Sunday, June 14, 2026

"Metamorphosis" by Kayla E. Green -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Metamorphosis

Author: Kayla E. Green

Genre: Poetry (religious/inspirational)

Release Date: May, 2020

Are you searching for something more in your life? Metamorphosis is a personal testimony of how God can transform lives. Covering topics of depression, anxiety, and searching for something more, the poetry serves as a vessel for God’s light. The words provide hope for the future and insight on how to be strong through Jesus Christ. Anyone yearning for something more will find renewal in this poetry.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. What is your writing area like?
I do most of my writing on my couch with my laptop on a lapboard. There’s usually 2-3 drinks on
the end table and 1-3 dogs snuggled with me. It’s calming chaos and I love it!

2. How do you balance writing time with other things?
I’m a full-time parent so most of my writing is done at night after a long day of mom-ing. I love
the time in the evenings when I work on writing, and my husband plays video games. It’s nice
being together and his presence helps keep me focused (I’ve learned this term is called body-
doubling and is a real strategy!) I also will sometimes record voice memos and use my Google
Docs app on my phone as time allows if I have an idea I don’t want to lose. But I am in the
process of learning that it’s okay to not wear every hat at once :)

3. What types of research do you do?
I spend a lot of time double checking spelling and definitions. I also love researching
etymology and name meanings when working on fiction stories. Reading devotionals and
nonfiction, as well as fiction, is also important for me to grow as a Christian, writer, and poet.

4. Was there anything you found particularly interesting while researching?
While working on some of the poems included in Metamorphosis, I asked family and friends
their favorite Bible verses. I was surprised at the variety of verses shared with me. There were
only a few duplicates including Isaiah 41:10 and John 3:16 from those that joined the poll. It was
a true testament of the impact the Bible as a whole has on different hearts at different times.
And though this isn’t directly related to Metamorphosis I do want to share one of my favorite “fun
facts” I’ve found while researching. Sliced bread was first mass produced and sold in 1928. So,
the old adage “the best thing since sliced bread” can also be “the best things since 1928.”

5. What is different about writing non-fiction vs fiction?
Writing fiction and nonfiction is more similar than one might first assume. Both require creative
pursuits, a goal, and determination. The biggest difference is that nonfiction is wholly true while
fiction explores truths in fantastical manners. I love C.S. Lewis’s commentary on writing. “He
does not despise real woods because he has read of enchanted woods; the reading makes all
real woods a little enchanted” (C.S. Lewis, On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature). This
quote, which I love, summarizes how fiction, specifically fantasy, helps shape readers based on
the truths relatable to the real world. Though I am no C.S. Lewis, my inspirational poetry and
fantasy writings complement each other. The best fiction and nonfiction do—it’s why I write and
read both.

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

Have you ever been in the car and heard just the right song at just the right moment? Or heard just the message you needed at a specific point in your life on Sunday morning like the pastor is speaking directly to you?

Throughout crafting the poems that now make-up the contents of Metamorphosis, I realized that my testimony navigating depression and anxiety is incomplete without my faith. It is the love of God that allows transformation. As such, each poem within the collection is paired with a Bible verse. No matter what we are facing in life, we can find strength in our Lord and through His Word.

Visit this slideshow and see what Bible verse awaits you today. Share how the verse resonates with you and/or suggest a worship song that it reminds you of on social media and be sure to tag me (@author.kayla.e.green on Instagram) so I can reply! https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAUXF0oAI/kU3r4XgiHh-uOUWZUHQrPA/view?utm_content=DAHAUXF0oAI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb6054e54cf

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 5 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, June 6 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 7

Fiction Book Lover, June 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 8

The Bookish Ledger, June 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

Vicky Sluiter, June 11 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, June 12 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 14

Blossoms and Blessings, June 15 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, June 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, June 16

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 17 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kayla 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.

https://gleam.io/XwQCl/metamorphosis-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Someone to Lean On" by Carrie Walker -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Someone to Lean On (Faith Endures Book 3)

Author: Carrie Walker

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release Date: May 5, 2026

They’re seeking a peace they can’t seem to find. . .

Aged out of the foster care system and struggling to raise her young daughter, Lucia Roberts loses her only source of income. When she’s offered a position caring for a four-year-old foster child, Timothy, it feels like the answer to a prayer-except for one catch. She must work in the home of Jordan Nowak, Timothy’s overly vigilant foster father who scrutinizes her every move.

Jordan has built his life around one promise: protect a foster child until they can find a happily ever after. But while Jordan fights to keep Timmy safe, his own world spirals out of control. The music store he co-owns with his brother is on the brink of bankruptcy after months of mismanagement. Torn between protecting Timmy, saving the store, and guarding his heart, Jordan grasps for any possibility to fix it all.

Mason Hughes is in his final year of medical school, on rotation under a difficult neurologist, and doubting his call to be a doctor. As the walls between Lucia and Jordan soften, Timmy starts displaying puzzling symptoms. Soon Mason must choose whether he trusts his medical instincts enough to fight an ethical battle.

As three adults seek control in their lives, a young child with no guarantees teaches them to trust.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I definitely am a hybrid, that leans more pantsing the more stories I write. In order to start a story
I need to know my characters and their back stories, where the story will start and the climax
point I need to get them too. I will often at that point do some loose plotting (enough to convince
myself I have a story, but not so much that I’ll be frustrated when the characters ruin my plan).
Then I usually start.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
When the characters surprise me. I once had a character open her front door to a best friend
that I didn’t have included in my character list. She was great… had to write her in ��

3. What is your least favorite part about writing?
When you have those feelings that you aren’t sure exactly how the story will work out, and if
what you are writing now is going to have to be completely reworked because it’s hard to
envision if it will be effective.

4. What is your writing space like?
I’m a mom of 7 and I do youth ministry with my husband, so my writing space is very portable. I
have a lap desk and a laptop and I steal my moments whenever I can find them. Sometimes its
the backseat of a car at practice, sometimes my living room sofa.

5. When did you become a writer?
I’ve been told that as soon as you write, you are a writer, but I first felt like a writer once I
completed my first manuscript in 2019 and felt driven to make it good enough to publish. So it
really hasn’t been that long, but it’s been an amazing journey so far.

About the Author

Winner of the 2025 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice Award, Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.

As an avid reader she pens what she loves to read, contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among story lines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.

Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, won the silver medal in the Selah Awards, won the IAN Book of the Year for Christian Fiction, was a double finalist in the International Book Awards.

More from Carrie

Where did you get the idea for “Someone to Lean On”

I’m asked this for every story, and this one I can definitely say the characters gave me no choice, I had to write it. When I envisioned this series, I always envisioned a three-book series where we would meet a “special” little boy in the first book and follow the lives he touched, and by the end of the series see the far-reaching effects of his life. When I finished writing “Right Before Their Eyes” we left Lucia as a pregnant foster teen. She’d found an amazing foster mom to support her, but what happened to her and her baby? In talking with social workers I learned so many foster teens age out and while there are some programs to help support them, they aren’t easy. So of course, Lucia’s story wasn’t over. And the story, as many of ours are, wasn’t all easy, but it also was filled with blessing. Many of her struggles, she gave to me (yeah… the characters talk to me lol, and many times just take over their stories), I didn’t have to dream them up. I’m sure many of us pray, read Scripture, and want to trust God. But then … life. Sometimes life sure makes those desires difficult to live out. And to watch this young woman grow through tough times, still have a heart, and eventually find the strength to step out in faith . . . I’m so glad she made me write this story I pray you enjoy Lucia and Jordan’s story, and also step back and reflect on the far reaching effect of each human life.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 6 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, June 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Guild Master, June 8 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, June 9

Fiction Book Lover, June 10 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, June 11 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 14

Blossoms and Blessings, June 15 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, June 16 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 16

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 18

For Him and My Family, June 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $40 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.

https://gleam.io/pZs43/someone-to-lean-on-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

"Mesmerize" by Darlene Corbett -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Mesmerize

Author: Darlene Corbett

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 18, 2026

Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai, a dazzling romance comes to life.

Can a storyteller win back the love of her life through tales sprinkled with faith and love.

Boston-based Delphina Tulasi, a therapeutic storyteller, has shunned men.

A year after a major betrayal, she accompanies her mother Lucia, a matchmaker, to Las Vegas to help her run an exclusive speed-dating event.

Alexander O’Hara, a CFO with secrets of his own, accepts Lucia’s invitation to attend. He meets Delphina and becomes mesmerized. They go out on a date in Las Vegas and return to Boston, where their love blossoms.

All goes well until Alex goes on a long business trip to Dubai. A visit from someone in her past confuses Delphina and lures her back to a previous relationship, prompting her to break up with Alex.

After a few dates with her ex, Delphina recognizes the mistake she’s made and becomes determined to win Alex back. She uses her creativity, spins stories based on truth, and sends them in videos across the internet.

Will it work?

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I am 80 percent pantser with 20 percent plotting in my approach. I know the destination, but I go
on a journey to figure out how to get there.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
Dictating a skeletal scene, then sitting down filling it in. An exhilarating process. Also, I like
reading out loud.

3. What is your least favorite part about writing?
Although I like reading out loud, I find editing excruciating at times.

4. What is your writing space like?
I sit at my desk with a big window in front of me. Lots of wildlife scampers through my backyard.
My little Shih Tzu, Stevie, sits in his bed a few feet away from me.

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
Yes. I’m a therapist, so bits and pieces of me show up. But for the most part, each character
takes a life of their own.

About the Author

Darlene Corbett has been serving others as a licensed psychotherapist for over thirty years.

With her wealth of experience in human behavior, she decided to write down her thoughts to inspire a larger audience. This set the stage for her book, Stop Depriving The World of You, published by Sound Wisdom in 2018.

She continued writing nonfiction until she heard God whisper again. And his call prompted her to take a risk and dip her toes into fiction. Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, was published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and in August, she won the 2024 Storytrade Book Awards for Christian Fiction in the Contemporary category.

And right now?

Her contemporary romance, Mesmerize, will be published in February of 2026 which has themes of a modern-day, Christian Scheherazade story.

Her writing continues with two romantic suspense novels. Enthralled, which takes place in Mykenos, has been completed but needs editing. A Midnight Call, located in a small fictional town in central Massachusetts, has almost reached the finishing line.

When not writing or seeing clients, Darlene immerses herself in a variety of novels and tries to support other authors of faith.

In addition, she loves animals with dogs being number one. Taking care of her beloved Shih Tzu, Stevie, puts a smile on her face.

Being a life-long learner, she’s attempting a second language and remains a nerd at heart. Staying fit, traveling, and connecting with her inner circle also take priority.

Darlene belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and WFWA.

She lives in Central Massachusetts with Stevie, and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

More from Darlene

For all my life, I’ve been in love with the oral and written word.

And I imagine the same for you.

How many people do not enjoy reading or hearing a good tale?

And doesn’t it make sense?

Each of us has a story, our own book of life. How it unfold lays between God and us.

Although every novel involves a story, I decided to highlight a therapeutic storyteller.

Why therapeutic?

Because I’m a therapist and have listened to stories throughout my life. Also, I remember the story of Scheherazade, and with faith and modernity, I wove it into my novel. The protagonist spins tales to… Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

I hope you become mesmerized by Mesmerize.

Blog Stops

Cover Lover Book Review, May 30

Simple Harvest Reads, May 31 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, June 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

Guild Master, June 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3

Fiction Book Lover, June 4 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, June 5 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 7

For the Love of Literature, June 8 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, June 9

Blossoms and Blessings, June 10 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, June 11

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of a $75 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/Ap5Fn/mesmerize-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

"Not Precisely Mr. Knightley" by Carolyn Miller

About the Book

Book: Not Precisely Mr. Knightley (The Silver Teapot Series Book Two)

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction

Release Date: May, 2026

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?

Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley.

Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

"Not Precisely Mr. Knightley" is the second book in the Silver Teapot series. The Bennett family appears in this story as well, but it seems you'd be able to read this one on its own. The characters were believable, albeit somewhat unlikeable at times. There was a good biblical faith thread woven through the book. It was good to see EJ grow and realize what was really important. I will be interested in reading the next book to see what happens with more of the Bennett sisters.

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

More from Carolyn

Do you know someone who has found love online?

I do. I have numbers of friends and even a family member who have found love and married thanks to dating apps and the like. This newer form of meeting people is something I’ve referenced in several of my books (including Only You Can Love Me), as several of my characters have used an app called Dream Match, a romance matchmaking app for Christian singles around the world. But when I first mentioned Dream Match years ago I didn’t realise at the time that I’d end up writing a story about how the inventor of Dream Match would finally meet her match.

And it seemed perfect to me that Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, known for her matchmaking skills, should be reflected in a modern day context as being the ultimate matchmaker, EJ Bennett, who is responsible for helping hundreds of people find love online. Even if she doesn’t think she needs or wants love for herself.

Playing with Jane Austen’s characters and putting them in a modern setting is a lot of fun. So not only does Emma Woodhouse become EJ Bennett, but George Knightley becomes EJ’s best friend and app co-designer Jordan Knight, the straight shooter she needs. And Frank Churchill, the man Emma starts to fall for, becomes Eric Churchill, son of a TV mogul squillionaire.

The first book in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, also played around with some of Austen’s settings, placing the story in a small town in Australia called Wattle Vale. I had fun further developing the Australian connections by setting other key scenes in iconic places like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, which naturally meant I had to visit for “research.”

So I hope readers enjoy this little taste of Australia, and all the fun references to Jane Austen’s Emma. Be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media for more Jane Austen inspiration and fun, and get ready to enjoy Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, a sweet and swoony best friends-to-more romance that shows the path to true love is never smooth – even for the professional matchmaker.

Happy reading!