Escape to Passignano ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Escape to Passignano by Normandie Fischer, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Escape to Passignano

Carolina Coast Stories

By Normandie Fischer

This was an interesting read. I will admit I had a little trouble getting into it at first. But I'm glad I pushed past my reader's block because once I was past I really got into this book. There is a bit of a mystery, a touch of romance, guilt, grief, and a glimpse into the spiritual aspects of the human heart. 

Sophia has been exploring Italy, the home of her late husband. She is seeking the peace he talked of and experienced. While there, she meets a young girl, Noemi, who captures her attention and maybe a bit of her heart. Turns out Noemi is in her aunt's care while her father grieves a great personal tragedy.

Things begin to happen that unsettle Sophia. One thing leads to another, and soon Sophia and Neomi's father, Dr. Luca Moretti, are searching for the young girl. This is when the mystery and the story's spiritual aspects come into play. 

This is a book that engages the reader on multiple levels and is well worth the journey, and one I'm glad I took.

I was provided a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own

About the Book

Title: Escape to Passignano
Series: Carolina Coast Stories
Author: Normandie Fischer
Publisher: Sleepy Creek Press
Release Date: March 31, 2026
Genre: Christian Women's Fiction

Can dreams be trusted when life feels like a nightmare?

Sophia chose to honor her deceased husband’s wishes by visiting his hometown of Passignano sul Trasimeno in the Umbrian region of Italy. She’s trying to find the peace he promised, really she is, while she studies his language and sips caffè with a view of mountains and lake. Only, things begin to happen involving a red-haired child who speaks of things she cannot know—and the child’s father whose very presence challenges that peace. 

Dr. Luca Moretti still wrestles with guilt three years after the death of his wife and older children. Overwhelmed by grief, Luca gave the care of his toddler daughter, Noemi, to his sister. It was supposed to be temporary; it wasn’t. Now, Luca wants Noemi back. 

When his sister flees, taking Noemi into hiding, Sophia joins forces with a desperate Luca to piece together dreams and voices and supernatural nudges to retrace Noemi’s steps. It’s going to take trust, though, something in short supply for both Luca and Sophia. They’ll have to learn to trust in one another, and, more importantly, to trust in God—that a God who would allow such pain really does mean to work it all out for good. For Noemi. For the two of them. And for a troubled woman from North Carolina who enters their orbit with her own demons, demons God uses—and dispels—as He wills.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Normandie Fischer had the best of several worlds: a Southern heritage, access to schooling in the DC area (which meant lots of cultural adventures), and several years of sculpture studies in Italy. It might have been better for her if she'd used all these opportunities more wisely, but it's possible that the imperfect and the unwise also add fodder for the artist and the writer.

She writes Christian and Southern fiction as well as romantic suspense from her waterfront base in coastal North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, their two dogs, and a once-feral cat. If only her children and grandchildren lived within hailing distance, life would be just about perfect.

Connect with Normandie by visiting normandiefischer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive three books of their choice by Normandie Fischer!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 20, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 27, 2026. Winners 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

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

Fires of Injustice ~ Review

Fires of Injustice

America's Forgotten War

By Kendy Pearson

When this book opens, we are introduced to Avery and Cait Mitchell, missionaries to China who are being forced out of the country by the government. And it is in this touching and tragic scene that a pivotal moment takes place, one that forms a thread that subtlety weaves its way through the story and Yakira "Kira" Mitchell's life.

Yakira's life is devoted to freeing Chinese girls being ill-used in California's Chinatowns. But many factors are working against her-the men who have bought these girls and the anti-Chinese sentiments sweeping through California. It is amazing the prejudicial sentiments so prevalent against people who were wanted for the labor they performed yet degraded because of their differences. 

Seven years ago, Grant Campbell walked away, no he ran away from his home, his family, his friends, his loss, and his guilt. But now he's back, trying to carry on his late father's work by defending Chinese immigrants who are being downtrodden and being presented as lesser people. He wants, yet dreads, reconnecting with his family and Yakira, yet he knows that it is long overdue.

In a place being torn apart by deep-seated fears and biases Yakira and Grant are brought together to fight for those who are denied a voice. But California is a powder keg waiting for someone to strike a match. The match has been struck and Grant and Yakira are in a race against time to keep it from being dropped in their fight to save the people they have come to care about deeply, physically and spiritully.

This is a book for fans of American Historical Fiction who enjoy reading about those who stand firm against injustice, no matter the personal cost. I highly recommend this book and personally look forward to more books from this author.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Fires of Injustice
Series: America's Forgotten War
Author: Kendy Pearson
Publisher: Pear Blossom Books
Release Date: April 15, 2026
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

"A story of resilience, redemption, and love, FIRES OF INJUSTICE blazes with the courage of those who dared to stand against the darkness."

She is fighting for the innocent.
He is fighting for a second chance.

Yakira Mitchell has devoted her life to rescuing the forgotten from the clutches of exploitation, and now her dream of opening a mission home for Chinese girls is within reach. But as anti-Chinese sentiments sweep through the West, Yakira finds herself at the center of a storm of hostility and prejudice. She is building a home for the broken, but her own foundation threatens to crumble with new revelations about her past.

Attorney Grant Campbell, the boy who once held Yakira’s heart, returns to San Francisco to atone for his past mistakes and face the secret that drove him away. He is determined to defend Chinese immigrants and to reconcile with his family and Yakira. But old feelings flare—and so do old wounds.

When flames of injustice consume communities, violence rages, and lives hang in the balance. As Yakira fights to protect her girls, she must face the truth of who she really is—and who God has called her to be.

In the ashes of hatred, Yakira and Grant both discover a love stronger than fear and a purpose forged in fire.

For fans of historical fiction and stories of resilience, FIRES OF INJUSTICE is inspired by real, untaught horrors of the Chinese Exclusion era—when towns forcibly erased entire communities by fire, expulsions, and boycotts.

Set just twenty years after the American Civil War, this gripping tale of resilience, romance, and courage reveals another dark chapter of division—and the light that defied it.

Queen of Reckoning ~ Cover Reveal

Today I'm thrilled to be part of Sunrise Publishing's Cover Reveal for Queen of Reckoning Blood of Kings: Legends #5 Jill Williamson presents Kelly Fernlake

Title: Queen of Reckoning

Series: Blood of Kings: Legends, Book 5

Authors: Jill Williamson and Kelly Fernlake

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $4.99 (ebook)

Retail price after release: $7.99 (ebook)

Release date: June 23, 2026

Available in ebook, print, and audiobook

Sunrise Shop: 

https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/blood-of-kings-legends

Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2SRVN6

SYNOPSIS

She’s a queen. He’s her kingdom’s most inconvenient problem.

And they might just save each other.

Mandzee Hamartano has her crown—but barely. The new queen of Jaelport rules a city on the edge of revolt, bound by a treaty she didn’t want with a king she doesn’t trust. Every reform she dares to make earns her another enemy. And she’s already running out of friends.

The last person she needs walking through her gates is Lovell Dunn—King Gidon’s royal envoy, devastatingly charming, and predisposed to distrust every mage he’s ever met. She throws him in a dungeon. He talks his way out. She offers him a tunnel out of the city. He refuses to leave.

When dark forces inside the city align with a threat she never saw coming, Mandzee must navigate a deadly mage tournament, a treacherous brother returned from the grave, and a half-blind envoy who sees more clearly than anyone around her. If she’s going to save her kingdom, she’ll need to trust him—and maybe even trust the God he serves.

But in a city built on power and magic, falling for the one man immune to both might be the most dangerous thing she’s ever done.

For fans of Shari L. Tapscott and faith-forward fantasy romance, Queen of Reckoning delivers enemies-to-more slow burn, political intrigue, and a romance worth fighting for.

Blood of Kings: Legends
Book 1: Squire of Truth
Book 2: Lord of Winter
Book 3: Lady of Shadows
Book:4: Heir of Light
Book 5: Queen of Reckoning

About the Authors: 

Jill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over two dozen books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at jillwilliamson.com.

Kelly Fernlake loves writing fantasy adventures spun with a touch of romance and timeless truth. Besides reading and writing, her favorite things include roaming through castles; classic old movies; comfy sweatshirts; dark chocolate; and hockey. A North Dakota native, she now lives in Florida with her husband, two teenagers, and a furball pup. Learn more at kellyfernlake.com.

Primary Tropes

• Enemies-to-More

• Slow Burn

• Forced Proximity

• Queen & Commoner

• Reluctant Protector

• Magic Healer Heroine
  
  

Queen of Reckoning is a faith-forward romantasy featuring:

• Enemies-to-more slow burn romance that simmers on every page

• A fierce, morally complex queen learning to lead with mercy instead of fear

• A half-blind hero whose wit is sharper than any sword

• Forced proximity, interrupted kisses, and one very inconvenient dungeon

• Political intrigue, a deadly tournament, and shadow forces threatening an entire city

• A faith journey woven through the action—hope, redemption, and trusting in something greater

Edge of Truth ~ Review

Edge of Truth

By Janice Cantore

Narrated by Jeannie Sheneman

Fifteen years ago, Lainie Jensen made an arrest that she thought was a career changing moment. It was but not in the way she imagined. And when an opportunity to again bring this criminal to justice occurs, the FBI in the form of Special Agent Ben Issacs swoops in cutting Lainie out.

Soon Lainie has bigger worries when her sister Evie goes missing in Hawaii. And the story her brother-in-law is selling, well Lainie isn't buying it. 

When Ben Isaacs shows up in Hawaii, well, let's just say Ben's case and missing partner are about to converge with Lainie's suspicions and her past case-gone-bad. And someone seems determined to keep them from discovering the truth. But what is the truth and how does it link to Lainie's missing sister. Lainie can't help but wonder just what and who will be left when the dust settles, because it is obvious someone is targeting her family.

With her life at a low, Lainie reconnects with the Savior she pushed out of her life years ago. Loss has given her a different perspective on events from the past. And now she has no one else to turn to who can give her the answers she seeks, and she is tired of regrets. 

The narration of this book was good, though like most audiobooks I did speed up the playback to 1.3. The overall feel pulled me into the story, and the twists were well presented, though I guessed the big one right away. Overall, I felt engaged by the story throughout.

About the Book:

One case almost destroyed her career.
Now the past seems to have caught up with her.
And as a high-stakes game of truth and lies unfolds,
someone's out for retribution at any cost.

As a detective in the Long Beach Police Department's violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is no stranger to hard-to-crack cases and unusual disappearances, but then her sister Evie vanishes on a trip to Hawaii. After traveling there to look for her, Lainie quickly realizes her brother-in-law Stan is telling law enforcement a story that doesn't appear to add up.

FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has spent six months collecting evidence to take down a money laundering operation. While his fellow agent Efren Gomez goes undercover to infiltrate the ring, Ben investigates those connected to it, including Stan Moffitt, who Ben believes could help lead to the criminal kingpin. Then Stan's wife goes missing just days after Ben contacted her seeking information, and he knows there's more to this case, especially when he loses contact with Efren and law enforcement comes up short in their search for him.

When Ben's and Lainie's investigations converge, Lainie's not eager to work alongside Ben given their complicated history, but she's willing to do so if it means figuring out what Stan knows and locating Evie. Soon, Lainie can't deny Ben's dedication to finding the truth or her growing admiration for him. And the more the two examine the evidence, the more they suspect Evie's disappearance is tied to a highly publicized criminal case from Lainie's past . . . and someone is playing a perilous game aimed at personal revenge.

• Great for fans of thrillers by Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Allison Brennan
• Police procedural featuring a detective and an FBI agent written by a former police officer
• Clean, stand-alone romantic suspense novel filled with high stakes, edge-of-your-seat adventure, elements of mystery, and themes of fighting for justice
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Instagram Giveaway for Of Hope and Honor!

Of Hope and Honor 

is one month old today! 

To celebrate the 1-month release anniversary, 

I am doing a paperback giveaway

for Of Hope and Honor

on Instagram.

Want a chance to win a paperback

copy?

Find all the rules on Instagram

at 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DW5tpjvjfGU/

The entry period runs from April 9, 2026 12:00 pm CDT

to April 13, 2026 11:59 pm CDT.

All for Love Book Giveaway on Instagram

 I'm taking part in a giveaway for All for Love

If you are on Instagram, be sure to check it out.

Then enter the giveaway for one of seven copies

of Jen Geigel Johnson's new release!

Here is the link:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1yf2LidVN/

Keeper of My Heart ~ Review

Keeper of My Heart

Discerning God’s Best #6

By Heidi Gray McGill

Cecelia Shankel doesn't have time for men who think she needs a man at her side to prove her worth in the saddle. No, she knows that she can get a job done and doesn't want to waste time on men who can't see who she is and what she's capable of. 

Jimmy Reeves comes from a wealthy background, but instead of leveraging his place in society he's pursued knowledge. He might have trouble interacting with people, but he knows the intellectual side of the study of pharmaceutical practices. But Jimmy wants more and his old school mate Thomas Shankel provides just the opportunity he seeks. Jimmy goes beyond the classroom and lab seeking the natural side of healing and heads west.

Jimmy takes this opportunity given him to grow as both a person and a healer. What he hadn't counted was meeting Thomas's sister Cecelia, a young woman confident in her own abilities and unlike any woman he has ever before met, one who guards her independence and doesn't have time to waste on a man who can't keep up with her.

Jimmy and Cecelia seem like such opposites. Two people one wouldn't expect to ever work together, but when lives are on the line, they do so. What's more they see that each has something to offer, and that maybe God has a better plan for them than what they had made for themselves.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own

About the Book:

Cecelia Grace Trexler Shankel has never met her match. Raised on the rugged frontier, she rides harder, shoots straighter, and knows the land better than most men. At seventeen, she’s expected to marry, but no suitor has ever been her equal—and she refuses to settle for less. Independent to a fault and fiercely intelligent, Cecelia has no patience for anyone who can’t keep up with her.

Then James “Jimmy” Reeves arrives.

A brilliant but socially awkward pharmacist, Jimmy Reeves has spent his life mastering medicine, not people. After earning his medical degree in Philadelphia, he pursues further studies at the new school of pharmacy in South Carolina, refining his knowledge of formulas and precision-based healing. But instead of returning to a life of privilege, he heads west, determined to learn the practical side of medicine—where science meets survival.

His plan is simple: study natural remedies, assist his friend Thomas Shankel’s clinic, and return with newfound expertise. What he never expects is Cecelia Shankel—a woman as wild and untamed as the land itself, challenging everything he thought he knew about strength, skill, and survival.

Their first meeting is a clash of worlds—her bold confidence against his quiet precision. She thinks he’s too stiff and bookish; he finds her exasperatingly unpredictable. But when a sudden smallpox outbreak threatens the town, they are forced to work together, testing their skills, patience, and faith.

As sparks fly and respect grows, Cecelia finds herself drawn to a man who challenges her not with strength, but with knowledge. And Jimmy discovers that some things, like love and faith, can’t be measured in scientific terms.

But Cecelia isn’t ready to let any man keep her heart.
And Jimmy isn’t sure he’s brave enough to try.

In a world where independence is survival, can two opposites surrender to God’s best plan for their lives?

For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.

• Full-length Christian historical fiction
• A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Timeline: 1875–1876
• For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford

Book One: Desire of My Heart

Book Two: With All My Heart

Companion Christmas Novella: Stitched On My Heart

Book Three: Matters of the Heart

Book Four: Healing of the Heart

Book Five: Written on My Heart

Companion Christmas Novella: A Place to Belong

Book Six: Keeper of My Heart

Prequel: Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup. Search Heidi Gray McGill to locate her website

The Ultimate Blindside ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Ultimate Blindside 

by Leslea Wahl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Ultimate Blindside 

Blindside series #3 

By Leslea Wahl 

I have not read the first two books in this series, but the way this book was written meant I had no problem following the story.  The book opens with Jack and Sophie standing, watching the first day of filming about an incident from their lives. Jack is not overly thrilled to have his private life made public, but his life as a champion snowboarder makes him a person of interest.

But quickly the story shifts into high gear as Jack performs another daring feat of heroism when he rescues a mother and daughter from certain death following an accident. But this opens a whole batch of adventure and mystery as Jack and Sophie try to uncover what drove a mother to their rural Colorado town.

Jack and Sophie are soon caught up in a whole mess of trouble, and it's not their fault. No, really, trouble has a way of finding them, and then things sort of get crazy. And to top it all off, someone seems to be targeting Sophie, trying her whole life out of whack, by ruining her plans for the future. But through it all, these teens hold steady in their beliefs and their faith. 

I think fans of M. Liz Boyle's book might enjoy this one: action, danger, and faith. This is a book for teens, and even preteens, that features teens of character who, while facing situations most won't in their day-to-day, are relatable.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

P.S. For teens who are Catholic, this is a book featuring teens who are likewise, which is scarce in today's market.

Falling for the Huntsman ~ Review

Falling for the Huntsman

To Win a Dark Heart #12

By Leialoha Humpherys

Have you ever hidden yourself away? Malia has done just that. She's lived with the guilt of what she's done, but not of what she was accused of doing. No, she never sank that low. She's called "witch" and viewed with suspicion by the villagers, who should call her neighbor and healer.  

Alaric never wants to be poor or suffer again, and the means to his goal is whaling and building a fleet of ships around it. Alaric is not just good at his job; he's the best, and he has built an empire that is known across the seas. But when his ship is attacked, Alaric nearly pays for the treachery with his life. His rescue is the talk of legends, but only if he recovers to speak of it. And it is here that our two wounded "villains" come together. Malia is a healer and Alaric is nearly mortally wounded. 

Falling for the Huntsman is such a good read. It is one of those books that once you open it, you don't want to put it down. And when forced to do so, you just want to return to this faraway island world and dive back in. This was a wholly unique blending of Snow White and Hansel and Gretel set in an exotic, tropical location. I love it when a book makes me want to find more titles set in its story world, and Falling for the Huntsman does just that.   

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A Villainous Twist on Snow White and Hansel & Gretel

Two villains. 

One shipwreck. 

A queen’s betrayal that could ruin them all.

Alaric, the infamous huntsman who once saved Princess Sereth, has built a brutal whaling empire without her crown or favor. Feared, powerful, and as untouchable as the sea, he’s the kind of man no one crosses. But when a mysterious ambush leaves him shipwrecked, he wakes in the care of a quiet woman who seems to loathe him on sight.
Malia has spent years in exile, her name twisted into legend after two lost children fled her forest home and never returned. She lives with pain and guilt, hidden far from the queen’s reach… until the sea tosses a wounded whaler onto her shores.

He’s sharp edges and control. She’s soft silence and secrets. But the more time they spend together, the more their guarded hearts begin to unravel. And when the truth surfaces—about the ambush, the queen, and their own pasts—they’ll have to decide if love is enough to survive what comes next. Falling for the Huntsman is a lush, romantic retelling that weaves together Snow White and Hansel & Gretel. After betrayal, exile, and near-death, a ruthless whaler and a reclusive witch are forced together on a faraway island, where old wounds burn and forbidden feelings spark.

Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, cozy danger, and villain redemption arcs, "Falling for the Huntsman" is the twelfth book in the To Win a Dark Heart series, which retells fairytales as old as time—but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.

All for Love ~ Review

All For Love

By Jen Geigle Johnson

I admit it, I love historical fiction. And when it is based on the life of a real person, all the better. Sarah Siddons's life is a story worth reading about. I loved how family was so important to her. She was born a Kemble and began performing with her family at the age of four. She learned to face her fears, and no matter how the audience reacted to a performance, to do her best.

But acting took its toll; she would become one with her character, blending with it to become someone new for each new play. I loved how she is shown playing Lady MacBeth and the reactions of both the audience and her internal ones to the character. Her talents unfortunately draw unwanted attention and force her into a short time away from the stage.

Sarah's life was a series of ups and downs but through it all - triumphs and tragedies, gains and losses she stayed true to her calling. She was an actress, but to her family was everything. 

All for Love is moving story of one woman's determination in the face of numerous trials and what she did and overcame for those she loved.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

Sarah Siddons gave her heart to her family and her life to the stage. 

History remembers her brilliance; 

this is the story of what it cost her.

When her London theater burns to the ground, her friends think Sarah Siddons has lost everything. But the great theater's destruction is only the latest loss in a life spent fighting for the one thing that mattered most: her family. At fifteen, Sarah captivated audiences across England with her family's traveling theater company. That life—performing alongside those she loved—the stage and home intertwined, was all she ever wanted. But when her rising fame attracted dangerous attention, her parents sent her away to become "respectable," tearing apart the only dream she'd ever had. Marrying William Siddons was supposed to bring it all back: the stage, family, belonging. Instead, it brought grinding poverty and impossible choices. With babies to feed and a husband who couldn't provide, Sarah became the sole breadwinner, performing through pregnancy, through grief, through exhaustion. Her every act was not a quest for glory, but for survival. Based on the true story of Sarah Siddons, the most celebrated actress of the Georgian era, All for Love is a powerful portrait of a woman who sacrificed everything—her dreams, her happiness, her very self—to keep her family alive.

From an author who has written Regency Romance for almost ten years, comes a new Historical Fiction biographical novel with page-turning power. Enjoy the latest detail-filled, heroic tale of a woman who lit the stages of Georgian Era Great Britain.

Michelle Emmanuelli ~ Author Interview

 Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to 

Michelle Emmanuelli,

author of several upcoming releases 

including Of Might and Mettle.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author? 

I’m very much a mood reader (even from week to week), so I would say a “comfort read”, to me, is feeling comfortable knowing what to expect of a book from an author I trust. I have quite a few authors that would fall into this category, and I really love Madisyn Carlin’s books. Each one is so different, but I love that I already know they’re going to be snarky, full of action, and heartfelt (and usually include some hilarious animal companion). 

2) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in?   

I really enjoy the lighthearted, cozy aspects of fairytale retellings. Some of them can be really action-packed and tense, but for my current series, The Toymaker’s Chronicles, I love how a fairytale world can feel so fun and inviting while also promising an adventure!

3) What one book would you recommend that everyone read? 

This is not a fiction book, but one nonfiction book that completely changed my perspective is Every Woman’s Battle by Shannon Ethridge. I read it about five years ago, and I make a habit of reading it every couple of years. It’s pretty convicting, and I recommend it for younger single women especially.

4) Who is your favorite character in your book/story? 

My favorite character in Of Might and Mettle has to be the troublesome wolf pup, Peluche. This three-pawed menace gets himself into all sorts of mischief, and there’s a few running jokes throughout the book that directly involve this cuddly creature. 

Fun fact: “Peluche” is a Spanish word meaning “plushie”, “teddy bear”, or “stuffy” (it depends slightly based on context), and there’s more fun Spanish flair in Mettle where that came from! 

5) Is there a specific line or scene from (Of Might and Mettle) that you feel directed the entire story in a specific direction? That is, if it were not in the story, everything would have changed?

Ah, there’s quite a few! But I do have a particular favorite that encapsulates rather well the main themes of the book:  

“You are porcelain,” he said, “but not fragile. Beautiful in outward appearance and strong throughout. And wherever you are weak, mija, be happy. God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.” 

Falling for the Dark Mage ~ Review

Falling for the Dark Mage

To Win a Dark Heart

By Lucy Winton

Seraphina is a disappointment. She knows that in her mother's eyes, she is useless, with only skills in creative magic. Her mother plans to marry her off, only as a bride to a king is she of worth. Seraphina does not wish to marry to further her mother's cruel and criminal ways. She has plans, but then a mage on the run for cursing his prince is welcomed into her mother's criminal empire. 

Damario is the missing ingredient in Phyllida's plans to control not only a criminal empire but the kingdoms around them. His curse was powerful, and she needed to create an unbreakable curse to expand her power. 

But when Seraphina and Damario form a friendship, something shifts. Seraphina knows that her chance to escape her mother's clutches and plans may be thwarted.

This was a well-paced retelling that kept my attention from the opening scene. An engaging tale that is unique, with whispers of the originals woven together to create something new. Appropriate for teens and up, with nothing to cringe at in the romance department.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A mage desperate to escape. 

A stranger with a dark past. 

An alliance that could free them both.

Seraphina is a disappointment. The daughter of a dark mage, she is unable to cast curses and can only create three charms. The sole way she can benefit her mother’s criminal empire is as a bride.

The first attempt ended badly, with her mother flying into a rage and cursing the reluctant groom to be frozen into his Bear form. Now Seraphina bides her time, practicing her Creative magic and waiting for her chance to escape.

When a newcomer arrives at the fortress, Seraphina’s mother takes a strong interest in his talents. On the run from cursing the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom, Damario could provide her dark mages with the one thing that’s missing from a curse they’re perfecting.

Seraphina’s escape plans are jeopardized when a familiar figure from her past appears. She is determined to leave the fortress, but can she manage it in time? And will Damario give Seraphina a reason to stay?

Falling for the Dark Mage is the eleventh book in the To Win a Dark Heart series, which retells fairytales as old as time, but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.

Through Smoke and Secrets ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Through Smoke and Secrets by Rebecca Hemlock, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Through Smoke and Secrets 
Dangerous Heirlooms #1 
By Rebecca Hemlock 

Suffer in silence and with grace; these words have been drilled into Eleanor Blackwood from an early age and marked her adult life. And in 1927, she was afraid and no one took her concerns seriously. After all women in her condition tended to become overwrought.

 In the present day, Annie Whitaker is preparing to open her antiques shop, the culmination of three years of work. But suddenly everything including her life is in danger of being destroyed. 

Annie's one hope of discovering the truth and surviving rests with Jack Calloway, a man from her past. A man, who with Annie's help, has a chance of unraveling a century old mystery that could claim Annie next. But can they hold something, a clue, that "could destroy a legacy built on blood and silence?"

Through Smoke and Secrets is a search for the truth in the face of mounting danger and long-held secrets. It is a story of second chances and faith. This is an engaging story and one that I wouldn't mind revisiting again. I look forward to exploring what comes next in this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Through Smoke and Secrets 
Series: Dangerous Heirlooms #1 
Author: Rebecca Hemlock 
Publisher: Independently published 
Release Date: January 21, 2026
Genre: Mystery Suspense

A century-old secret. A relentless enemy. One Locket that was never meant to be found. 

When antiques dealer Annie Whitaker buys an unremarkable locket at a routine estate sale, she expects nothing more than a quiet ride home through the Smoky Mountains. Instead, a shadowy vehicle sends her car skidding off a cliffside road—and she realizes the attack was no accident. Hidden inside the locket is a key, a cryptic letter, and the first thread of a mystery tied to the disappearance of Eleanor Blackwood, a woman who vanished over a hundred years ago. 

Someone has killed to keep that secret buried. 

And now they’ve set their sights on Annie. 

Her shop is ransacked. Her inventory destroyed. Her building intentionally set ablaze. With no phone, no transportation, and nowhere safe to go, Annie is forced to seek refuge in the only place left: the remote mountain ranch of Detective Jack Calloway, a man who once shared her obsession with cold cases—and who may be the only person she can trust. 

As Jack digs into the evidence Annie uncovered, the danger spirals. Break-ins, threats, shadows stalking the ranch at night—each clue reveals a darker truth. The locket isn’t just a forgotten keepsake; it’s the final piece in a long-buried murder. And someone with power, reach, and generations of secrets will do whatever it takes to silence the truth forever. 

With Annie marked as the next victim, Jack races to unravel a century of lies before time runs out. Every revelation tightens the noose around them both—and with Annie constantly in his line of fire, Jack’s focus fractures between the case and the woman he’s never been able to forget. The closer they come to exposing the killer, the more Jack realizes he may lose her long before the truth sees daylight. And every step forward draws them toward a final, deadly confrontation neither of them may survive. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author| Amazon | BookBub

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About the Author

Rebecca Hemlock is an award-winning Christian Fiction author whose love for mysteries began in childhood when she first fell in love with all things Nancy Drew. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for crime-solving stories, complex puzzles, and characters who must fight for truth even when the world around them is dark and uncertain.

Her novels are known for realism, emotional depth, and suspense that stays tightly wound until the final pages. Rebecca creates characters who face danger, trauma, and moral crossroads — moments that either test their faith or ignite a brand-new relationship with God. At the heart of every story lies her guiding verse and creative compass, Romans 12:21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Before writing fiction full-time, Rebecca spent four years as a freelance journalist, where she honed her ability to spot the thread of a story, ask the right questions, and build tension from real-world details. That experience sharpened her voice and laid the foundation for the 15 books she has now published, ranging from romantic suspense and mystery to historical-tinged thrillers. She also writes children’s fiction under the pen name R.C. Burch. 

Rebecca is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime, and she’s passionate about uplifting stories that blend danger, courage, heart, and hope. With a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing — plus an Appalachian Studies certificate — she brings layered settings, emotional authenticity, and cultural richness to her work. She continues to pursue further writing education, always seeking to grow as a storyteller. 

When she’s not writing, Rebecca enjoys traveling, reading mysteries, exploring historical places, and spending time with her family. Her work is written for readers who love suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat — and faith that keeps you anchored through the storm. 

Connect with Rebecca by visiting rebeccahemlock.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a book-themed prize bundle, including a tote, a mug, a kindle dust protector, a bookmark, and a $25 Amazon Gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 2026. Winners 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.

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