Friday, May 16, 2025

"Unshakable" by KJ Rowe -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Unshakable (Casts of Silver Book 4. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: K.J Rowe

Genre: Teen / Y.A

Release date: January 13, 2025

Self-assured. Perceptive. Determined. Character traits Nick Marshall wears with pride, along with a bit of charm.

He knows himself and what his future holds.

At last, living the life he had long dreamed for himself as a Police Officer, Nick struggles to understand why things he witnessed as a first responder early in his career continue to haunt him. Reoccurring dreams grow a nagging anxiety which, combined with the stress of keeping up with his grueling work roster, as well as extracurricular activities, begin to shadow his professionalism.

Frustrated at himself slipping, Nick begins to take steps to ease his workload when his youth minister drops a bombshell on the Leadership Team that leaves them all reeling, but also sparks a question in Nick’s mind: was he really doing what God wanted him to do?

With rumors starting at work amid a sense of impending threat, Nick continues to pursue the life he’s long envisaged for himself, believing the blessings of God are still upon him. However, when he finds himself in mortal danger, Nick is forced to reconsider everything he’d come to believe and the plans he had for himself.

Will Nick win the battle within his mind and decode the will of God for his life? Will he be willing to let go of his own will and take hold of God’s?

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. What is your Favorite part about writing?
Oh, I love the planning and writing and brainstorming, I love the long nights when ideas are
flowing and the scenes are so vivid in my mind! I love seeing the cover design options by my
fabulous cover designer presents to me, then working on one to bring it to perfection. I love
holding the finished product in my hand and receiving feedback from readers.

2. What is your least Favorite part about writing?
Easy one…editing! So much blood, sweat and tears, ends up on the cutting room floor lol

3. What is your writing space like?
Wherever I can open my laptop really. In the loungeroom on my chair, at the kitchen table,
out in our garden, in the car on a long drive. Anywhere!

4. When did you become a writer?
I’ve always dabbled with writing, I still have ‘books’ I wrote as a primary school aged girl, so
it’s been a love of mine for a while.

5. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
My own life experiences.

About the Author

K.J. Rowe began her writing career in 2012 with the drafting of her Young Adult series called “Casts of Silver”, The series, born out of her own unique experiences and understanding how books can literally change people’s lives has been crafted to spotlight particular issues common amongst young people. To impress upon youth the importance of listening to their inner voice, remembering their self worth and to trust in Gods perfect plan for each of our lives is the mission and vision of this series. Karen lives with her husband and 2 children on a farm in North West Victoria, Australia.

More from K.J.

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. After a nagging conviction to write, I asked the Lord what it was He wanted me to pen down. The very next morning, I awoke with five clear stories in my mind.

Unshakable is book 4, of 5. It’s been an incredible journey for me writing this series with each of stories including a part of my own testimony. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless!

Now, who doesn’t love a great healthy(ish) treat while reading a fabulous book? I’ve recently come across this delicious cake recipe and thought I would share it with you all.

DATE CAKE

1.5C Boiling Water

70g dates, chopped

1 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

3/4C softened butter

1C Sugar (I used a little less)

2 eggs

2C Plain Flour

1/2 tsp salt

TOPPING

1/2C chocolate chips

1/2C sugar

1/2C chopped nuts of choice (I used Pecans, recipe uses walnuts)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 175C, grease 28x18cm lamington pan

Pour boiling water over dates, stir in 1tsp of Bicarbonate Soda. Stand until cool.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then remaining bicarbonate of soda, sifted flour and salt. Fold in date mixture.

Pour into pan, sprinkle over the topping ingredients. Bake for 35-45mins.

Goes well cold or warm with cream. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 9

Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11

Artistic Nobody, May 12 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 13 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, May 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 15

Blossoms and Blessings, May 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 18 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 20

A Reader’s Brain , May 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54222

Thursday, May 8, 2025

"The Last Disciple: Gospel of John" by Kurt Brouwer -- Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book Title: The Last Disciple: Gospel of John

Author Name: Kurt Brouwer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 10, 2025

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

In a world shrouded in doubt and darkness, one man holds the key to the greatest story ever told.
The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating new Christian historical novel
from Kurt Brouwer. Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of one who was there. John, a
disciple of Christ, watched the Son of God sacrifice his life on the Cross and entered the empty
tomb after Jesus rose from the grave.
Witness Jesus Through the Eyes of One Who Was with Him
Years after witnessing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John seeks to
faithfully write down the life-changing events he experienced firsthand.
Go back in time with John to old Jerusalem as he describes the fateful meeting between the
Messiah and Nicodemus in which Christ uttered the most beloved passage in the Bible:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish, but have eternal life"
John sets down the true story of Christ, contending with those who seek to water down the
gospel message. Accompanied by trusted allies like Emmaus and Avram, John travels from
Ephesus to Laodicea, Hierapolis, and beyond, determined to ensure the world never forgets the
sacrifice and love of the Son of God.
John reunites with his old friend and fellow disciple, Philip, who is gravely ill. In a desperate bid
to save Philip's life, John seeks out the help of Evangeline, a skilled herbalist and healer. After
Philip recovers, a mob whipped up by a high priest of the goddess Cybele lays in wait to attack
John and Philip.
Will violent enemies of the faith cut off the gospel message John carries?
Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of the Beloved Disciple—and discover how one
man's courage can change the course of history.
If you're struggling with doubt, searching for meaning, or hungry to deepen your faith, The Last
Disciple: Gospel of John is the Christian novel you've been waiting for.
Don't miss this gripping tale of courage, conviction, and the eternal power of the gospel!

Book Excerpt

Emmaus took the flask back. “I imagine the people being baptized today will soon wonder

where you are.” He tilted his head sideways. “I know you’ve been sleeping rough all night, but you might

want to sort out the condition of your hair and clothes.” He pointed at John’s muddy sandals. “Those too.”

“Baptism? Today?” John glanced down at his wrinkled, grass-stained robe. He sucked in a

deep breath. “To be truthful, I’m ashamed to say I lost track of what day it was. In my indulgent fit of

temper last night, I forgot all about the baptism.”

Emmaus pushed away from the tree. “We’d better hurry, then. Wouldn’t want to disappoint

everyone. Of course, you wouldn’t want to scare them, either. You know, with your wild hair and your,

uh, disheveled appearance.”

John climbed the incline past the Great Theater, heading north to the road running above the

Cayster River. He turned east until he reached a trail leading to the river. At the bottom of the trail, he sat

and leaned back against a tree just above a little inlet that sheltered a small, gravel beach. His eyes grew

heavy as the soothing sound of flowing water lulled him into a deep sleep. After a time, his dreamy

slumber was interrupted by the breathy voices of little children.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/04/28/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-by-kurt-brouwer/
Excerpt Two: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john.html
Excerpt Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-by.html
Excerpt Four: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2025/04/26/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-by-kurt-brouwer

About the Author

Kurt is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church on the Big Island of Hawaii. So,
in addition to all the usual temptations writers face, Kurt has to fight off the lure of beautiful
beaches, pounding surf, great weather, and lush golf courses. Can you imagine?
About nine years ago, Kurt did a study for his church on the Apostle John. If you’ve ever been
obsessed by anything, you’ll understand what happened. Kurt couldn’t stop researching, digging,
diving into the life of John and other first century Christians. Kurt read books by early church
historians who wrote quite a bit more more about the disciples, but they often contradicted each
other. Further, they never really delved into the daily lives and motivations, joys and sorrows of
the first Christians.
Kurt took all of his research and knowledge, all the insights and details he had acquired and
turned it into a series of Christian historical novels based on research and Biblical knowledge.
The first four books in the series are now available (on Amazon). Here is the series link: The
Last Disciple Series.
The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem, The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch, The Last Disciple:
Exile in Ephesus, and The Last Disciple: Gospel of John.
You can also read more on why he started the series at KurtBrouwer.com:
Why I Started The Last Disciple Series.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

"Embers of Truth" by Avrie Swan

About the Book

Book: Embers of Truth

Author: Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 15, 2025

A fiery heroine teams up with a gruff detective to catch a thief, but the real danger may be trusting each other.

With her family nearing destitution and her home on the brink of foreclosure, Carina Clarke has little left to lose. Yet in one fateful evening, the 1871 Peshtigo Fire destroys the last of all she holds dear and separates her from her sister and friend. Carina vows to find them—even if it means moving to a different city and taking up work at a textile mill while she searches.

Oliver Ramhurst is determined to make his father proud of his work as a Pinkerton detective. His assignment to capture a thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could be the opportunity he needs—if the feisty Miss Clarke will stay out of his way. When the clever woman offers to help him ferret out the culprit, Oliver reluctantly agrees. But does she want more from him than she’s saying?

As the danger grows and they draw closer to discovering the true identity of the thief, Carina and Oliver realize that nobody is who they seem. Carina must decide who can be trusted and who may be a villain in disguise—for when the hour grows dark, trust may be the only thing that can save her.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

I had a hard time getting into the book. Part of that might just have been my frame of mind at the time, but also there were several inaccuracies that threw me out of the story. We first meet Oliver in November of 1872, but he tells Carina that he became a police officer four years prior (so in 1868) and that it "kept him out of the war". I'm assuming he's referring to the Civil War, which ended in 1865. So 3 years before he became a police officer. He was 17 when the war started and 21 when it ended, so prime age for fighting. Carina tells him that between the war and having to work she hadn't been able to travel. But she would have been 13-17 during the war and not likely to have traveled at that age. Also it says that Oliver "rose before dawn". With his job starting at 6:00, I would hope he rose before dawn since sunrise is at 5:55 for that time of year. I wanted to know more about the fire and wished it was centered more around that. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in the series or not.

About the Author

Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates. A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and a good book in her hand.

More from Avrie

Hello, folks!

What do you do when you run out of your favorite type of book at the local library? Well, in the case of sixteen-year-old me, you sit down and try to write one yourself. Thus was born the first iteration of Embers of Truth, followed shortly thereafter by the second and third. After countless revisions and many cups of coffee, I finally achieved what I wanted—a book filled with mystery and action, with a main character tenacious enough to weather the storms I tossed her way. Carina’s story was a joy to write, and I know sixteen-year-old me would be happy to read it if she could.

In this first book of The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles, I decided to explore the theme of trust and learning to accept help. Carina has difficulty trusting others, an issue born out of past experiences. However, as she comes to learn, we cannot let bad experiences affect the way we see others. Have you ever unjustly judged someone because of something that happened to you, even if it was unintentional? I have. It’s easy to do!

In addition to exploring themes of trust, Embers of Truth also examines what it means to put our goals before helping others. Oliver is determined to impress his father, and while he takes the mill case to help the workers there, he also secretly hopes it will finally make his father approve of his occupation. Putting our needs above others is a part of human nature, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change. Watching Oliver realize this is one of my favorite parts of the story.

Much like Oliver, I also realized several things while writing Embers of Truth. The first was that I would never handwrite a novel again, a decision my right wrist thanked me for. The second was that God is incredibly, incredibly gracious. The third and final thing I realized was that I would have made a terrible Pinkerton detective. I’m much more suited to sitting bundled up under warm blankets with a book than going undercover to find a criminal!

I encourage you, dear reader, to follow along with Oliver and Carina as they traverse snowy Milwaukee and decide whether you could be a detective. Make sure to curl up with a nice cup of coffee or tea and a blanket as you enjoy this intriguing, romance-filled story. God bless you!

Sincerely,

Avrie Swan

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Texas Book-aholic, May 3

Blogging With Carol, May 4

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

Book Looks by Lisa, May 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8

Betti Mace, May 9

Stories By Gina, May 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 10

Cover Lover Book Review, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

Devoted To Hope, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

For Him and My Family, May 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Avrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54210

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Friday, April 25, 2025

"The Other Sister" by Jessica R. Patch

About the Book

Title: The Other Sister
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Thriller, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

Also Available

Her Darkest Secret

My Thoughts

I found this book to be well written. It had some difficult subjects and some twisted, evil characters, but there was a light and good as well. Evil didn't get the last word. I wanted to keep reading and to read faster so I could know what was happening and who the "then" passages were about. I would think I had something figured out and then there would come a twist and I was completely wrong! The biblical faith thread wasn't as easy to see as in some books, but it was there and Charlotte learned it wasn't just "heirloom" but "faith". I look forward to reading more books by Jessica R. Patch.

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch

Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Jessica R. Patch has penned over 27 novels and is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense or a dark, twisty thriller. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, down the street at the Mexican restaurant, or collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.

Connect with Jessica by visiting jessicarpatch.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to her email newsletter "Patched In" updates and receive a FREE short thriller.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of The Garden Girls & a $20 Amazon gift card!

The Other Sister giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

"The Wanderer’s Legacy" by Natasha Woodcraft -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: The Wanderer’s Legacy (The Wanderer Series Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: April 10, 2025

Adah lives trapped between the life she yearned for and the life she chose. Childless and desperate, she’s failed to produce an heir for her once-devoted husband, Lamech. As his love turns to obsession and control, Adah finds herself drawn to whispered legends of a mysterious Wanderer.

When Lamech takes a second wife, Adah’s world shatters – sending her fleeing to her family home. There, a fragile sense of freedom awakens long-buried hopes. But her body hides a secret that will propel her back into the heart of danger.

As survival becomes a daily challenge, can a legend offer her the salvation she craves? Or does someone else hold the power to help her dwell in safety?

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
Something in-between. I have a rough plot outline in mind when I write, but I don’t plan
everything. Rather, my characters drive the story forward. When planning I consider, what are
their limitations and the lies they're telling themselves? How is God going to shine truth into their
lives that will transform them?
I think in dialogue, so while I’m writing the book, conversations will flow in my head and I’ll get
them down as quickly as possible. Then the characters will keep talking while I’m doing the
dishes or the laundry, or walking the dog, and I’ll have to quickly voice memo the conversations
and write it down later! So yeah, those pesky characters really do control the process. Ha ha.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
I love drafting the original story, and I like to do this in chunks, so I can really absorb myself into
the ancient world I’m writing about and get to know my characters. I’m not great at writing in
small bursts, so I try to set aside a week a month where I just write – note the word try! Life
often takes over! I also love editing and perfecting the words.

3. What is your least favorite part about writing?
The afterwards. I’m not great at talking about my books. I love them, but I’m an introvert in real
life, and I have to step outside my comfort zone a lot to do any kind of promotion.

4. What is your writing space like?
I normally write at a desk, though I’ll often draft sitting on the sofa as I’m less distracted that
way. My view is out over my garden. I live in a farmhouse in Lincolnshire, UK, so from my
window, I can see our orchard of fruit trees, our field, and the barn where our goats are. Animal
antics feature a lot in my stories, and The Wanderer’s Legacy has some very naughty goats in
it!

5. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
My books are set in Biblical times, exploring the stories of lesser-known or obscure Bible
characters. They often deal with tough things, considering God’s redemptive purposes for
messy people, just like me.
This one is about Lamech, Adah and Zillah in Genesis 4. It considers how one man could get to
the point of openly admitting to murder. Lamech is a descendant of Cain, the first murderer, but
where Cain hid his crime, Lamech admitted it. Why?

6. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
All my books contain a truth that God has revealed to me for a season. For example, The
Wanderer’s Legacy is based on Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone,
Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Adah’s life is really tough, and she must learn to trust that God
is looking out for her and not try to make her own way. My characters all begin believing a
spiritual lie, and their journey is one of finding the truth and drawing closer to the Father.
Whenever I am writing or releasing a book, I always feel that truth being tested in my own life,
and I have to spend a lot of time on my knees.

If readers would like to sample my writing, they can sign up my newsletter here
https://natashawoodcraft.com/subscribe They’ll get a free novella for signing up, and I send
monthly emails with doses of encouragement and writing news.

About the Author

Natasha Woodcraft lives in the UK with her family of boys and menagerie of animals. She holds an honours degree in Theology and believes stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. Her novels explore God’s redemptive purposes for ordinary, messy people living in biblical times.

More from Natasha

I wrote The Wanderer’s Legacy because I believe stories have the power to communicate deep truths and transform lives, and Bible stories are no exception! Lamech, the first man to have two wives, features way back in Genesis 4, after Cain & Abel and before Noah. It’s not even a story, really, it’s a little poem stuck at the end of a chapter. What is it doing there, and what can it teach us about God’s goodness during a really dark time in humanity’s history?

That’s what this novel is about. It was an excuse to engage deeply with that story and the result is full of biblical truth that I hope will draw the reader closer to Jesus, understanding how his redemptive purposes are woven through the fabric of the whole Bible, even obscure little poems that almost feel like a sidenote.

Rather than telling you more, I’m just going to share the opening with you, to give you a taster…

“Adah presses her back to the pillar, squeezing into its evening shadow. Her heavy breathing is almost as loud as the heartbeat pummelling in her head. Surely someone will hear?

Her chance to escape diminishes with every moment of delay. She is a desert jerboa – alert, aware of every sight and smell, yet frozen in place as she awaits her predator’s pounce.

Azurak should be occupied. Her son arranged it when she pleaded with him on hands and knees, eyes streaming in desperation. But Adah is sure she hears him. His rasping breath and distinct blood-soaked-campfire smell linger, fusing her feet to the ground.

Unless it’s someone worse than Azurak. Perhaps her husband will find her.”