Saturday, May 23, 2026

Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats

Author: Kayla E. Green

Genre: Children’s Illustrated Book

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Hadley the Hippo is hungry, and she won’t rest until she finds something to eat. But as she walks through her jungle home, she finds that the snacks in the jungle have an odd effect on her-they change her color! Still, Hadley munch, munch, munches her way through the greens, blue, purples, oranges, reds, and yellows of the jungle, hoping to finally satisfy the rumbling in her tummy. Along the way, she finds that it really does matter what you consume.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kayla E. Green is an award-winning author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. When she isn’t writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio and pretending she’s a unicorn. Fittingly, her YA debut fantasy novel is titled The Goodness of Unicorns.

More from Kayla

I wrote Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats to provide a fun story to engage small learners. Through the hippo’s journey through the jungle where her color changes based on what she eats, pre-K and primary students can learn about both fruits and colors. But, what’s more, the back of the book contains a note to parents/teachers with activities to discuss the importance of consumption—what we listen to on the radio, watch on TV and online, and read impacts our minds and hearts. Approaching this lesson in an age-appropriate way is important for providing a foundational framework for discernment later in life.

As a former elementary school librarian and classroom teacher turned full-time mother, I know firsthand how play and learning go hand in hand. This principle applies to foundational skills for understanding biblical teachings, character development, math, literacy, and, well, a lot of things! Playing games with your learners can help reinforce that learning is fun–not only is there a game involved, but your learner will get to spend time with YOU!

As a part of the book tour, I’m so excited to share 3 learning games with you! These games are designed with minimal materials but maximum fun. PLUS, they can be modified for various age groups. Find these 3 learning games to play with littles at home here in this online slideshow:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGL0GUW9TM/zHX6mL4Sp2gt06-apfjdMA/view?utm_content=DAGL0GUW9TM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h3c4b129030

MY REVIEW

A beautifully illustrated book for younger children to enjoy. With rhymes and fun pictures the book will keep the attention of all. I liked how the cute hippo would turn a certain color depending on what it ate. This is a great way to teach children about colors as well as different foods.

As I read the book I thought how cute it would be to read this book as a child is eating fruit. They can follow the story and see what the hippo experiences as they eat together. It is an easy story to follow and a fun adventure to enjoy together. I will be taking this book with me when I see my grandchildren. It will be exciting to watch them as they turn each page to see what happens next.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 19

Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, May 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 21

Guild Master, May 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 23

Fiction Book Lover, May 24 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 25 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, May 26 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 27

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 28 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 29 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, May 29

Blossoms and Blessings, May 30 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, May 31

Artistic Nobody, June 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book, the companion coloring book, a special cookie mix from Story Crumbs inspired by Hadley, and a $20 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/efZJQ/hadley-the-hippo-is-what-she-eats-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Frogman Puck Origins: The Rising Tides Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Frogman Puck Origins: The Rising Tides

Author: Joel Chanaca

Genre: Christian Sci-Fi / Action & Adventure (Teen & Young Adult)

Release Date: September, 2025

Frogman Puck Origins: The Rising Tides

The Legends Awaken: A Hero’s Dream Quest

Embark on an exhilarating journey beneath the waves—where dreams awaken, faith is tested, and a new kind of hero begins to rise.

Frogman Puck Origins introduces readers to Puck, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary dream: to explore the hidden world beneath the surface. What begins as curiosity about mysterious scuba gear in a neighbor’s shed becomes a life-changing adventure—one that carries him from the dreamlike stillness of lily pad ponds into the awe-inspiring reality of deep underwater exploration.

As Puck learns to scuba dive, he uncovers hidden strengths, long-buried secrets, and a mission far greater than he ever imagined. With each descent, the boundary between dream and destiny blurs, drawing him into a world of courage, stewardship, teamwork, and biblical truth.

Told through a unique blend of immersive prose and cinematic illustrations, the story visually mirrors Puck’s growth—shifting from the hazy wonder of childhood imagination to vivid, hyper-realistic underwater missions that place readers right beside him.

Perfect for fans of discovery, mystery, faith-based adventure, and clean action storytelling, Frogman Puck Origins: The Rising Tides is the beginning of an illustrated hero’s journey where imagination meets purpose—and the depths hold more than secrets.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Joel Chanaca is a four-time Global Book Awards–winning author whose stories blend adventure, heart, humor, and faith. His work has been recognized across multiple categories, including Humor and Heart, Children’s Books, and Teen & Young Adult Action & Adventure—celebrating storytelling that inspires without compromising imagination or excitement.

Alongside his writing career, Joel serves as a game warden with over twenty-six years of experience in wildlife law enforcement and public safety. His lifelong connection to the outdoors—shaped by years of camping, fishing, canoeing, scuba diving, and animal care—deeply informs the authenticity and spirit of his stories.

Joel is the creator of the Frogman Puck illustrated novel series, a cinematic, faith-based adventure world designed to engage reluctant readers, families, and young adults alike. The series pairs full narrative storytelling with rich illustrations to reawaken wonder, visual imagination, and purpose-driven heroism.

In 2025, Joel also released a newly illustrated edition of Patches the Cat Is a Thief, bringing fresh life to the award-winning story that first captured readers’ hearts.

Whether crafting lighthearted animal tales or epic underwater adventures, Joel’s work consistently reflects themes of character, stewardship, courage, friendship, and hope.

“The elements of design are all around us. If we pause long enough to look, we can see how God has made a place for us. Beyond the wonders of the earth, His plan reaches into eternity.”

Your honest review helps independent, faith-driven stories continue to grow.
Thank you for being part of the journey.

More from Joel

When I set out to write Frogman Puck Origins, I wanted to bring something genuinely new to readers, both those who read constantly and those who sometimes struggle to stay engaged. I envisioned an all-new, fully illustrated novel featuring clean, epic superheroes, told in a way that feels fresh, immersive, and meaningful.
Most superhero stories begin with accidents, mistakes, or powers gained by touching a mysterious artifact. In the world of Frogman Puck, the heroes’ origins are different. Their abilities are forged through purpose, hard work, teamwork, faith, and ingenious design. The story begins with the roots of child-like memories and grows into something much larger, showing how character is built long before power is ever used.
At its heart, Frogman Puck Origins is designed to do two things at once. It invites older readers back to the wonder, curiosity, and imagination of their youth, while encouraging younger readers to dream big, work hard, and plant good seeds that will grow into strong character. It is a story about becoming, not just becoming powerful, but becoming grounded, courageous, and faithful.
The series taps into riddles, adventure, super abilities, and deep friendships, all presented in a format unlike anything else currently on the market. Readers can expect wall-crawling, SCUBA diving, flying, underwater tunnels, octopods, secret labs, personally designed base headquarters, and fierce battles between darkness and light. Every element is layered to reward curiosity and keep pages turning.
Frogman Puck Origins is only the beginning. As the series continues, the world expands, the stakes rise, and the heroes are tested in ways that challenge not only their strength but their values and faith. It is a story built to entertain, inspire, and stay with readers long after the final page.

The Frogman Puck Series is a cinematic, faith-based adventure that grows in depth and intensity with each installment. Origins begins as a dream-driven journey into underwater exploration, where curiosity, mentorship, and imagination awaken a young hero’s calling. Resurgent accelerates into a full-scale action narrative, introducing advanced symbiotic technology, global stakes, and a coordinated enemy operating in the shadows. Reckoning brings the story to its most complex and consequential phase, revealing hidden systems beneath the surface of the world itself and challenging the heroes to confront truth, deception, and sacrifice on a global scale. Across all three books, the series blends illustrated storytelling, clean action, and biblical themes to explore stewardship, courage, faith, and what it means to answer a call—one step, one mission, and one choice at a time.

God Bless, Joel Chanaca

MY REVIEW

What a fun adventure this book is. I like how it is geared toward teens and gives them faith along with characters that are enjoyable to follow. I cracked up when Puck calls the frogmen, “The Bubble -Up Men .” The illustrations are beautiful and add to the story. The author does a great job of describing the sea and all the wonder it has to offer. I couldn’t wait to follow Puck and his friend as they set out to help Puck follow his dream of becoming a frogman.

Many people I know have been scuba diving and tell me how different it is being under the sea. It sounds fascinating to swim with fish, see coral reefs and explore God’s beauty. There are many lessons in the story that I found to be helpful for teens. Learning to wait for things shows how you trust God and allow Him to open doors where they need to be open. Making friends gets you out of your comfort zone and helps others to feel welcomed.

Puck begins to take more responsibility and it shows his parents that he can be trusted with pursuing his dream. Learning to swim and know that the water is to be respected is important. He takes everything in and uses it to help him grow spiritually as well. Sometimes he faced set backs but that helped him to persevere and find confidence. Working with others was a great lesson for him to see that we all need help sometimes.

As Tuck gets older he has an opportunity to join an elite group that not only finds a great team but ones willing to lay their life down for others. I loved the adventure and how Puck takes his job seriously. The author delivers a story that gives readers a place to explore with mystery and danger. As they work together they accomplish their mission. At the end of the book is an important page for everyone to read. The author encourages us to share Jesus with others and be bold in our faith.

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

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 15 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, May 16 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 17 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 18 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, May 19

Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 21 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 22

Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

The Bookish Ledger, May 25 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)

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

Blogging With Carol, May 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Joel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an autographed copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/c1Hae/frogman-puck-origins-the-rising-tides-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Love Under Construction Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Love Under Construction

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Can two stubborn people tear down the walls of independence to find love?

Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt after her father’s death. Business has gone well, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job – the only man in town willing to work for a woman – sparks fly. But not the good kind. Or are they?

Looking for something different, Leo Albrecht takes a project working for Nadine Krause, the spunky owner of Cocoaville’s favorite boarding house. An easy job. Then he manages to injure himself and needs her help to finish making it nearly impossible to ignore his growing attraction. Should he break his rule of not mixing work and his personal life?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

In 2002, my husband and I purchased a 4,000 square-foot “fixer upper” bed and breakfast in New Hampshire. The building had “good bones,” but a bit of deferred maintenance and poorly executed “Harry Homeowner” repairs and updates provided plenty of projects not including a complete overhaul of the kitchen and adding a bathroom. Here are just a few:

Wallpaper that had been applied directly to unpainted drywall (for the uninitiated: this means the wallpaper pulls off the paper facing leaving the gypsum core exposed).
Floral wire used to attach the toilet handle to the flapper in all eight bathrooms which left a pile of floral wire in the bottom of the tanks because that repair was repeated countless times.
A rotted 12X8X8 sill discovered while painting the outside of the house.
Windows that had to be locked to remain closed, and windows that had to be set on “chocks” to remain open.
Floors that sloped because the joists had rotted.
Walls that had rotted behind wallpaper.
Replacing the subfloor in one room that had a 12” round hole that had been carpeted over. Good thing it was near the wall, and a chair had been set over the area.
Discovering a live wire in the basement that had been cut off and stuffed into the wall.

My “favorite” was the pantry that turned out to be propped together. None of the walls or the ceiling were connect/nailed/screwed to anything, so when the shelves were removed, the closet fell in on itself.

We didn’t begin anything new after March because we couldn’t risk getting caught with an unfinished project when season began. Despite the challenges, I loved the historicity of that house, and even though it was much too large for just the two of us after we closed the business, I sometimes miss it. However, not while I’m cleaning!

When I was noodling through possible plotlines for the second book in The Chocolate Chronicles, it didn’t take long for me to realize I could use our experiences for Nadine who operated a boarding house. Add a hunky flannel-shirted (hello Hallmark) hero, and I had the makings of a story. I had fun creating construction problems for the pair as they fought their growing attraction.

MY REVIEW

I enjoy reading books from this author. She delivers a sweet story that gives us a glance at a time period where women were still fighting for their rights. I love that Nadine has a tender heart and a servant’s heart. The boardinghouse she and her brother run is comfortable and filled with compassion. Nadine is strong willed at times but her willingness to expand the business places her in the path to finding romance.

I was so impressed with how Nadine knew how to read blueprints, order supplies and practically build the new addition by herself. Her brother Tobias is a gentle and kind man. I like how he is very protective and is always there to help his sister out. I’m hoping that a book is coming soon to feature him on his journey. He will make someone a great husband.

Leo is hired to help with the addition to the boardinghouse. His reputation as a hard worker and expert in construction grabs Nadine’s attention. I like how he is thoughtful and respectful to Nadine. There is an obvious attraction between them but I enjoyed their slow dance to find that out. There are moments where their banter is fun to read. Oh I do think their innocent flirting is sweet.

One thing that is always in each story by the author is faith and illustrations of God. Nadine shows one character mercy when maybe he didn’t deserve it. We don’t deserve mercy at times but God loves us so much He gives it. Sharing who God is, Nadine gives a character the chance to ask God into their heart. What if she had not shown him grace? His life may have gone in another direction.

A beautiful story where trust in God gives our characters a direction to His plan for them. Filled with historical facts and wonderful characters this story will be a treat for readers. Thank you for a story that gives readers a look at Godly characters and how God is there when we need Him.

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

Blog Stops

Leslie’s Library Escape, May 14

Stories By Gina, May 15 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, May 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 16

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 17

Books, Books, & More Books, May 18 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, May 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 21

Books Less Travelled, May 22 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 22

For Him and My Family, May 23

Vicky Sluiter, May 24

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 25 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, May 26

Holly’s Book Corner, May 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/qKh62/love-under-construction-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, May 18, 2026

Chase the Light Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Chase the Light (National Parks Summers Book 2. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary

Release Date: May 5, 2026

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (and friends) inspire her stories.

More from Suzanne

If a trip to Acadia National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and when you go, don’t miss warm popovers on the lawn at the iconic Jordan Pond House.

The Unofficial-but-Close-Enough Jordan Pond Popover Recipe*

Back in 1895, Nellie and Thomas McIntire bought a Maine farmhouse overlooking the clear waters of Jordan Pond. On their wide green lawn, they served tea and towering popovers to well-to-do summer travelers. In 1928, J. D. Rockefeller purchased the land and later donated it to Acadia National Park. The lawn remains. The view remains. And the popovers? Still iconic.

While the original recipe is famously guarded, this version comes deliciously close.

Makes 6–8 large popovers.

What You’ll Need

4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of baking soda
2 tablespoons melted butter

Let’s Make Them

Start with a hot oven (and a hot pan).
Preheat your oven to 425°–450°F. Place your popover pan (or a muffin tin) in the oven while it heats.
Whisk the batter.
Beat the eggs for about 2–3 minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
Fill the cups.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
Bake.
Bake at 425°–450°F for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 15–20 minutes. The high heat creates the lift; the lower heat helps them set inside.
Resist the urge to peek.
Do not open the oven door while they bake. The steam inside is what makes them puff and keeps them tall.

Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.

A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers

Room temperature matters. Cold eggs or milk will slow the rise. Let them sit out a bit before mixing.
Heat is your friend. A properly preheated pan jump-starts the puff.
No peeking. Steam is everything here. Let the oven do its work.

*Recipe adapted from Weston Table.

MY REVIEW

With breathtaking views and amazing historical facts, National Parks come to life in this engaging story. I loved reading about the outdoors and God’s beauty that surrounds us everyday. The mystery starts right away and the addition of a lighthouse added git me hooked on the story. There is something about lighthouses that have always intrigued me. Their beacon of light shines brightly across the dark waters. It gives hope to those who feel lost and a welcome sign they are near to safety.

Scout is in her element as a park ranger. She loves everything about her job except for one tiny detail. She is not fond of heights. I did laugh when I read that. How is she going to do her job if she can’t hike up mountains? Scout would soon face her fear as a forgotten envelope that was hidden will lead Scout and others on an adventure.

I like how Scout joins Naki on the search to find lost treasure. I found Naki to be very fascinating and calm under pressure. His knowledge of the land helps solve the clues to discover hidden treasures from long ago. His character adds depth and challenges Scout to open up about her past. They work well together and form a sweet friendship. Will this friendship turn into something more?

Chase is a go getter and needs a major story to boost his newspaper that is slowly losing sales. Ok I really didn’t like him much because he was pushy, arrogant and selfish. He wants to be the first to crack the mystery and will use anything or anyone to get it. Chase does have an attraction to Scout and finds himself in competition for her attention.

The story takes a curve when Scout is left alone on a treacherous course. Her fear starts to take over until she cries out to God. He reminds her, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” In our darkest moments , God is there to give us strength. I love how Scout feels more confident after she calls out to God. The more she turns to her faith the more steadfast she is. Little does she know that a big surprise is waiting for her. I like how the author lets us see Scout vulnerable and ready to give everything to God.

The mystery is fun and the clues were very subtle at times. I was impressed how they were solved. Getting to know more about Naki and Native Americans was eye opening. Long ago they faced losing their land. Even today they still feel the effects of their past generation struggling to survive. Naki gives Scout a history lesson on his people and how they felt trapped on land they thought was theirs.

The story delivers many lessons such as forgiveness, importance of family and seeing others the way Jesus sees them. Learning to trust again brings Scout a new beginning and helps her let go of the past. I enjoyed the mystery and how it came back full circle.

“The best views come after the hardest climbs.”

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