Saturday, August 15, 2026

Painkillers Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Painkillers

Author: Rev. Jacky Connell

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian

Release Date: March 6, 2026

Painkillers are a problem, but not all people in pain turn to drugs for the answers. Some people isolate themselves from others, believing they can avoid more pain if they don’t get close to anyone. Others take the opposite approach, surrounding themselves with unhealthy relationships to try and avoid dealing with the pain and emptiness they feel. It’s also common for people to bury themselves in other things—such as sports, shopping, or other “idols”—keeping busy so they don’t have to think about their pain. People even hide behind a mask of “intellect” to shield themselves.

But what if there were a Painkiller Who didn’t merely cover up your pain but took it completely away? What if there were a relationship that didn’t just stand in for those you have lost but filled the void? What if there were a way to heal from the hurt of broken relationships, the terror of PTSD, the guilt of abortion and other sins, and even the confusion of the LBGTQ lifestyle? Painkillers introduces you to Jesus, the ultimate Painkiller, and His pathway that leads to finding total recovery and freedom from past hurts, pains, and failures.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Reverend Jacky Connell has served as the Senior Pastor of Eden Westside Baptist Church for over thirty-six years. Rev. Connell is a pastor, teacher, author, motivational speaker, and conference leader. God has placed the desire to serve people and empower leaders in the heart of Bro. Jacky.

More from Rev. Jacky

Where do you run when life hurts?

That question is at the heart of my book, Painkillers.

I wrote this book because pain is universal. Every person carries wounds—some visible, some hidden. And when pain comes, we all look for relief. Sometimes we run to distractions. Sometimes to control. Sometimes to success, comfort, or isolation.

The truth is this: wanting the pain to stop is human. But where we run with that pain matters.

Painkillers was written to help people recognize the unhealthy places they turn for relief and to point them toward the only place where real healing can be found—God.

This book isn’t about pretending pain doesn’t exist. It’s about facing it honestly, understanding it deeply, and finding freedom on the other side of it.

Over this blog tour, I’m excited to share more of the heart behind the book, the stories behind the pages, and the hope found in healing.

If you’ve ever been hurt, disappointed, broken, or just tired of carrying the weight—this journey is for you.

Because the question isn’t if we run when life hurts.
The question is: Where do we run?

#PainkillersBook #HealingStartsHere #WhereDoYouRunWhenLifeHurts

MY REVIEW

Does the title scare you or give you relief? Many of us think of physical pain that can be unbearable at times. However there are other pains we deal with like isolation, bad relationships, rejection and many more that cause emotional pain.

In this book the author address several subjects that can cause pain where we look for relief that can lead us to turn away from God. The book includes stories from people who have faced difficult situations where they looked for relief without God’s direction. Sometimes we seek fast ways to fix things in order not to suffer anymore.

I like that the author uses Biblical stories as well as scriptures to guide readers to seek God when they are struggling. When we turn to God instead of trying to do things on our own, He will give us purpose and confidence. He loves us and wants to take our pain away but we need to seek Him and not the ways of the world.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”

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

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, August 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 6

Fiction Book Lover, August 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8

The Bookish Ledger, August 9 (Author Interview)

The Quiet Bookmark, August 10 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 11

Vicky Sluiter, August 12 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

For the Love of Literature, August 16 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 17 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 18 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 18

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Rev. Jacky 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://gleam.io/g2lOJ/painkillers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 14, 2026

Shetland Sunset Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Shetland Sunset

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: January 18, 2026

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fishermen who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

Distraught when the Germans overrun her beloved Norway, Tonje Bondevik refuses to take the occupation sitting down. She joins the fledgling resistance movement, deriving great satisfaction distributing the underground newspaper and performing acts of sabotage…until the day the Nazis come looking for her, and she must flee for her life. Perhaps she should have listened to the handsome Norwegian American when he offered to take her to Shetland.

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, immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors, and drinks copious amounts of tea.

More from Linda

Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, is an archipelago of about one hundred islands, with fewer than twenty being inhabited. Originally a base for Norwegian Vikings, Shetland came under Scottish rule when King Christian I pledged the island as part of his daughter’s dowry when she was betrothed to James III of Scotland. The island continues to feature an intriguing mix of Norwegian and Scottish heritage in customs, language, and celebrations. Interestingly, Shetland is geographically closer to Norway than Scotland.

The Shetland Bus is the nickname for a World War II clandestine operation during which fishermen smuggled supplies, weapons, radio operators, and agents into occupied Norway and ferried refugees out of Norway to Shetland and England. From 1941-1945, two hundred missions were carried in winter because of the nearly twenty-four hours of darkness that occurred during those months, but that meant crossing in rough, unforgiving seas. Additionally, the risk of being caught by German aircraft or patrol boats was high, and forty-four members lost their lives.

Authors get their ideas and inspiration from many sources, and I learned about the Shetland Bus from an episode of Shetland, a modern-day BBC mystery show that featured a fictional cold case associated with the “bus.” I was able to read multiple memoirs and autobiographies and watch oral history interviews with Shetland Bus participants. It is my hope that Shetland Sunset honors the brave ordinary men who did extraordinary things.

MY REVIEW

As an avid reader I have read many books. I’m very familiar with this author and know that her books are filled with faith. I appreciate how she uses scriptures and Biblical figures from the Bible to illustrate her story by beautiful words. The story was especially moving because it shows how people will help others even when it may be dangerous.

I can’t begin to imagine the pain that so many people have suffered during the war that brought Germans into threat to others. Many people were captured and put in camps where hope was slowly fading. Soldiers would come to homes and take away families with little explanation. The author has gifted readers with a look at what some may have encountered and witnessed God’s protection as they prayed for safety.

Tonje is a woman who faces danger as she tries to help people escape the Germans. Her fierce determination to help those in need was so inspiring. I came to think of her as a woman who looked danger in the eye and found Jesus giving her strength to face the enemy. Her heart is so pure and I loved how she began to grow in her faith and began to trust God. She can be a bit stubborn but as she continues her journey she seeks guidance from God.

Askel is a man who knows God and relies on His voice to direct his path. He helps transport people to safety posing as a fisherman. I can’t say enough good things about this character . His compassion for others shows in everything he does. He puts others before himself and his faith is unshakable. Being out at sea with people hiding from the Germans, Askel risks his own life to help others.

I enjoyed following our two main characters as they began to build a friendship. They found a common bond of helping others and along the way discovered they have feelings for each other. I like how the author allows the characters to slowly build their relationship with God at the center.

Thank you to the author for writing a story that reminds us that, “His plans are greater than ours.” We need to listen to His voice and trust Him with everything. This story will stay with me forever because it reminds me that each of us can make a difference. We need to follow His direction and do it with our whole heart.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

Holly’s Book Corner, August 14

Artistic Nobody, August 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 17

lakesidelivingsite, August 18

Fiction Book Lover, August 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Devoted to Hope, August 21

The Bookish Ledger, August 22 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 23

Pause for Tales, August 24

The Bookish Pilgrim, August 24

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 25

Guild Master, August 26 (Author Interview)

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.

Thursday, August 13, 2026

FELONS & FINDERS Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: FELONS & FINDERS (Granite & Gloss Rescuers: Book 2)

Author: LR STRONG

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: January 18, 2026

Powerful forces hide the most dangerous felons.

Jake Granite is more determined than ever to take down every criminal he possibly can—especially those targeting the most vulnerable. But even working with his private investigation team and law enforcement task forces, it’s been impossible. They always arrive at the scene of the crime too late. It’s infuriating. Who is at the top and who are the informers?

Tarina Gloss has commissions for sculptures and paintings but no time to work on them. After unexpectedly being pulled into Jake’s work, she is eager to save every victim she can. But she’s not equipped or experienced in this type of work. What can she possibly do to help?

Jake and Tarina discover a new partner wants to join them. He’s the Finder, and no felon can hide from him. The only problem is that the Finder only gives them confusing clues—or sets them up to stumble on the criminals in action. He does things in unpredictable ways each time, so they never know what to expect.

Soon they are in over their heads. Tragedies happen, leaving them confused. Can they handle working with the Finder? Most of all, can they trust him?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

LR Strong is a writer, editor, singer, songwriter, photographer, and people watcher. Her life is colored by synesthesia, and she views others through the lens of spiritual gifts. She’s equally creative and cerebral—her first career was computer programming. Her deepest loves are Jesus, family, friends, and her three delightful rescue cats. And eating dark chocolate while reading a riveting book.

More from LR

I experience life in colorful and unusual ways because I have synesthesia. Do you know what that is? Most people don’t. You can experience living with synesthesia through my main heroine, Tarina. She’s also a strong believer who has spiritual gifts. I pair her up with a hardcore ex-LAPD cop, now criminal detective, who relies solely on his street smarts and physical abilities. These two opposites are thrown together in deadly situations and have to combine their unique strengths to not only survive, but take down criminals and save victims. In the process they help save each other.

MY REVIEW

This book captures the very message of God’s faithfulness. He protects us and directs our path. I love how the author illustrates the importance of listening to God and trusting Him. I really like how the author uses people from the Bible to show how God was there during moments where they needed His protection. I found myself looking up several of the stories like Enoch and Daniel to dig deeper into what the stories illustrated. It is evident that the author is well versed in the Bible and does an amazing job of incorporating it into this story.

Jake and Tarina make a great team as they find themselves investigating a series of crimes. Some topics like human trafficking can be a trigger for some readers, so be aware that sensitive issues are explored in the story. Tarina has a gift that God has given her to help warn her of danger and this helps during the investigation. I liked reading how Jake and Tarina grow closer not only with each other but with God as they team up in this suspenseful story.

With non stop action this book is a must read for those who love suspense as well as deep rooted faith. As Jake and Tarina search for answers in their investigation they learn that God is always near. This has been an inspiring book that follows two characters through danger as they seek truth and justice.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 8

Stories By Gina, August 9 (Author Interview)

Book Looks by Lisa, August 9

Blossoms and Blessings, August 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

Books, Books, & More Books, August 14 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

Books Less Travelled, August 18 (Author Interview)

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

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 20 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, August 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, L.R. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an ebook of Granite & Gloss (book 1) and Felons & Finders (book 2)!!

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

https://gleam.io/hxQVd/felons-finders-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Logan vs. the Pouty Paw Paw Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Logan vs. the Pouty Paw Paw

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Logan has a lip so pouty his Pa is sure a bird is going to poop on it.

Shoveling coal as a furnace feeder at the foundry is hot, sweaty work, but Logan is determined to pay off his debt for a broken spyglass—even if his lower lip sticks out the whole time. But when a “Pouty Paw Paw” tree begins growing in the soot of the foundry’s smokestack, the town of Blooming Glen starts catching a bad case of the “pouts”. When Gran’s legendary joyful jam is stolen and replaced with a “darkness jam” that makes everyone hateful, Logan must trade his gloom for the fruit of joy. With his pet raccoon Rascal by his side, Logan is about to prove that a joyful heart is the best weapon against a stinky, pouting plot!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media.

More from Allen

“Logan vs. the Pouty Paw Paw” is a special book in the series “Logan’s search for the Fruits of the Spirit” because it was written with the support of my stepdad, John Beghtol. In the spring of 2025, we were working through the death of my Mom from a long battle with cancer. He found out my kids were running a Kickstarter for one of my picture books, Meow Meow Milks the Cow, and decided to support it. As a supporter, he earned the option to share some creative direction on one of my upcoming projects.

Over the summer of 2025, I was doing some research for my next Logan book, looking for a native Midwestern fruit that would be good for representing sadness, to contrast with the spiritual fruit of joy. I learned that Paw Paws were a rare native fruit that would have been used to make jam in the 1860’s. So, they seemed like a good fit, especially if they were Pouty Paw Paws. It also kind of fit what was going on with us, both of us were sad at the loss of my mom, and many people use the name Paw Paw as another name for a Grandfather. So, it spawned the idea that Gramps from the Towers of Light series could be a key character in this adventure.

I shared an early flight plan for the story with him, and he liked it in principle, but then provided an idea around a mysterious stranger entering the town. I like the idea, but I felt a little stuck because this story takes place after the Towers of Light series, where all the bad guys had been defeated, so who was this mysterious stranger? Eventually, I just wrote a mini story about the stranger to place him in the city, and I was off with a solid story to tell.

The story ended up being a good cross-section of dealing with sadness of different forms, from being upset over chores that feel to hard, to the loss of a loved one. At the same time, I kept the fun and hijinks that only a boy and his pet raccoon can get into. I hope your child enjoys it as much as I did while writing it with my Bonus Dad.

MY REVIEW

Young children will enjoy this story as they learn about the Fruit of the Spirits. There are plenty of laughs along the way as Logan goes on an adventure. I like how the author uses great illustrations to teach about being joyful and not pouty.

Logan is working hard as he pays off a debt and is determined to make the most of it. I like Aiden and how he and Logan are great friends. They trade lunches which I remember doing when I was younger. At school I couldn’t wait to see what my friends had. Some days nobody wanted to trade so I ate what my mother packed for me.

I love reading stories by this author because I am always reminded of childhood memories. The author writes stories that children can relate to while using their imagination to figure out the story. Get ready to help solve the mystery of who stole the pawpaw jam.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 7 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 8 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 11

Books, Books, & More Books, August 12 (Author Interview)

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

Fiction Book Lover, August 14 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 14

Vicky Sluiter, August 15

Labor Not in Vain , August 16

The Bookish Ledger, August 17 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 18 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, August 18

Stories By Gina, August 19 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen 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://gleam.io/tMg4L/logan-vs-the-pouty-paw-paw-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, August 8, 2026

When the South Wind Blows Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: When the South Wind Blows

Author: Barbara A. Curtis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 14, 2026

He’s spent his life chasing headlines—until the woman behind the story captures his heart.

Elizabeth Canton never planned to abandon her budding theater career, but after witnessing a crime, she has no choice but to disappear. When a family invitation offers refuge at the Double E Ranch, she seizes the chance to hide and finds unexpected purpose helping her young cousin rehearse for the stage, never expecting to be drawn to the local reporter who sees past her carefully kept secrets.

Ranch hand Logan Palmer has always dreamed of writing stories that matter, not livestock columns for the town paper. Elizabeth’s grace catches his eye. But it’s her patience and tenderness with her cousin that captures his heart, even as her mystery stirs his reporter’s instincts. The closer he grows to her, the more he questions whether some stories are better left untold.

As Elizabeth and Logan grow closer, danger follows her to Idaho. When her past catches up with her, she’ll have to choose between protecting her heart and trusting in love. And Logan must decide what matters more—the story that could launch his career, or the woman who’s stolen his heart.

Set against the rugged beauty of the American West, this touching historical romance explores the healing power of family, second chances, and learning that sometimes the greatest role we can play is simply being ourselves.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barbara A. Curtis lives in Connecticut with her husband, and they have one grown son, a blessing to their hearts. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Novel Academy.

More from Barbara

Chocolate, Chocolate

What part does chocolate play in When the South Wind Blows? To little Susannah, it plays a big part, as Logan is going to help her frost her salvaged cake.

“Miss Lizzie?” Logan hadn’t moved from his spot next to the stove. “If it’s all right with you, may Susannah and I make the frosting for the cake?”

He knew how to make frosting? And again, he included the little girl.

“Thank you. Susannah, why don’t you pull out the cookbook for chocolate that your grandma and I like, and you and Logan will be in charge?”

“Oh yay! The Hershey’s Cookbook? They have the best frosting recipe.”

Yes, in 1934 Hershey’s had published a cookbook, so it would have been well loved and used in the Double E Ranch kitchen in 1950.

And Nestlé’s Toll House cookies weren’t far behind, as Nestlé acquired the rights to the original recipe in 1939. By World War II, the cookies were a staple included in packages sent to US servicemen overseas. Do you think they’d mind that Elizabeth called her version Victory cookies? Though they had nothing to do with the war but a little victory right at home.

Have you ever renamed a favorite recipe just for your family for fun?

I hope you enjoy When the South Wind Blows, the final book in the Blooms of the Bitterbrush series. Maybe with a cup of tea and a chocolate chip cookie to go along with it.

Blessings.

Barbara

MY REVIEW

A lovely story that illustrates that being ourselves is important. We need to feel good about who we are and not worry what others think. The author does a good job of using Elizabeth to explore how she can find happiness where God calls her to. I like how she took a big chance and left behind a life she loved in order to keep herself safe. Finding family she wasn’t familiar with opened her eyes to what she had been missing,

Elizabeth explored a more simple life where theater and fancy clothes were not important. I like how she stepped up to learn about the ranch and worked hard to help out. The family accepts Elizabeth with open arms. She is told, “ everyone that comes here is welcomed.” I love that Elizabeth is learning that the past does not define who you are now.

The setting is nice and I like going back to the 1950s where things were a bit simpler. The cars were big and bulky but they sure were nice to have instead of walking everywhere. They worked hard and family was very important to each other. There were some hard times but they seemed to find ways to overcome obstacles.

Logan has a big dream to be a famous journalist. If only he could get his big break. Not much happens around him to write about but he doesn’t give up. When Elizabeth shows up he is curious about her. I like how his instincts tell him there is a story there if he can only figure out what Elizabeth is hiding. Logan does think that he is not enough which causes him to lack self confidence. A great lesson is waiting for him to show that he is more than enough. His gifts are to be God’s hands and feet.

The character who stole my heart was Suzannah. She is a bright young girl who is so excited to get a part in a local theater. I love that even though she has scars that can be seen on her face, she has always been told that they don’t matter. God sees our scars and knows our heart. Suzannah’s heart is filled with unconditional love for others. Bringing Elizabeth along to rehearsal everyday brings joy to both of them. I couldn’t wait to see where the story would go. The foundation has been planted and now we get to see how God works.

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