Friday, May 8, 2026

Celebrate Lit Presents: Just Another Home Author: Kimberly Banet

About the Book

Book: Just Another Home

Author: Kimberly Banet

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction, Women’s Christian Fiction

Release Date: May 7, 2024

Sixteen-year-old Sam Keller has lived in foster homes and group homes most of his life and has long ago given up on the dream of a stable, forever family. Adults have always let him down, and so has God, and he has no use for either.

John and Abbie Grayson are a respected, successful couple in their fifties with two grown children. They live in their dream home in Franklin, TN, an idyllic suburb of Nashville, where John is a successful college basketball coach, and Abbie works part-time at their local church. But Abbie feels something is missing from her life and convinces John they should become foster parents.

Their worlds collide when Sam is placed in the Grayson home for a few days. Days turn into months, and Sam thrives with the Graysons and allows himself to dream of a forever family, while John and Abbie realize the teen has found his way into their hearts.

As the Graysons begin to investigate the possibility of adopting Sam, an evil agenda emerges, and a secret past is revealed. Nothing short of a miracle can save Sam from a harrowing ordeal and keep the Grayson family together.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kimberly Banet received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. She started writing in 2020. Her debut novel, Just Another Home, was a 2023 ACFW Genesis Finalist.

Kimberly was married to the love of her life, Jeff, from 1988 until his passing in December, 2024. Together they raised two children, Nicole and Brandon.

Kimberly lives in beautiful Starlight, Indiana, with her two fur babies, Daisy and Winnie.

More from Kimberly

My debut novel, Just Another Home, was released in 2024. It’s about a teen in the foster care system, Sam, who is placed with a couple in their fifties, John and Abbie. Something most people don’t know about Just Another Home is that the setting of the story, Franklin, Tennessee, was not just some random town I chose for the backdrop of Sam’s story. Franklin is a place I’ve visited many times and is near and dear to my heart.

In 2015, our daughter and son-in-law moved to Franklin, a little over three hours from our home in Indiana where my husband and I have lived all our lives. We visited frequently. We loved the small-town, rural feel of Franklin, with its rolling fields and farms and the scenic beauty of the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway. It also satisfied everything we wanted in a small city with its unique shops, boutiques and locally-owned restaurants on Main Street and nearby Cool Springs.

My favorite things about Franklin, though, were the great family weekends we spent there. The memories of one weekend in particular always makes me smile. We attended the Dickens of a Christmas Festival on the square in downtown Franklin. It was just one of the many festivals they have there, but the one I love the most.

It was a blustery, cold day for Middle Tennessee. The high was only 30 degrees and snow flurries were flying. With coffee in hand, we braved the downtown streets and met all our favorite Dickens characters—Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and Tiny Tim, among others. There were vendor booths, and a giant, beautifully lit Christmas tree in the square. It was a beautiful, Christmas-like day with our whole family together in the same place at the same time. When we got too cold to walk anymore, we ducked into a pizzeria to have lunch and warm up. Then we finished the day at our favorite local bookstore there, Landmark. This mother’s heart was full.

Does all of this sound familiar? If you’ve read Just Another Home, it does, because this exact story is played out as Sam attends the Dickens Festival with his foster family. It’s the first time he is genuinely happy since he can remember. He can enjoy the day with them without having to fight for survival or worry about what tomorrow brings. For once he is free and his heart is not troubled.

Kind of like this momma’s heart, having her whole family in the same place at the same time.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25

Stories By Gina, April 26 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 27 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, April 27

Artistic Nobody, April 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

The Bookish Ledger, April 30 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, May 2 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 3

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 4 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 5 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 5

Vicky Sluiter, May 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 7

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/HlylC/just-another-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Celebrate Lit Presents: Resurrection Rest Author: Courtney Lyman

About the Book

Book: Resurrection Rest

Author: Courtney Lyman

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: April 18, 2018

Gerard Truman frantically arrived at Holliday Hotel in need of a place to stay that was near the clinic in Willow Creek. His sister, Stacie, was ill and the prognosis didn’t look good. Carol Holliday immediately welcomed Gerard and placed him in the room she called Resurrection Rest. Dr. Eva Livingston was an intelligent, driven doctor. Direct, serious, and lacking compassion, she was not known for her bedside manner. Seeing no hope for Stacie, she urges Gerard to say his good-byes and remove his sister from life-support. As she battles Gerard, Eva is forced to take a look at herself and reevaluate how she is faring as a doctor. His faith shakes her and even as she is frustrated by his determination, she finds herself drawn to him as well. But it will take a miracle for this arrogant doctor to change.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Courtney Lyman lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband, their three children, and two cats. She is the author of the KW Consulting series, the Holliday Hotel series, as well as several Christmas novellas. She stays busy with her family’s activities, her ministries at church, and in whatever time is left, knitting, singing, and playing games.

More from Courtney

Easter is my favorite holiday because it celebrates the hope, restoration, and new life that Christians have in Jesus. It remembers Jesus’s death as the sacrifice that saved us, but also the power of the resurrection which gives us the hope of eternal life with Him. I can’t think of a better message to share with others.

When I began to write the Holliday Hotel series, I wanted to show how God is visible in all of the celebrations that we observe, and Resurrection Rest holds a special place as a celebration of God’s salvation for all people.

In today’s world, it can feel like God doesn’t still work miracles as medical treatments and professionals can get the credit for healing, but I have had the pleasure of witnessing several times where the doctors said one thing, but God intervened. A beloved grandmother figure who was so badly ill with sepsis that the doctors said that the family needed to say their good-byes only to have her not only survive, but thrive. A family friend who was hit by a drunk driver who should not have survived the night, or come out of the coma, or be able to move and speak, but defied the odds. My mother who was in a car accident that broke her neck and should have left her paralyzed, but didn’t. God is still active and working. His power has not diminished!

Resurrection Rest shows that God’s power is still at work in the world today and that His salvation is for everyone. I hope that you enjoy this Easter story of hope and love, and then come back to visit Holliday Hotel to celebrate other holidays through the year!

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, April 24 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 25 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Fiction Book Lover, April 29 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, April 30 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 1 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Blossoms and Blessings, May 3 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 4 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, May 4

Books, Books, & More Books, May 5 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 6 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Courtney is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback 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/Y6AMa/resurrection-rest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride Author: Vickie McDonough

About the Book

Book: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 14, 2026

She’s wary of trusting her heart again. He’s haunted by his wife’s tragic death. As danger threatens to tear them apart, they must choose between fear and the chance for lasting love.

Pregnant and alone, Katie Hoffman struggles to save the family farm after her husband’s death. She nearly marries a charming stranger with dark intentions, but she’s saved by bounty hunter Dusty McIntyre. Though grateful, she blames him for the loss of her home and her brush with disaster. But as she witnesses his gentle way with her son and his determination to protect her, Katie finds her defenses crumbling.

Dusty McIntyre has spent two years tracking the outlaw who killed his wife, letting vengeance consume him. When his pursuit leads him to Katie, he never expects to feel such a powerful connection to the stubborn widow and her sweet baby boy. Yet his guilt over the past and anger toward God stand between them and any chance at happiness.

As an escaped criminal threatens their newfound peace and forces them to confront their fears, Katie and Dusty must decide if love is worth risking their wounded hearts—and if faith can light the way to a future together.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter 1

Spring 1903, Sanders Creek, Oklahoma

“You ought’a be right proud of yourself.”

City Marshal Dusty McIntyre’s chest swelled at Deputy Tom Barker’s comment, then he heaved a sigh of relief, knowing the crafty swindler he’d been after for months was finally behind bars. He eyed the solemn prisoner in the cell. “I have to admit, there were days I wondered if we’d ever catch this weasel. Feels good to have him locked up.”

Ed Sloane’s eyes narrowed as he peered through the bars. “Just ’cause you got me locked up today, marshal, doesn’t mean you will tomorrow.” One cheek kicked upward in a cocky sneer.

Dusty wanted to smack that belligerent look off Sloane’s face, but he wouldn’t. As a law officer, he was bound by a different code than the man in his jail, and as a Christian, he was called by God to walk a straight path and control his temper. He looked at Sloane and recognized him for what he was—a lost man. A man on the road to hell if he didn’t change his ways real fast.

Sloane stuck his hands between two bars. “Think you could take these cuffs off now that you got me safe in your jail?”

Dusty didn’t miss the sarcasm that laced his prisoner’s voice. The man still didn’t seem to realize he’d been caught. Much as he’d like to leave Sloane handcuffed, he crossed the room, his boots echoing on the wood floor. He pulled a warm metal key from his shirt pocket, but stopped and glanced at Tom. “If he tries anything, shoot him.”

Tom pressed his lips together and nodded as he pulled his pistol from his holster and pointed it Sloan’s direction. “Be happy to.”

Dusty approached the cell with caution. Ed Sloane was slipperier than a greased hog at the county fair. A chill crept up Dusty’s spine when an evil glint flashed in the man’s pale blue eyes. What could bring a man to be so depraved that he would prey on the elderly and widows, stealing them blind, and leaving them penniless and heartbroken?

With a few rattles and clicks, the handcuffs were off, and Dusty moved back. Sloane chuckled a guttural laugh that sounded like a snarling, wounded animal. Shaking his head, Dusty crossed the room to his desk and tossed down the key. Tom picked it up, stuck it in the desk drawer, and then holstered his weapon.

“Don’t you reckon you ought’a head home to supper and tell that fine wife of yours all about your exceptional day?” Tom grinned, and his thick moustache twitched. “If she’s fixin’ that rhubarb pie of hers, you might save me a slice—if you’ve a mind to. Mmm mmm, it’s mighty fine.”

“I may do just that.” Dusty smiled at his deputy. Tom had been his best friend since school days, and it seemed natural to hire him as his assistant when Dusty’s father retired as City Marshal and Dusty took over. Most of the time he worked days and Tom evenings, but lately they’d both been pulling twenty-four hour shifts as their search for Sloane narrowed. They’d gone from house to house, ranch to ranch, searching for Sloane and his gang. His trail resembled that of a cyclone’s, leaving in its wake a debris path of desperation and destruction. Now that he’d captured Sloane, it shouldn’t be too hard to get the rest of his gang.

Dusty’s belly grumbled, and he yawned. All he wanted was to eat one of Emily’s fine meals, give her some lovin’, then hit the hay and sleep a full day and night.

Except for Sloane and the havoc he and his gang had caused lately, this past year had been the best Dusty could remember. First, he’d given his heart to God, then five months ago, he’d fallen in love and married the new banker’s daughter.

He longed to run fingers through Emily’s thick auburn hair. Soft as a horse’s muzzle, but as sweet smelling as the rose bushes in front of their porch. He imagined her pine green eyes twinkling with merriment as she played one of her little pranks on him. An only child, Dusty couldn’t wait until they had a houseful of children. Emily would be a wonderful mother, and he could only hope he’d be a decent father. God would help him in that area.

Ah, yes, life was good.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Texas Book-aholic, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 25

Lyssa Loves Books, April 26

Stories By Gina, April 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 27

lakesidelivingsite, April 28

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Donna)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 30

Artistic Nobody, May 1 (Author Interview)

A Simple Texas Girl, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Pause for Tales, May 3

Jodie Wolfe, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Guild Master, May 6 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vicki 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/iBJYy/the-bounty-hunter-and-the-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Home No Matter Where (A Shell Collector Novel) by Nancy Naigle

Nina is at her wit's end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk's Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island's charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life.

Kendra's reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy.

As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn't follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew.

Amazon

About The Author

USA TODAY and ECPA bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes uplifting small-town women’s fiction and sweet romance filled with heart, hope, and second chances. Her feel-good stories celebrate faith, family, friendship, and close-knit communities where love grows quietly and healing begins.

Nancy’s breakout novel The Shell Collector debuted in the Top 20 on the ECPA Bestseller list and was adapted as a Fox Original Movie. Several of her books have inspired beloved made-for-television films, including Hallmark favorites known for wholesome romance, emotional depth, and small-town charm.

A former Senior Vice President at Bank of America, Nancy now writes full-time from small-town Virginia, drawing inspiration from front porches, lifelong friendships, and the simple moments that make a place feel like home. Her books are perfect for readers who love clean romance, heartfelt women’s fiction, and faith-forward stories that leave you smiling long after the last page.

If you’re looking for cozy, hope-filled reads with relatable characters and meaningful connections, welcome to Nancy Naigle’s story worlds.

My Review

Such a warmhearted read, family, and all the members here, even those not related by blood.
This is the story of a young teen, whose parents have divorced, and she is trying to find her way, and where she belongs.
This is a return to Whelk's Island, and some recurring characters, that I cared about from previous books, including The Wife! I loved being back with these caring individuals, and the author made me feel like one of the family.
When the last page was turned I wanted more! A read with a hug!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie

In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.

When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of Americans.

From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today.

Amazon

About The Author

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction, Laura Kamoie has always been fascinated by the people, stories, and physical presence of the past, which led her to a lifetime of historical and archaeological study and training. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction. She is the author of AMERICA'S FIRST DAUGHTER, MY DEAR HAMILTON, and RIBBONS OF SCARLET, allowing her the exciting opportunity to combine her love of history with her passion for storytelling. Her upcoming novel, CHURCHILL'S SPYMISTRESS, is about SOE officer Vera Atkins and two of her spies in Occupied France during WWII. Laura lives among the colonial charm of Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and two daughters. www.LauraKamoie.com

Join Laura's Occasional Newsletter to receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more! To subscribe, copy and paste this into your browser's address window: http://bit.ly/3aRa8FU

My Review

Historical fiction at it's best, a novel that flows like we are there with Abigail!
This is a story of her life and the birth of a nation. The sacrifices that she made are incredible, but she is also very smart. She did fight for women's rights, hard to believe that women really had nothing!
As we follow this courageous women and all the obstacles she faced, you truly see how amazing she was. She fights on and takes pride in both her husband and children, and country.
I did not realize that she had so much tragedy in her life, she was such a roll model!
I am so glad to have read this book about such a courageous women!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher William Morrow, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Amazon

About The Author

Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com

My Review

I really enjoyed this read, the banter and texting is great!
Two vulnerable people end up next to one another, and both serve food! Then a clash of beverages, along with food.
The highlight is Lucy, a darling six year old, whom has had her share of life's challenges, and she is a catalyst to friendship.
The town of Wisteria, or rather the people whom live there, are so welcoming, and for a guy from England they soon make him one of their own.
This read keeps you page turner, and mostly with a smile, but we are also offered some very real danger, and wonder if the town will even survive.
I did enjoy the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, May 4, 2026

Celebrate Lit Presents: Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book Two) Author: Chawna Schroeder

About the Book

Book: Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book Two)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.

Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.

Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.

As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

More from Chawna

Cracking the Cover Code

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.

We’ve all done it.

We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.

Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.

The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.

This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.

Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.

So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.

The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.

Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.

So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?