also read more on why he started the series at his website.

More from Kurt

About 10 years ago, I read a piece on BibleGateway.com estimating that the Gospel of John came out fifty years or more after the Crucifixion of Christ! I couldn’t stop wondering what John did all those years? Why did it take so long to write the fourth gospel? Was it the world’s longest case of writer’s block?

In this new book, The Last Disciple: Gospel of John, we witness John struggling to put down on papyrus the life-changing events he experienced as he walked with Jesus. We go back in time and watch Christ uttering the most beloved verse in the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

While we all know this verse as John 3:16, John himself would not have understood this designation at all. It’s obvious to us that it refers to the book of John, chapter three, verse sixteen.

But, in the course of research for this series, I found out that chapter and verse did not exist in the first century. In fact, the first published Bible that used this format for both the Old Testament and the New Testament was the Geneva Bible published after 1500 AD.

As you can tell, I’m having fun writing these books. Each day I try to faithfully depict the lives of the first Christians and to show their love for Jesus and faith in the gospel message.

              Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 18

Inspired by Fiction, July 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 19

Bizwings Book Blog, July 20

Artistic Nobody, July 21 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, July 21

She Lives to Read, July 22

Fiction Book Lover, July 23 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 25

Simple Harvest Reads, July 26 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, July 27

Guild Master, July 28 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, July 29

Mary Hake, July 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 31 (Author Interview)

                 Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt 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/00adcf54252

Review of The Neighbor and The Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti

 

Twelve days. Twelve gifts. One unlikely hero.

Wisconsin, 1930—When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him.

Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather's house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he's been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie's uninvited suitor discovers her new location.

As the man's actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus' life.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

To Purchase

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline.

My Review

The Neighbor and the Gifts is a Christmas tale that will surprise you with a sense of adventure and a sweet budding romance. Danger and intrigue also add to the story's appeal.

The main characters, Ollie and Titus, are inspirational and endearing. I enjoyed following their journey. They have many layers; as each layer is exposed due to incidents, God gives them extra strength to get through. Ollie's grandfather was my favorite, and he made me laugh often.

The ending wrapped up everything nicely. I read it in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down. I had to see what other surprises might still be waiting. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of Flight of Fate Blog Tour by Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

 

About the Book

Book: Flight of Fate (The Clockwork Chronicles Book Two)

Authors: Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction with a Steampunk Twist

Release Date: June 10, 2025

When destined for destruction, fate must be challenged.

Curator Dante Ramono must remove the priceless Farnese Cup from its hidden vault in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli to protect it from Allied bombing. A swift betrayal places the cup in Nazi hands, but not before it reveals its mystical powers. To recover the cup, Dante must join forces with cunning Theodora. Can he trust her, or will he be deceived once more?

In Prague, Kateřina Dubová works to care for the Jews she’s hidden. In her hour of greatest need, her trusted friend, Josef, has seemingly vanished. Danger closes in, yet an unseen protector steps in again and again. Could it be Josef, hidden in the shadows?

The clock is ticking. Is the future set in stone, or can courage and faith change history? Together, these four unlikely guardians must defy the odds to stop the Germans’ dark ambitions or risk their very souls.

Betrayal, sacrifice, and destiny collide as unlikely heroes race to save a world at war from the power of a mystical relic.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Flight of Fate is an adventurous, historical fantasy with a steampunk flair. The descriptions of WWII and steampunk details throughout the book made it a fantasy beyond my imagination. It's a world where evil battles and things aren't always what they seem.

The characters are well-developed. There is deception, betrayal, a sense of budding romance, and the ability to try to stand up for the defenseless, at a time when trust is a precious commodity.

The storyline takes you on a roller-coaster ride that seamlessly weaves past historical details and steampunk. Parts of the story about the suffering of the Jews brought tears to my eyes, and there were times when I laughed due to playful banter. This is such a well-written book, and the historical details seemed well-researched.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not recommended. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is a celebrated writer, speaker, and co-host of the Daily Bible Podcast. Author of 80 books, Tricia has won four Golden Scrolls, two Carols, and a Christian Book Award. In addition to Christy and Gold Medallion nominations, her book sales exceed 4 million copies. Tricia is a highly sought-after conference speaker, sharing on writing, parenting, and purposeful living. Tricia’s most recent work, The Clockwork Chronicles, is a historical steampunk fantasy trilogy co-authored with her son, Nathan Goyer.

Nathan Goyer is an upstart designer and science fiction author who has been writing since he was young. He has written the novel Bask: City of Shadows and solo-developed the mobile RPG game Heedless, which has surpassed 30,000 downloads. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, he is now pushing forward with new endeavors, starting with his latest series, The Clockwork Chronicles, co-authored with his mother, Tricia Goyer.

More from Tricia and Nathan

Mafia in World War II? This One Fact Changed the Plot of Our Book

By Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer

Some discoveries in research are expected. You dig, and you find what you’re looking for. Others? Well, they blindside you. Sort of like a speeding Vespa on a crowded Italian street.

That’s what happened when Nathan and I were deep in research for Flight of Fate. I was already thrilled about weaving real history into our novel—especially the story of the Naples Museum during World War II and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. (Yes, the very volcano that buried Pompeii in AD 79.) Turns out, this volcano wasn’t done causing trouble.) But what I didn’t expect was how one innocent question would change our entire book.

The Question That Changed Everything

I had been gathering all sorts of juicy details from my online friend Raffael Romano. Raffaele is an expert on Naples history, and he runs his own tour company. (If you ever want to explore Italy without leaving your couch, check out Naples Grand Tour—you won’t regret it!)

After an information-packed interview, I asked, “So, is there anything we didn’t ask about that we should?”

Raffaele paused. Then, as casually as if he were offering me an extra scoop of gelato, he said:

“You haven’t asked about the mafia.”

Excuse me, what?!

Yes, the Mafia Had a Secret Role in WWII

Up until that moment, I had been focused on mystical artifacts, Nazi theft, stolen artwork, and volcanic chaos. But suddenly, my brain was spinning in a whole new direction.

Because, yes—while American and British forces were battling the Axis in Italy, there was another power at play in the shadows.

The Sicilian Mafia (known as Cosa Nostra) had been suppressed under Mussolini’s fascist rule in the 1920s and ’30s. However, when Allied forces invaded Sicily in 1943, something surprising happened: the Mafia made a comeback. And not just any comeback—a strategic, calculated one.

The U.S. military, scrambling for allies on the ground, reportedly turned to some rather unusual sources for help. Enter Mafia boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano—yes, the American Mafia kingpin, who was conveniently in a New York prison at the time. In exchange for some leniency, he allegedly used his underworld connections to help Allied intelligence secure Sicily.

Meanwhile, in Naples—where part of our story takes place—the Mafia was alive and well. And they weren’t just smuggling black-market goods or running gambling rings—they were also influencing who had control of their country. (Hint: the Germans may got the boot outta the Boot!)

And Just Like That, A Different Story Emerged!

With this new information, our fictional world suddenly cracked wide open. How could we tie the Mafia into the world of ancient legends and steampunk warfare? Are they good? Evil? Somewhere in-between? We could twist those scenarios into tales of sacrifice and duty we had already explored in Breath of Bones. There were lots of directions we could go, and boy did we go!

This is Why We Love History

This is what we love about writing historical fiction. It’s like stepping into a time machine and realizing that real history is so much bigger than we imagined. Stories we think we know—like the Allied liberation of Italy—have so many hidden layers. Layers of ordinary people making impossible choices. Layers of forgotten heroes … and unexpected villains.

And, sometimes, layers of the Mafia.

So, the next time you watch a WWII movie and wonder, could the Mafia really have played a role in this?—the answer might just be yes. (And don’t worry. We’re not giving away too much of the plot by sharing this!)

Now, I’m curious—have you ever learned a historical fact that completely surprised you? Drop a comment, and let’s chat! And if you love history as much as I do, be sure to check out Naples Grand Tour for a deep dive into Italy’s incredible past! Tell Raffelo that Nathan and I send you and said, “Chao!” Also, be sure to check out Book One, Breath of Bones!

              Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 30

Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 4 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, July 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6

The Lofty Pages, July 7

Blossoms and Blessings, July 8

Book Looks by Lisa, July 9

Artistic Nobody, July 10 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, July 10

Lily’s Corner, July 11

Bizwings Book Blog, July 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 13

                  Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Nathan and Tricia are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of Breath of Bones and Flight of Fate!!

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/00adcf54251 

Takeover Blitz for Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink

 

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Fire Mountain 

Series: Elements of Danger #1 

Author: Dana Mentink 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: July 1, 2025 

Genre: Mystery & Romantic Suspense

Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help. 

 As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not. 

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Revell | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Excerpt

He was still scanning the horizon, lost in thought. His gaze wandered back over the contents

of her cab, the wrecked steering wheel, the imploded glass. Eyes narrowing, he suddenly went

still for a long moment before he let out a low whistle. “We’ve got more problems than a math

textbook.”

She felt like laughing. “Besides the fact that I was in a crash and now we’re stranded

somewhere in an evacuation area near a volcano that’s about to erupt?”

He scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Yeah, besides that.”

She tried for a calming breath, but it hurt coming in and going out. “Like what?”

He pointed. “Take a look for yourself.”

At first she could not understand the significance of the little round hole punched in the driver’s

side window or the second one two inches below it. “Are those . . .”

“Bullet holes. Yes, ma’am.”

She gaped. “Someone . . . shot at me?”

“Appears that way. Could explain why you crashed.” “Who would do that?”

“Great question. Carrying precious cargo?” “I don’t—”

He cut her off with a sigh. “Remember. Right.”

A shooter had tried to kill her? Steal her cargo? And was possibly still out there? Cullen stood

motionless, watch- ing her. He was a stranger . . . with no vehicle visible that she could see.

He indicated something else with a jut of his chin. She looked. A splotch of red caught her

attention, and she gasped. The small print on the passenger window was a bloody, partial

outline of a hand. Cold inched along her nerves.

His brows drew together, lines bracketing his fore- head. “Not your blood. You were still

strapped in when I arrived.”

“And not yours?”

He held up his calloused palms as if she were attempt- ing to rob him. “No blood, and that’s

a tiny print. I got big hands.”

Someone had pushed their way out of her truck. Some- one bleeding. “I was alone. I never

travel with anyone else.”

“Until today maybe.”

“No. I was alone.”

“Ms. Kit, we can talk about that after we’re clear of this location. Gotta get out. Take us

‘bout a half hour to reach my truck. Let’s stick to the trees in case whoever it is hasn’t

left.”

Dana Mentink, Fire Mountain

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2025. Used by permission

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About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She's written more than 50 mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. Winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, Dana lives in Northern California with her husband.

Connect with Dana by visiting DanaMentink.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Fire Mountain and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 16, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review of Secrets of the Revolution Blog Tour by Megan Soja

 

 

About the Book

Book: Secrets of the Revolution

Author: Megan Soja

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 10, 2025

The cause of liberty brought them together. Will it also tear them apart?

Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies…and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart.

William Abbott always keeps his promises. He vowed long ago to never abandon those in need like his father did. So when new British acts of Parliament threaten Boston and endanger his family, he throws himself into serving the Patriot cause, using his position at the printing office to gather and spread intelligence. But when his clandestine role in the newly formed spy ring causes him to cross paths with the apothecary’s beautiful daughter, he may find himself fighting for more than the cause.

As tensions in Boston reach a breaking point, Will and Hannah find their bond deepening even as the noose tightens around the spy ring. When promises and determination are not enough to protect the ones they love, they’ll need to trust God if they are to survive what is to come.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is the first book by this author that I have read. I am now a fan. She has woven a believable tale about Will and Hannah and how their love blooms despite the impending Revolutionary War.

The author's ability to weave actual events from history along with fictional aspects is amazing. It made me feel like I was there experiencing it. The storyline contains times of grief, intrigue, mystery, love of family, and a very present sense of faith in God.

I admired Will and Hannah's strength, courage, and faith. The story kept me engaged within the pages, and I couldn't put it down. It's a page-turner as well.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.

 

 

 

 

More from Megan

In Secrets of the Revolution, my hero and heroine, Will and Hannah, are both drawn into participating in a Patriot spy ring in Boston. As I was planning their story, I drew inspiration from a group of famous real-life spies that operated in New York City during the American Revolution – the Culper Ring.

The Culper Ring was established in 1778 and successfully ran for five years without a single spy being discovered. Even today, we do not know the identity of all the members. They used a variety of methods to communicate, including ciphers, codes, and invisible ink, all of which served as inspiration for details in my story. I even used some of the numerical codes from the actual Culper Code Book to encrypt a letter that Will receives.

While researching the Culper Ring, I came across an especially interesting woman – Anna Smith Strong – and I knew she would be the perfect model for the part that Hannah plays in Secrets of the Revolution.

Anna’s role in the spy ring was to relay signals when information had been left at a specific location. Her family farm on Seaton’s Neck in Long Island provided prime location for her work, and she communicated through a brilliantly simple manner that went undetected throughout its operation. When a message was ready to be picked up amongst the coves of Long Island, Anna would hang a black petticoat on her clothesline, followed by a number of white handkerchiefs to indicate which location to use. Her clothing signal was easily spotted by fellow spy Caleb Brewster, who would periodically row out into the Sound, or Abraham Woodhull, whose nearby farm provided a clear view. The Culper Ring accomplished more than any other spy network during the war, thanks in part to Anna’s work.

As you discover Hannah’s role in Secrets of the Revolution, I hope that knowing Anna’s real history makes my story come to life all the more!

                    Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, June 26

Pens Pages & Pulses, June 26

Devoted Steps, June 27

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 28

Texas Book-aholic, June 29

To Everything There Is A Season, June 29

Inkwell Inspirations, June 30

Simple Harvest Reads, June 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 3

Blossoms and Blessings, July 3

Babbling Becky L’ Book Impressions, July 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 6

Pause for Tales, July 6

Cover Lover Book Review, July 7

For Him and My Family, July 8

Bizwings Book Blog, July 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 9

                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Megan 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/00adcf54248

Review of To Love a Beast Blog Tour by Karen Witemeyer

 

 

About the Book

Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

To Love a Beast is a Beauty and the Beast story with an unexpected twist. It is a story you won't forget anytime soon. The characters will come across as very real, with strengths and weaknesses, and in the end, an amazing amount of faith. I enjoyed this story so much. It is filled with depth, compassion, faith, redemption, danger, and love.

The characters are well-developed, and the layers come off slowly as I turned the pages. Once handsome and through a past out of his control, Everett Griffin has changed more ways than he realizes, especially when a female bookbinder, Calista Rosenfield, comes calling to work on his library. Working under her father at their shop in Texas, she is sent in his place due to her father's injury. She finds more than she ever imagined.

I read the story in one sitting; I couldn't put it down. There was so much going on to hold my attention until the very end, which wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

 

 

 

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.

Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

                     Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

                     Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

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/00adcf54249