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

A Change of Heart ~ Review

A Change of Heart

Hearts of Avarin #1

By Madysin Carlin

Narrated by Sarah Kuklis

When Jo Linnd stumbles into something unexpected she finds herself in a most annoying situation - she is saddled with a bodyguard and the target of criminals. But why? No one can understand the reasoning behind Jo's missing recipe book and why she even came to the attention of these people. Jo refuses to be confined and is not happy having a bodyguard in her kitchen. 

But if Jo is unhappy, Detective Kaden McMartyn is even more unhappy with what he feels is a demotion. How can his father and grandfather see him as worthy of carrying on the family legacy when he can't work on a case?

This was an intriguing book, and the audio version was well presented. I loved how Jo's annoyance was presented. And when Kaden entered the kitchen, I could just see her holding her rolling pin all put out at the disruption to her routine, an invasion of her space. When Kaden was with his family, I could feel his wariness of what his next exposed deficiency would be. Sarah Kuklis's narration was excellent, and I am looking forward to the next book in the Heart of Avarin series. This was perfect for my daily commute and made for a week of enjoyable listening at 7 hours and 27 minutes. This is a clean Christian Fantasy Romance that offers action, suspense, and Cinderella feels woven throughout.

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

About the Book:

She's a grumpy baker. He's a stubborn detective.

All Josephine “Jo” Linnd wants is to prove herself worthy of one day taking over her family’s bakery. Her aspirations are crushed when a seemingly random robbery lands her a bodyguard. It wouldn’t be so bad if said bodyguard didn’t aggravate her to no end. Nor would it be so bad if that irritating personality wasn’t offset by a charming smile and kind eyes.

All Detective Kaden McMartyn wants is to prove himself worthy of his family’s legacy. When he’s assigned as the opinionated and feisty Jo’s bodyguard, he sees his new job as a demotion. Still, despite her propensity toward being more like vinegar than sugar, he’s drawn to her giving personality and gentle heart.

But not everything is cookies and cupcakes. Danger grows, more attempts on Jo’s life occur, and secrets lurk just beyond reach. Can two people who mix as well as oil and water put aside their differences in time, or will evil gain the upper hand…and destroy the growing attraction between Jo and Kaden?

A Change of Heart is a Christian fantasy novel with Cinderella vibes, all the autumnal goodness, and the tropes enemies-to-more and forced proximity.