Friday, March 20, 2026

"Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary" by Tony Stoltzfus -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary

Author: Tony Stoltzfus

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: October 3, 2025

At the very edge of heaven, beyond pain and death, the Great Leap waits for you…

Dive in with physicist Amanda for a full-on immersion in a breathtaking, mind-bending new world that’s far, far better than you ever imagined! Gravity is optional, so you can fly. Mistakes are impossible, because evil no longer exists. Time is swallowed in the Eternal Now where you never miss out or run short of time. And an intimacy and acceptance we can only dream of on earth is present with everyone you meet, from the very first moment.

And heaven’s God is gloriously, ridiculously good—as comfortable and accessible as your best friend, completely satisfied in you, yet so big that you’ll never run out of adventure, wonder and delight. Marrying scripture, near-death experiences and physics, this profound journey of imagination will transport you into an eternity you’ll never forget.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. What is your least favorite part about writing?

Rewriting something that is done. I need to make second editions of some of my non-fiction
works. It would be the most profitable thing I could do, but I’ve put it off for over 5 years.

2. When did you become a writer?

I became a writer in the years I was a furniture designer. I was working half time as a draftsman,
and when the full time designer quit, I went to 28 hours a week and took over all his
responsibilities in addition to mine. And then I doubled our sales in the first year, which meant
that for the next ten years, I was desperately behind, all the time. When I had a block of time free
to create a new design, I couldn’t afford to wait for the muse to arrive or to feel
creative—creating was my job, and so I did it. In 20 years as an author, I have never once had
writer’s block because of what that experience taught me. Even though I wasn’t writing at the
time, that job made me a writer.

3. How long does it usually take you to write a book?

Most of what I have written is non-fiction how-to books in a field where I am an expert. If I have
been training regularly with that content, I usually figure a book like that is a 500 hour project,
including making diagrams and photos, page layout, etc—I do everything except the editing. My
latest book is my first work of fiction, and kind of a labor of love. It took 6 years and probably
more like 2000 hours (a year’s work full time) to complete it.

4. What is your work schedule/routine when you write?

I am most productive on a book when I have 20-30 hours a week to write. An 8 hour day is too
long—I run out of gas. And if I take a week and don’t do anything with a book it takes half a day
to get my head back in it again. And the longer I am away from it, the worse I tend to feel about
it. Then when I finally pick it up, I invariably say, ‘Oh! This is better than I remembered!”

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?

I’ve been a professional life coach for 25 years, and specialized in walking with people through
their most difficult experiences in life. Many of the people and events in the book are based on
real situations where the perspective of heaven came and gave a breakthrough to me or those I
was working with. For instance, the chapter on the ‘Great Ones’ is modeled after a friend who
has devoted 30+ years of her life to caring for an autistic child who cannot even speak.

About the Author

Tony Stoltzfus is the author of 21 books on coaching, life and leadership, including the best-selling Coaching Questions (over 200,000 sold). His latest is Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary—a full-on immersion into life in heaven.

His specialty over 25 years as a professional coach is working with ‘senior leaders in painful transitions’, helping them find the goodness of God in the midst of suffering. He’s had plenty of opportunities to meet God in his own adversities, including betrayals, losing access to his life’s work, depression, a home burning down in a forest fire, and more. His message through it all is, “there is nothing that can happen to you that God won’t make something beautiful of.”

Tony has launched or co-launched several coach training organizations, including Leadership MetaFormation and Coaching Mission International. He has trained and certified thousands of Christian coaches, and been recognized by CCNI for pioneering contributions to the Christian coaching field. He is the developer of the Encounter Coaching approach, which transforms the emotional brain by making Jesus a live participant in the coaching conversation.

Tony lives in Redding, CA with his wonderful wife of 37 years, a dog that is a sucking void of emotional need, and a constantly-breaking sprinkler system.

More from Tony

“If people could spend just one day in heaven, they’d give anything to go back…”

Sounds right, doesn’t it? Then what would it take for people to have that experience on earth (without, of course, the messy detail of having to die in the process)?

The surprising key is in that word, ‘experience.’ Experience is the realm of your emotional brain. That side of you that thinks in pictures, stories, and feelings—not in sterile words and detached, rational concepts. Give people a story that transports them to heaven, that lets them feel timelessness, soar in the gravity-optional skies of the Beautiful Land or fall into the all-encompassing embrace of the lover of their soul, and maybe, just maybe, they’d give up anything to go!

The book, Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary, is that story. Join physicist Amanda as she finds herself on the other side, in an astonishing, mind-bending universe where evil has been so completely stamped out that no one remembers it ever existed. In this world built of light, gravity is optional—you can sky-dive without a parachute. Conversations are spirit-to-spirit, with no chance of misunderstanding. You travel at the speed of thought. And heaven’s extra dimensions let Jesus be everywhere at once—so you never have to wait to spend time with him!

For those who’ve experienced loss or grief in this life, it’s a heaven that holds the power to make ALL things well. You’ll weep with Amanda as the devastation of losing both parents as a teen is brought to light; but then rejoice when the Man of Light enters every painful memory, washing her heart clean. You’ll see how prayers and acts of kindness done in secret echo down through generations, joining all of us in a Great Tapestry of connections. Meet the mother of an autistic child, and see how the great sacrifices that circumstance drew from her made them both Great Ones in heaven. Learn how Jesus worked behind the scenes to make the man who betrayed Amanda’s father into one of his dearest friends.

And when Amanda learns that her mom has chosen not to come, discover how heaven makes even THAT well.

And yet this heaven is still, always, more! Join a flash-mob gathered to revel in unrestricted joy. Breathe under water in the River of Life. Garden with an angel, and make a plant grow simply by speaking to it. Travel through time to relive any memory in your life, whenever you want.

Heaven is beyond comprehension—but not beyond imagination! And when we give ourselves permission to imagine the unthinkable, the seed of heaven gets lodged deeply in our hearts.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, March 11

Simple Harvest Reads, March 12 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, March 13 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, March 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

Fiction Book Lover, March 15 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 16 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 17 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Blossoms and Blessings, March 20 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, March 21 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Books, Books, & More Books, March 23 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Tony is giving away the grand prize of a $150 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/FRl5c/heaven-experience-the-extraordinary-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

"Stars in Her Eyes" by Erica Vetsch

About the Book

Book: Stars in Her Eyes

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined minister and a talented actress—bound by love, tested by prejudice, and challenged to choose between heart and conventions.

Pastor Silas Hamilton defied his father’s plans for his life in order to follow God’s call to a small Colorado church. But when he falls for Willow Starr, a gifted actress new to town, his congregation threatens to fracture. Though he’s certain she’s the one God intends for him, mounting pressure forces him to question everything.

Willow has never known a life beyond the theater, following in her parents’ footsteps alongside her domineering sister. When she meets Silas, she discovers a love worth more than any stage role. But with a career-making opportunity in New York beckoning and a church suspicious of actresses, Willow must decide if she’s brave enough to step into an entirely new life.

As rumors and lies threaten to tear them apart, Silas and Willow discover that sometimes the hardest choices lead to the greatest blessings.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This is the sixth book in the Brides of the West, but the third book in the part of the series that deals with the Makenzie Silver mines in Martin City, Colorado. We are introduced to Silas in the first book set in Martin City, but we don't actually meet him until this book. I found the book easy and quick to read. It was interesting to see how some people used to view those who were involved with theater. I liked the biblical faith thread throughout the story. I look forward to reading more books by Erica Vetsch.

About the Author

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

More from Erica

One of the questions I often get as an author is, “Where do your ideas come from?”

The answer is “All over!”

I often get ideas while watching movies or reading books, delving into history books, visiting historical sites, or daydreaming.

For the story Stars in Her Eyes, the idea came from a photograph. A portrait of a pretty girl. Her name was Maude Adams, and her photograph stayed in my mind for a long time.

Those gray eyes, the regal tilt to her chin, the ‘touch-me-not’ expression.

Willow Starr was born.

Stars in her Eyes is the third book in a trilogy set in a mining town in Colorado. Such boomtowns had acting troupes moving through to entertain the minors and bring a bit of ‘class’ to those who were making their fortunes.

So of course, I had to imagine the least likely person to fall in love with an actress. A pastor.

Silas has a rare ability to see the talents of others, not as a threat or oddity, but as a potential asset to the church. He believes that God gifts individuals for the purpose of edifying the church, and that God’s people are found everywhere, even on a lamplit stage.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, March 5 (Author Interview)

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 5

She Lives to Read, March 6

Sydney Schmied Books, March 6

Devoted Steps, March 7

Holly’s Book Corner, March 7

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 8

book looks by lisa, March 9

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 9

lakesidelivingsite, March 10

Devoted To Hope, March 11

Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Texas Book-aholic, March 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Lyssa Loves Books, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Connie’s History Classroom, March 15

Cover Lover Book Review, March 16

Pause for Tales, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 17

Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/r3uyx/stars-in-her-eyes-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, March 12, 2026

"Raging Waters" by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Raging Waters

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 3, 2026

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This series (Elements of Danger) is a must read for me. I love all the books I've read that Dana Mentink has written. I found the book to be well written and kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. There is a biblical faith element woven through the book. It was fun to watch Gideon and Mackenzie's mistrust and dislike of each other turn into something else. I look forward to reading more books by Dana Mentink.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

I’m afraid of deep water. There. I’ve said it. I live in California, famous for beaches sand and surf. If that’s not enough, there are swimming pools aplenty. I should be enjoying the surfing, boating, kayaking, sailing culture, but I’d much rather sit on a deck somewhere and watch others partake. So what’s a gal like me doing writing an adventure that takes place as a dam rupture overwhelms a town? I love to write that type of wilderness story, where stakes are high and the help is scarce. Similar to the previous book, Fire Mountain, the characters will have to dig deep of their strength and faith to survive. And you and I can enjoy it from the safety of our decks! Are you ready? Grab your book and your cuppa and let’s go!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 3

The Avid Reader, March 3

The Sacred Line, March 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4

She Lives To Read, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Lily’s Corner, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7

Devoted To Hope, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 9

EmpowerMoms, March 10

Blogging With Carol, March 10

Just Your Average reviews, March 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 11

Simple Harvest Reads, March 11 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lyssa Loves Books, March 12

Blossoms and Blessings, March 12

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 12

Cover Lover Book Review, March 13

Labor Not in Vain, March 13

Betti Mace, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 15

Lights in a Dark World, March 15

Holly’s Book Corner, March 15

Stories By Gina, March 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 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.

https://gleam.io/OQ5p4/raging-waters-celebration-tour-giveaway

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, March 6, 2026

"The Bird of Bedford Manor" by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Book: The Bird of Bedford Manor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction / Regency

Release Date: February, 2026

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.

Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all:

swoon-worthy romance
clever turn-of-phrase
colorfully memorable characters
charming British setting

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be well written and it flowed well. I liked Juliet and Henry and watching their interactions. I didn't want to put the book down but wished I could just sit and read all day. I look forward to reading more books by Michelle Griep.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

The Waltz: The Dance That Shocked Regency England

Post by Michelle Griep

I’ll be the first to admit it…I can’t dance a lick. Not a jig, not a reel, and certainly not anything that requires turning in rhythm without stepping on someone’s toes. If you ever spot me on a dancefloor, it’s because someone shoved me there or I lost a bet. Which is probably why the waltz both fascinates and terrifies me. A dance that actually expects you to glide gracefully while holding someone close? Absolutely not. And yet in Regency England, it became the talk of the town.

When the waltz swirled onto the dancefloors of England in the 1790s, it caused more shock than delight. Imported from Austria and southern Germany, it was a turning, closely-held dance—far too close for the comfort of polite society. Many called it indecent, warning that no respectable couple should stand chest-to-chest before a room full of onlookers. Some critics even claimed the dance “ignited dangerous feelings” and threatened to erode proper English restraint.

Shocking, right?

But fashions shift, and all it took was the Prince Regent giving the dance his approval in 1814. Overnight, the waltz transformed from scandal to sensation. By the 1820s, it was everywhere.

Here are a few fun bits of waltz trivia from the era:
• Some etiquette books warned that too much turning could cause “disorientation” or “undue excitement.”
• Early chaperones sometimes counted the number of turns, convinced it reflected a couple’s level of impropriety.
• A lady’s hemline was said to act like a “barometer” of a gentleman’s behavior—if it swayed too wildly, he was holding her too tightly.

In The Bird of Bedford Manor, set in 1820, this same world of rigid rules and whispered scandals forms the backdrop for Juliet Finch—resourceful, determined, and driven into the woods by her father’s downfall. When Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land, everything changes. What begins as a crime punishable by death becomes something far more dangerous as he charges her with tracking the stalker tormenting his sister.

Juliet can track anything. But this time, she may become the hunted.