Tuesday, September 8, 2026

In These Hills by Tamera Alexander

1905. Josephine Dunham is running for her life. After a women's suffrage rally in Atlanta turns deadly, she buys a one-way ticket on the first train out and lands in rural Tennessee. There, Dodge Coburn—a rough-edged stranger with undeniable appeal—begrudgingly offers her a ride to Lynchburg, a speck of a town where Josephine hopes to disappear.

Battered and desperate, Josephine has little to say when Dodge delivers her to Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Hoping to work in exchange for room and board, she soon discovers the only job matching her skills is at Jack Daniel's Distillery, an irony not lost on a suffragist committed to prohibition.

Dodge is skeptical of Josephine's claim that she's on the run from an abusive husband. But between running Jack Daniel's cattle farm and raising his young niece, he has little time or inclination to press her . . . at first. But when Josephine's convictions and compassion draw him in, Dodge begins to reconsider the life he's chasing, while Josephine must face a world far more complicated than the principles she's held to.

As Jack Daniel's Distillery gains national recognition, Josephine's secrets resurface. In a place where whiskey making takes time but justice is too often hurried, Dodge and Josephine must decide what—and who—they are willing to risk everything for, and whether faith will hold when the cost is high and time is running out.

Amazon

About The Author

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist and one of today's most beloved authors of inspirational historical romance and women’s contemporary fiction. While being Gram Tam is her current favorite role, she’ll never turn down a stroll through an old cemetery or browsing through antique shops.

Her works have been awarded numerous industry-leading honors—among them the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Library Journal's top honors—and have earned the distinction of Publisher's Weekly Starred Reviews. In 2020 she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame which recognizes authors for their legacy and contribution to Christian fiction. Her deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide.

Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville, Tennessee, and treasure the time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. They live a short distance from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. Tamera views her writing as a way to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her deepest desire is that those who read her novels will take steps closer to Him as well.

My Review

I absolutely love this read, from beginning to end I was page turning for answers.
A young woman, hurt by the murder of her twin brother, and longing for the rights of women, she is willing to risk it all.
We follow the lead character as she actually runs for her life, and we see her as she fight her principals for the love of those she cares about. Will this lead to more trouble? Lies?
A town that really seems to care, and the Lord leading her to where she needs to be!
We are given all in this book, from danger, love of fellow men, hurting from loss, and the almighty greed. The author also gives us some sweet romance, and don’t forget to read the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: he Reluctant Healer of Halifax Author: Terrie Todd

About the Book

Book: The Reluctant Healer of Halifax

Author: Terrie Todd

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: August, 2026

Her Family, Her Home, Her Future—All Leveled in One Thunderous Explosion

When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Three days ago, Pearline Campbell’s family was whole, and Oliver Hamilton still loved her. But upon returning to Halifax disfigured and shellshocked, Oliver ended their relationship. Then came Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the Halifax harbor was leveled by a tremendous explosion. . .and Pearline fears nothing will ever be whole again. Her parents are dead, her brother is missing, and her sister refuses to speak. Pearline must fortify herself to open her home to needy orphans, including an unidentified baby. Where can she find the strength for each new day as misery grips the city?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terrie Todd is a Canadian author of nine historical and split-time novels and one nonfiction book. Her work has earned numerous Word Awards from The Word Guild, the 2018 Janette Oke Award from Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship, and the 2022 Braun Book Award. She is also a Carol Award Finalist. From 2010-2024, she wrote a weekly “Faith and Humor” column for her hometown newspaper, and since 2021, a monthly column for the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog. Terrie lives with her husband, Jon, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, where they raised their three children. They are grandparents to five boys.

More from Terrie

It wasn’t until I was interviewing a friend for a newspaper column that the Halifax Explosion of 1917 began to interest me. My friend, Gene, had gone blind from macular degeneration, and I wanted to write a series of columns about what it was like for him to lose his sight and now live with blindness. One of the books Gene mentioned as having inspired him was the true story of Eric Davidson. At the time of the explosion, Eric was a toddler, playing with his toy car on a windowsill in his Halifax home. The glass exploded, permanently blinding Eric. The north end of Halifax was destroyed, and roughly two thousand residents died. Nine thousand more were wounded, including hundreds blinded or partially blinded by flying glass. The mass blinding helped birth the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Eric’s daughter, Marilyn Davidson Elliott, wrote the book The Blind Mechanic about her father.

I found Eric’s story fascinating. When given the opportunity to try for a spot in Barbour’s series of books about historical disasters, I decided to write one about the Halifax explosion. The more I researched, the more I wondered why we didn’t learn about this in school, and the harder it was to imagine the devastation that the city and its people survived. This was during a world war and only five years after being highly involved in the recovery of the Titanic’s victims and survivors, a disaster that helped prepare them for this one. Story after story, many revealing the incredible determination of the stalwart people of Nova Scotia and the Bostonians who came to their aid, moved me to tears. It was difficult to choose which experiences to borrow for my characters. I was thrilled to visit Halifax in 2025, a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Naturally, the book includes some blind and partially blind characters. I so appreciate the input from my two blind beta readers, Alexandra Banwell and Leanne Merren. One of my favorite things to do with each book I launch is to choose a charity to which I give a portion of the proceeds from my local book launch. For this book, I’ve chosen the CNIB’s Guide Dog program.

Although my book never became a part of that series, Barbour decided it would be a good fit for their “Enduring Hope” series. The rest is, literally, history. I’m thrilled to be part of this series and have enjoyed the first five immensely. I hope you read them all!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 26

Devoted Steps, August 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27

Texas Book-aholic, August 28

Pause for Tales, August 29

For Him and My Family, August 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 2

Connie’s History Classroom, September 3

Cover Lover Book Review, September 4

Sydney Schmied Books, September 5

Mary Hake, September 5

Blossoms and Blessings , September 6

The Bookish Pilgrim, September 7

Devoted to Hope, September 7

Holly’s Book Corner, September 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terrie is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print 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/9yOdf/the-reluctant-healer-of-halifax-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Society of Second Chances by Deborah Raney

Welcome to Hope Valley, Kentucky, where a mysterious—and apparently very wealthy benefactor—brings together four women with extraordinary talents and compassionate hearts. Helen Janway, Rachel Hooper, Jennifer Stanton, and Evelyn Richmond receive a check for a large sum to cover expenses and are invited to become a covert “team of angels,” tasked with a secret mission: to offer God’s love, grace, and mercy to a young woman in need of a fresh start.

Their first assignment proves challenging. The Society of Second Chances is called to help Harmoni Branaham, a young woman newly released from prison and struggling to find her place in the world. As the women work to earn Harmoni’s trust and guide her toward a brighter future, their own lives—and secrets—begin to surface. For Rachel, the risk is deeply personal, as she fears her darkest secret may undo the fragile bond forming among the group.

Amazon

About The Author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Forty-plus books later, she is a four-time Christy Award finalist, and her novels have won the ACFW Carol Award, Selah Award, RITA® Award, Foreword Indie Gold, and many others. Deb teaches at writers conferences across the country and served on the executive board of the 2500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for almost 18 years. With her husband, Ken Raney, she is a transplant to Southeast Missouri from their native Kansas. A few of her favorite things are: coffee mugs, rainy days, screened porches, empty journals, e-biking, Friday garage sale dates with her husband, houseplants in pretty pots, kaleidoscopes, memories of Paris, guacamole, colored pencils, and her fourteen grandkids in any combination (but especially one-on-one).

FROM THE AUTHOR: I went from full-time stay-at-home mom for 20-plus years to full-time author. My passion is my family—my husband and I have four kids and an even dozen grandkids. But since, if a mom does her job right, she eventually puts herself OUT of a job, I'm delighted to have discovered a "next" career that I love.

My first literary love is fiction and I have written more than forty books and contributed to several anthologies. The third and final book of my Camfield Legacy series, Breath of Heaven, released in 2022, and my new Christmas novella, "The Wondrous Gift," is part of O Little Town from Kregel. I have also just released my first book on the craft of writing, Writing Cinematically: 12 Movie Techniques to Bring Your Novel to Life. This is based on a workshop I've been teaching at writers conferences over the past decade.

A typical writing day for me begins early—usually before 5 a.m.—with the business side of things: answering e-mail and reader mail, writing blog posts, reading for research. Our routine is much quieter now than when we had four kids at home! I have a routine that sets the stage: lighting scented candles, choosing music to write by, and brewing a perfect cup of coffee. I have a cozy office that looks out over our front yard, but I much prefer to take my laptop out to the back screened porch overlooking our woods where the deer, birds, squirrels, groundhogs, raccoons, foxes, and bunnies provide inspiration and entertainment.

As much as I enjoy the actual process of writing, I am an extrovert by nature, and doubt I'd have lasted long in this business were it not for the company of several wonderful online writers' groups, connecting with other authors at retreats and conventions, and meeting aspiring writers whenever my husband and I teach at conferences around the country.

Ken and I started road-tripping in 2018 and in 2021 we bought a 1998 Chinook camper and have taken several weeks-long trips since then—the southeastern coastal states, the northern states, northwest through Montana and Utah, and most recently a month-long tour of Texas. If the price of gas doesn't keep us home, we hope to add more destinations to our list. We love that we can work from the road while researching, taking photos, and exploring new story ideas!

Probably the most exciting event in my writing life so far was having my first novel made into a movie by World Wide Pictures. Certainly a dream come true for any author, and I feel blessed beyond words to still get to be doing what I love as my day job.

My Review

This was a sweet Christian read, but when the book was finished some questions were not answered.
A young women is being released from prison, she has served her time, and now we follow her as she rejoins society.
There is another group of four women whom received a check of $2500 each, it is for them to use to help the young women who is leaving jail and help her. No one knows one another, and should they decide to do this unusual request?
There are some deeply held family secrets for one of the check recipients, and we are there as we journey for answers for the surprises that happen here.
This book is a fast read, and was a page turner!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Guideposts, and was not required to give a positive review.

Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke

New York City, 1918. When schoolteacher Gwendolyn Armstrong learns of her sister’s worsening illness, she travels to Marion’s stately home to tutor her young niece and nephew, kept from school by the Spanish flu outbreak. Though the family lives in luxury, Gwen is wary of Marion’s sophisticated, often-absent husband, Russell, who once cast Gwen aside for her sister, leaving wounds that never fully healed.

As Marion’s health declines, a sense of foreboding settles over the family. Gwen observes strangers coming and going from Russell’s study at all hours, and her lingering distrust turns to suspicion that he is hiding something that could threaten the family’s safety and security. But when the deadly flu claims victims among the family and mansion staff, Gwen and her nephew, Alistair, are forced to accept terrible losses caused by the epidemic followed soon after by his own fatal diagnosis of juvenile diabetes.

When a compassionate doctor becomes both an advocate and friend, chasing down every promising medical development in the race for a cure, Gwen clings to each shred of hope. But as Russell’s clandestine dealings erupt into a shattering revelation, she must summon every ounce of courage she possesses. With Alistair’s life hanging in the balance, Gwen pleads for a faith she doesn’t yet possess, realizing she must surrender him to God and the possibility of a miracle that could save him and reshape her future in ways she never imagined.

Amazon

About The Author

Bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Her critically acclaimed novels include A Hundred Crickets Singing, Night Bird Calling, The Medallion (winner of the 2020 Christy Award), Until We Find Home, Secrets She Kept (winner of the 2016 Christy, Carol and INSPY Awards), Saving Amelie (winner of the 2015 INSPY Award), Band of Sisters, Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2012), I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2008 and winner of the 2008 Christy and American Christian Fiction Writers Award) and William Henry is a Fine Name (winner of the 2007 Christy Award).

When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com, and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks; on Bookbub (@ CathyGohlke); and on YouTube, where you can subscribe to Book Gems with Cathy Gohlke for short videos of book recommendations.

My Review

This is a beautifully written Christian read, and I loved unwrapping it.
As the story begins the year is 1918, and we are still in the Great War, but the Spanish Flu is also rearing its ugly head.
We are given family, love and loss. A sister taking the boyfriend of another, and in the end it is as it should be.
There is a fascination with Egypt, and their antiquities, and this continues to the second generation.
A lot of loss happens here, with the flu, consumption, and then the wasting disease.
When you read the author's notes, you see how personal this story becomes, and why you find her heart and soul in this book.
This is a read that made me want to read fast, but then I didn't want to get to the end to quickly, I need answers, but wanted to stay involved in this families lives!
I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.

The One I Never Forgot: Fox Grove Series Mandy Boerma

Ten years ago, Tilly Langston was left standing alone on homecoming night with nothing but a broken heart.

She never got an explanation. Or an apology. Or even the closure she craved. Convinced she’s finally moved on, Tilly is blindsided on the first day of her new job when she’s assigned to plan the ten-year high school reunion – with the man who broke her heart, Walker Ellis.

Walker never pictured being back in Fox Grove, much less having to face the one person he's hurt the most. As Walker juggles coaching the Fox Grove Foxes through their best season in years and Tilly competes for a long-awaited promotion, they're forced to work side by side. The more they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the feelings neither of them truly left behind.

Walker is determined to earn the forgiveness he never thought he'd deserve. Tilly is resolute in her claim she’ll never trust him with her heart again. But when old wounds begin to heal, they'll have to decide if love is worth risking one more time. Can they overcome their differences, or is history destined to repeat itself?

Amazon

About The Author

Mandy Boerma believes every great story needs three things: faith, family, and coffee.

An award-winning author of sweet contemporary romance, Mandy writes stories that point readers toward hope while delivering all the butterflies of a happily-ever-after. Living in Florida's Panhandle with her Prince Charming and their two daughters, she draws inspiration from everyday moments, heartfelt conversations, and God's faithfulness through every season of life.

Whether she's writing about royalty, small-town romance, or second chances, Mandy's stories remind readers that they are deeply known, fully loved, and never forgotten by God. When she's not writing, she's usually homeschooling, planning her next adventure, or enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends.

My Review

I really enjoyed reading this book! There is a big theme of forgiveness here, from beginning to end, and the characters in this read are Christians, and know it is required, it still is never easy!
Carrying old hurts for ten years, or more! From high school into adulthood and now a job.
A young women and a young man with a past are thrown together, can they overcome their differences? Well, just when you think that is possible, there seems to be another problem.
This is such a sweet romance story, but life's problems sure get in the way!
You can go home again!
I received this book through the Fox Grove Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Celebrate Lit Presents: A Contrary Betrothal Author: Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

About the Book

Book: A Contrary Betrothal

Author: Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 18, 2026

A Cherokee lieutenant, a colonel’s daughter, and a desperate fight to protect both land and love.

Sam Hicks may be the educated son of a Cherokee chief, but his command of multiple languages and diplomatic skills can’t erase the prejudice he faces as a mixed-blood warrior. When he’s tasked with guarding Colonel Moore’s spirited daughter, Susanna, at a wilderness fort, he never expects to lose his heart to a woman he can never have.

Susanna Moore dreams of making her own way on the frontier like her Cherokee stepmother. The last thing she wants is an arranged marriage to the fort’s stuffy doctor—especially after she meets the noble and intelligent Sam Hicks. When she’s captured by a turncoat warrior during a Creek uprising, Sam risks everything to save her.

Their shared values and growing love give them hope—but with the Creek War raging and cultural pressures mounting, can a Cherokee lieutenant and a colonel’s daughter overcome the loyalties and prejudices set against them?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

The seed idea for A Contrary Betrothal came from another author a number of years ago. She proposed a collection of stories in which the heroes were all Native Americans who served their country in different wars. I still love the idea even though it never came to pass! In fact, I loved it so much, I went ahead and wrote my story. And that story became Bent Tree Bride, first published with Smitten Romance. Now, it’s joining my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series as book six.

Many people are unaware that the Cherokees fought alongside American troops under Andrew Jackson during the Creek War or Red Stick War, a portion of the War of 1812 that occurred in present-day Alabama. The Creek people were allied to the British, as the Cherokees themselves had been during the American Revolution. The motivation for this was, of course, to keep their land. Their warriors were so valuable to Jackson that they broke the ineffective cannonade on the town of Tohopeka, swimming across the river from behind and making the victory possible that ended the war at Horseshoe Bend.

Sam Hicks, the hero of A Contrary Betrothal, is a mixed-blood Cherokee lieutenant with the head of a scholar and the heart of a warrior. His struggle to intermingle the old ways and the new ways proves reflective of the metamorphosis of his people. Even though he’s been educated as the wealthy son of a chief, he knows his white colonel’s daughter, Susanna Moore, is out of his reach. But when he’s assigned to guard her and her little brother at a wilderness fort, he can no longer deny his attraction to the feisty young woman who’s determined to convince her father she can survive on the frontier as well as her Cherokee stepmother.

A Contrary Betrothal will resonate with readers who enjoy stories by authors like Laura Frantz, Shannon McNear, Michelle Griep, and Lori Benton. The forbidden love and fish out of water tropes create plenty of angst, and the battlefield scenes echo Last of the Mohicans. When people have asked me which of my books would translate well onto the big screen, in fact, this is one I think of. I invite you, dear reader, to be swept away by the action and romance of my final book of the Scouts of the Georgia Frontier.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 25

lakesidelivingsite, August 26

Books, Books, & More Books, August 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 27

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30

Cover Lover Book Review, August 31

Jeanette’s Thoughts , September 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 2

Connie’s History Classroom, September 3

Simple Harvest Reads, September 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

Blossoms and Blessings, September 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 6

Holly’s Book Corner, September 7

Pause for Tales, September 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise 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/7zfBE/a-contrary-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, September 4, 2026

Celebrate Lit Presents: A Guided Gratitude Journal Author: Donna Wyland

About the Book

Book: A Guided Gratitude Journal

Author: Donna Wyland

Genre: Nonfiction/Christian Guided Journal

Release Date: September, 2025

What would you change in your life if you could? Scientific and faith-based research prove that gratitude is the key! 5 minutes a day/7 days a week/7 weeks. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Let today be the day your new life begins!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Donna Wyland is an award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction, and picture books. Her most recent gift book, Last Best Year – A Short Guide to a Grateful Life – is a Golden Scroll Award Winner, and her picture books, ‘Twas the Night Before Jesus and Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts were both Readers’ Choice Award Finalists.‘Twas the Night Before Jesus also won the Illumination Award Silver Medal and Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts was the Christian Indie Award winner for picture books.

Though she began a career in financial planning, God interrupted those plans and called her to write more than twenty years ago. Donna responded, “Yes, Lord,” and today has numerous books, essays, and blogs attributed to her name.

In the future, Donna hopes to continue writing guided journals to encourage and inspire people’s faith and confidence in God and themselves. As a Certified Christian Life Coach, Donna learned the value of asking powerful questions. Through her guided journals she hopes to lead readers to greater clarity, peace, and purpose as they read, consider, and reply to the questions asked.

Donna is grateful for her husband, four grown daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. She and her husband currently live in Southwest Florida, but her passion for travel frequently takes her to other states and countries around the world. Only God knows where she will live in five years. Thankfully she has a husband who says he will follow her wherever she goes.

More from Donna

What would you change in your life if you could? Scientific and faith-based research prove that gratitude is the key! 5 minutes a day/7 days a week for 7 weeks could change your life. Let today be the day your new life begins!

This journal was inspired by God and written as a result of many personal losses in my life. As I tried to move toward healing, I felt like I was still walking under a dark cloud each day, faking happiness and joy as I went about my responsibilities as a wife, mother, and grandmother. I was still hurting and desperately wanted to know why. That’s when I did a deep dive on the topic of gratitude and discovered its tremendous power to heal.

I pray that this journal becomes a legacy of readers’ journeys to joy, emotional and physical health, peace, and a thankful way of life. God knows you and sees you. He is excited to hear your praise and watch you grow into a gratitude-filled man or woman of God who lights the world on fire simply by being your wonderful, beautiful, joyful self.