Saturday, November 15, 2025

Sermons from a Soapbox Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Sermons from a Soapbox, Messages of Hope and Encouragement

Author: Ladonna Shanks

Genre: Devotional, based on personal experience; Memoir; Adult Nonfiction; “Life Lesson Essays”

Release Date: April 8, 2025

“What is God like?

Does He even exist, other than as a figment of the imagination?

Or is He real, a part of daily life and our world?

In Sermons from a Soapbox, Ladonna Shanks shares her personal spiritual journey of more than seventy-five years. “I cannot write what I have not experienced,” serves as the base of her easy-to-read, anecdotal essays. The short “sermons” challenge the reader to think, question, search, and consider living where God is . . . in the spiritual, long-term, instead of humankind’s physical, short-term.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Ladonna Shanks was born and raised in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. During her several decades of life, she has been an entrepreneur, a small business owner, and, most recently, a writer. Her first book, Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God was published in 2019. Ladonna’s family, including five grandgirls, and her commitment to God serve as her priorities.

More from Ladonna

The desire and passion to share God’s quest for friendship with humankind has driven me to write of my personal experiences with Him. “I cannot write what I have not experienced” is my mantra.

The easy-to-read anecdotal essays make up both of my books: Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God and my newly published Sermons from a Soapbox, Messages of Hope and Encouragement. (My editor calls them “Life’s Lessons Essays.)

I never preach, but I share my life. My desire is to challenge the reader to consider life in the long-term, eternal instead of the short-term, physical. I want them to think.

I am open, honest, and transparent as I present my weaknesses, failures, and inadequacies in contrast to God’s faithfulness, care, and love.

MY REVIEW

I read this book with an open heart ready to see what nuggets of wisdom I would receive. I did like the beginning which talks about our lives. Each one of us has a purpose and God knew what it was from the beginning. I know there have been times I wonder what my purpose is. I just want to know Him in a personal way that keeps my focus on God.

Each chapter has a different topic as the author shares her insights. I appreciate her openness and desire for each of us to “know God as you experience life and a relationship with Him.” Each book I read I want to be open to what I read without judging or being misled. We all have different views and ways to interpret things. On a personal level my briefs may differ from the author at times, but one thing lines up. We believe in God and want to follow His direction. I never want to say someone is wrong just because I don’t agree. Instead I give grace and ask God to show me the truth.

It is apparent the author is passionate about God and loves to share Him with others. I loved when she said, “ time alone with God serves as one of the greatest investments that can be made in life.” There are many nuggets of wisdom in the book and I enjoyed reading the author’s thoughts. She does cover many subjects that are faith based and direct us to a relationship with God. I think this would be a nice gift to give someone or even use it in a small group.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 13

Simple Harvest Reads, November 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

Artistic Nobody, November 16 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, November 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 17

The Sacred Line, November 18

Lots of Helpers, November 19

Fiction Book Lover, November 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

Vicky Sluiter, November 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 23

For the Love of Literature, November 24 (Author Interview)

Because I said So, November 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 25 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, November 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ladonna is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of my book, and a set of 6 blank note cards created by myself using floral photos!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d5a0/sermons-from-a-soapbox-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, November 14, 2025

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle

Author: Daniel Petronelli

Genre: Childrens Christian, Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure

Release Date: October , 2021

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

This unforgettable, multi-award-winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the enduring presence of God in their lives.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader.

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

When not with his family and friends, he can be found on the first tee … asking for another mulligan.

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

More from Daniel

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is an inspired story about the power of faith. I initially wrote this inspirational story for my family as a Christmas gift. The story emphasizes that even a “ tiny seed “ planted with faith can bring miracles. It is my hope that the Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle will continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

MY REVIEW

This is a great book to read at Christmas time with your family. I loved how the story centers around faith and working together. It reminds of the scripture in the Bible of “ having faith like a mustard seed.” Boys from both sides of the mountain work together to bring a special gift to the town. When they get lost in a snow storm, someone very special rescues them. The miracle they witness all those years ago, is still shared today. What a wonderful way to show children about being brave and trusting God. I enjoyed the illustrations and thought it enhanced the story.

I liked how the leader of the group was the mayor’s son who wanted to do the right thing. He didn’t agree with his father on a law he passed and decided to do what his heart was telling him was right. It is a good example of how brave these boys were and shares what the true meaning of Christmas is.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 14

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 15 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews , November 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 16

Artistic Nobody, November 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

Guild Master, November 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Fiction Book Lover, November 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 22

Books Less Travelled, November 23 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, November 25 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Pilgrim, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Visa Gift Certificate and a signed hardcover copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dc71/the-seed-of-faith-a-christmas-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Maggie and the Maverick Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Maggie and the Maverick

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 13, 2025

A jaded lady marshal and a stage driver with a past—bound by duty, tested by lies, and drawn to a love that could change everything.

A wary lady marshal and a reformed stage driver—entangled by secrets, shadowed by danger, and tempted by a love neither dared to trust.

U.S. Marshal Maggie Davis has learned the hard way not to trust men with charming smiles and winning ways. Her reticence makes her the perfect undercover investigator for a string of daring stage robberies. When the case leads her to stay with a local family, she finds herself drawn to Cal McConnell, the handsome stage driver who could either be her greatest ally or her prime suspect.

Cal has worked hard to put his wild past behind him and build an honest life as a stage driver. When a mysterious new lady comes to town selling ladies’ garments, he’s instantly captivated by her beauty and fierce independence. But as stage robberies escalate and murder enters the picture, Cal must decide if he can trust this woman who seems determined to keep him at arm’s length—even as his heart tells him she could be the one.

When the line between truth and deception blurs, will they cling to caution—or risk everything for something real?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

Did you ever watch the movie Stagecoach? The movie that launched John Wayne’s career? My father introduced me to the movie when I was young, and that sparked my interest in westward expansion, cowboys, and stagecoaches.

When I was a teen, I read a book called Six Horse Hitch, by author Janice Holt Giles. In the book, she goes into all the details of stagecoach driving, stations across the west, the coaches, the passengers, the US mail delivery, and more. I was enthralled.

Stagecoach drivers (sometimes called Jehus) were a breed apart. Brave, resilient, and bold. Heroic.

Which meant, when I became an author, I wanted to create a hero who was a stagecoach driver. Enter Cal McConnell in Maggie and the Maverick. He’s the third of three sons, with a dry humor, and a bit of a jaded outlook on life.

Truthfully, I patterned him after Heath Barkley, a character on the 1960’s TV show, The Big Valley, played by Lee Majors. Even down to the light brown/dark blond hair and blue eyes.

One thing that is important when writing romance is to ensure that the heroine is worthy of the hero and vice versa. So I imagined what kind of a woman would be a great life partner for Cal. She would have to be spunky, smart, and compassionate.

Maggie Davis, an undercover agent, fit the bill. Her guise was that of a ladies’ unmentionables saleswoman, and that job leads to a memorable encounter upon meeting Cal for the first time.

I’m so thankful that Maggie and the Maverick is getting a new release out into the world through Wild Heart Books. I hope that you enjoy this rollicking western with a stage driving hero and undercover agent heroine.

MY REVIEW

What a fun story this was to read. From the beginning it caught my attention. Poor Maggie has the misfortune to have her luggage open just as she is ready to get on the stage. What was inside sure would make me blush. Oh the shenanigans started right away when Cal tries to help Maggie. She sure didn’t want any help and doesn’t take kindly to Cal. I like that she is very independent and is dedicated to her job. I haven’t heard much about a woman Marshall during this time period so this story really intrigued me.

Cal is quite the gentleman but gets on the wrong side of Maggie from the moment they meet. He tries everything to be friendly and helpful but it is not reciprocated at all. He has his hands full trying to keep passengers safe as they board the stagecoach. There is someone that is not to be trusted but who could it be?

With suspense the two main characters thrive in this continuing series. Cal’s father doesn’t have the best reputation but I don’t think it caused Cal to be bitter at all. In fact he seemed to treat everyone with respect. Get ready for a great adventure in the west where stagecoaches are vulnerable and faith plays a big part in this enduring story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, November 11

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

Lyssa Loves Books, November 12

Fiction Book Lover, November 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, November 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 15

For Him and My Family, November 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 16

Devoted To Hope, November 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 17

Artistic Nobody, November 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, November 18

lakesidelivingsite, November 18

Simple Harvest Reads, November 19 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Book Looks by Lisa, November 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 21

The Mommies Reviews, November 21

Cover Lover Book Review, November 22

Blossoms and Blessings, November 23

Holly’s Book Corner, November 23

Vicky Sluiter, November 24

Pause for Tales, November 24

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d59d/maggie-and-the-maverick-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Gazing into Darkness Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Gazing into Darkness

Author: Heidi Glick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this book because of the intense action that played out the entire book. It is not often we get a story about the EPA but this one is epic. They definitely have a hard job tracking down companies that are doing illegal things to harm the environment. The knowledge about this agency is evident in the author’s description.

With Stacey still needing to get past who been stalking her, she now has someone trying to kill her. Is it the same person? A fire at her place almost does her in but thankfully a hero comes to rescue her. Chance just happens to be at the right place at the right time. I like how they both feel a bit uncertain about each other. When they are assigned to work as a team I did chuckle out loud.

Let’s face it these two have some baggage they need to let go of. That’s how the author lets us see flaws in her characters and how they learn to trust each other. The suspense in the story is just the right amount and introduces us to a new series that will be a big hit for those who like a bit of romance, suspense and faith.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Heidi Glick writes romantic suspense and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She has an eye for detail and includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County (Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Though she grew up in Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home.

More from Heidi

My interest in science probably began at an early age with my love of animals. When I was younger, I rode horses. In high school, I became interested in science and learning more about God’s creation. When I attended college, I majored in biology and became active in Cedarville Christian University’s Earth Stewardship Organization—aimed at promoting stewardship of God’s creation from a Christian perspective. Years later, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. After a serious conversation with coworkers, I developed an idea for a story involving EPA CID agents. I wanted a story that contained a branch of law enforcement not typically featured in Christian suspense stories. Also, I wanted a series with the same characters throughout, sort of like Castle or Bones. Additionally, I wanted the theme of redemption throughout. While the story involves the environment, the book is not meant to be political. I hope readers enjoy the novel and benefit from the message. Something fun about the book is the artwork. Like the covers for Terri Blackstock’s If I Run series, the covers for Queen City Heroes form one larger image when side by side.

By the way, I still love animals, and my elderly cat Daisy was the inspiration for the heroine’s feline.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 8

Simple Harvest Reads, November 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 10

Artistic Nobody, November 11 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 11

Texas Book-aholic, November 12

Guild Master, November 13 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, November 14

Fiction Book Lover, November 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 16

Books Less Travelled, November 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 20

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 21 (Author Interview)

Alyssa Madjeski, November 21

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d093/gazing-into-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

The Cross at Morioka Castle Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Cross at Morioka Castle

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Within this ancient land of shoji screens and tatami mats, Ariko finds that the stone ruins of Morioka Castle hide a mysterious secret that holds the keys to a Christian faith extending far deeper than she ever imagined.

Ariko returns to Japan, riddled with guild. Engulfed with grief, she must tidy up her deceased father’s affairs, and she faces the shattering of a dream. Her father’s small soba shop, a haven where he shared his faith, stands silent, and his wealthy family has long since turned their back on his legacy of faith. Ariko struggles with whether to return to the United States when her great-grandmother demands that she stay in Japan and join the family business, a legacy her father abandoned years ago.

Seeking escape, Ariko ventures to the enigmatic ruins of Morioka Castle, where the air hums with murmurs of the forgotten past. Amid the crumbling stones and ancient shadows, providence brings a striking stranger, and he captivates her with a tale woven into the very fabric of the castle – a legend that flickers with the promise of hope, just in time for a fateful Christmas Eve.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen J. Robison weaves tales that inspire a walk of faith and a reliance on God’s guidance through life’s trials. With endearing characters, her stories are a testament to the resilience of broken lives, revived through hope and renewed through God’s grace. Kathleen and her husband call Southern California home, where they find joy in the company of their twenty-one and counting grandchildren.

More from Kathleen

Who doesn’t love castles, right? I fell in love with the ruins of Morioka Castle Park long before I wrote this novella. Both my sons and their families lived in Morioka when they first became missionaries, so we made trips to see the grandkids and a few trips to the castle ruins as well.

Morioka Castle in Northern Japan is a park of ruins, but what glorious ruins they are. In 1632, after twenty years of construction, the castle was completed by the Nanbu, a well-known Samurai clan. The castle stood from 1598 until 1874. Sadly, after serving feudal lords for two-hundred and fifty years, the age of the Samurai came to a close, and the magnificent structure was demolished. After the Boshin War, the Meiji government consolidated its power by abolishing domains and removing castles in lands that had opposed the government.

Thankfully, in 1906 a park was established around what was left of the granite walls and grounds of Morioka Castle. It’s where my character Ariko meets a handsome stranger and while touring the castle, learns of the legend of the cross.

“He explained the castle kitchen history, but his emphasis was on the cross. “The Castle Kitchen Cross, as I call it on my blog, is where an ex-samurai and his wife practiced their faith and shared it secretly with those who came to the kitchen. The cross carved in the stone, although obscured, was hidden behind pots and pans hanging on the wall.”

Ariko’s ears perked when he mentioned ex-samurai.”

The legend in the story is completely fictional. Although in my research, I discovered that there was a Christian Samurai who … well, if you read the book, perhaps you’ll discover what’s fact and what’s fiction! Just imagine walking the castle grounds with Ariko as she discovers the cross in the kitchen. What conflicts may it have caused in her ancestral, Japanese family? Let The Cross at Morioka Castle whisk you away. Take the journey to Japan, where the ethereal land of the ancient is not so far away.

MY REVIEW

A nice story that enhances the charm of Japan. I love the description of Japanese culture and how Ariko discovers her ancestors. Coming back to Japan was not easy for her, but I admire how she did it to honor her parents. When she stumbles upon a cross in a castle Ariko begins her journey. I love how the author shows readers that those who live in Japan hide their faith. Being a Christian is not accepted and Ariko soon realizes how hard it was for her parents to share God and stay safe.

I did not care for Ariko’s uncle at all. He is arrogant, greedy and forceful. He uses Ariko to gain power with no regard to her well being. He wants to profit from a family business and will do anything to succeed. We see how tradition is used as Ariko is silenced by her uncle. He only wants her to translate during a business meeting, but will not acknowledge her opinion.

Kai is a breath of fresh air to the story. He is kind, honest and treats others with respect. I like how he and Ariko start a friendship that develops over the course of the story. A misunderstanding will test their trust in each other. I like how Kai does not give up and relies on his faith for things to work out.

For me the best part of the story was hearing about the legend of the cross in the castle. It was not common to find Christians in Japan. Those that believe once had to hide their faith for fear of persecution. The cross that is discovered in the kitchen of the castle will bring a family close again and show how long ago God was shared even in secret places.

Ariko learns that her father shared his faith with others and was very well respected. He helped others and was not ashamed of God. He opened his business after hours to do Bible studies to anyone that wanted to join. His faith has not been wasted as Ariko begins to learn more about her father.

The ending is emotional and filled with how God can heal broken hearts, restore relationships and show forgiveness to others. I like the notes the author shares at the end of the book which gives us a glimpse of Christianity in Japan.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.