Monday, May 19, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Unshakable by K.J. Rowe

Book: Unshakable (Casts of Silver Book 4. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: K.J Rowe

Genre: Teen / Y.A

Release date: January 13, 2025

Self-assured. Perceptive. Determined. Character traits Nick Marshall wears with pride, along with a bit of charm.

He knows himself and what his future holds.

At last, living the life he had long dreamed for himself as a Police Officer, Nick struggles to understand why things he witnessed as a first responder early in his career continue to haunt him. Reoccurring dreams grow a nagging anxiety which, combined with the stress of keeping up with his grueling work roster, as well as extracurricular activities, begin to shadow his professionalism.

Frustrated at himself slipping, Nick begins to take steps to ease his workload when his youth minister drops a bombshell on the Leadership Team that leaves them all reeling, but also sparks a question in Nick’s mind: was he really doing what God wanted him to do?

With rumors starting at work amid a sense of impending threat, Nick continues to pursue the life he’s long envisaged for himself, believing the blessings of God are still upon him. However, when he finds himself in mortal danger, Nick is forced to reconsider everything he’d come to believe and the plans he had for himself.

Will Nick win the battle within his mind and decode the will of God for his life? Will he be willing to let go of his own will and take hold of God’s?

Click here to get your copy!

Young Adult Fiction books are a genre that have intrigued me in the past couple of years. Unshakable by K J Rowe is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 4 in the Casts of Silver series.

I have to say that the book started off with an interesting storyline. I kept reading until I finished the book. Nick Marshall feels he is living his best life as a Police Officer. The one thing that bothers him is that he feels haunted by some things in his line of duty that he was a witness to. Nick is a Christian yet he has been struggling with the thought of did he follow his own plan or God's plan for his life. A Youth Pastor really spoke to Nick's heart about God's plan. I really LOVE that Nick takes this to heart and begins to reevaluate where he is going and who is following in life. He really feels that he needs make some wise decisions going forward. The book is one of "God's plan is Greater then our own plan". The faith message is strong in this book and I appreciate that. I think Teenagers and Youth Group leaders would enjoy this book and I would HIGHLY recommend it to that age group. GOOD BOOK!!

K.J. Rowe began her writing career in 2012 with the drafting of her Young Adult series called “Casts of Silver”, The series, born out of her own unique experiences and understanding how books can literally change people’s lives has been crafted to spotlight particular issues common amongst young people. To impress upon youth the importance of listening to their inner voice, remembering their self worth and to trust in Gods perfect plan for each of our lives is the mission and vision of this series. Karen lives with her husband and 2 children on a farm in North West Victoria, Australia.

More from K.J.

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. After a nagging conviction to write, I asked the Lord what it was He wanted me to pen down. The very next morning, I awoke with five clear stories in my mind.

Unshakable is book 4, of 5. It’s been an incredible journey for me writing this series with each of stories including a part of my own testimony. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless!

Now, who doesn’t love a great healthy(ish) treat while reading a fabulous book? I’ve recently come across this delicious cake recipe and thought I would share it with you all.

DATE CAKE

1.5C Boiling Water

70g dates, chopped

1 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

3/4C softened butter

1C Sugar (I used a little less)

2 eggs

2C Plain Flour

1/2 tsp salt

TOPPING

1/2C chocolate chips

1/2C sugar

1/2C chopped nuts of choice (I used Pecans, recipe uses walnuts)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 175C, grease 28x18cm lamington pan

Pour boiling water over dates, stir in 1tsp of Bicarbonate Soda. Stand until cool.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then remaining bicarbonate of soda, sifted flour and salt. Fold in date mixture.

Pour into pan, sprinkle over the topping ingredients. Bake for 35-45mins.

Goes well cold or warm with cream. Enjoy!

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 8
Life on Chickadee Lane, May 9
Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11
Artistic Nobody, May 12 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, May 13 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, May 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 15
Blossoms and Blessings, May 16 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 17
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 18 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 20 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, May 20
A Reader’s Brain , May 21 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54222

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Catherine's Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley

Book: Catherine’s Pursuit

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 22, 2025

A secret family, a dangerous journey, and a reluctant protector who might save her heart.

Catherine Lenora McKenna has never lacked for anything. She has a loving father and is surrounded by people who care for her every need. Even so, she senses an odd hole. When she learns on her eighteenth birthday that she is not an only child, but one of three identical triplets, she finally understands what’s been missing. Setting out with a single clue, Catherine embarks on a desperate quest to find her missing family.

Colin Elliott is recovering from the violent storm that cost him his ship and left him with crippling injuries. The last thing he needs is to deal with the pampered daughter of his business associate, Angus McKenna. But McKenna is desperate and Colin indebted. As Colin follows and protects Catherine, he finds himself drawn to her kindness and strength, and drawn into her desire for family.

As love blossoms between Catherine and Collin, the journey takes a dangerous turn and each is forced to hold on to their newfound love and trust God to guide them.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres to read. Catherine's Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley is Book 3 in McKenna's Daughter series. I read Book 1 in this series and was excited to read this book!

WOW, the storyline was excellent and kept me focused throughout the book. The 2 main characters in this story are Catherine Lenora McKenna and Colin Elliott. Catherine feels like she has had a wonderful life as an only child, although at the same time she felt something was missing. Her hunch was proven correct when she turned 18. She was told that she wasn't an only child, that she was a Triplet. She decides that she really wants to find her missing family and she begins to do so. Colin is employed by Angus McKenna, Catherine's Dad. Mr. McKenna doesn't want Catherine making this journey on her own and Colin is sent out to keep an eye on Catherine. Colin is recovering from recent injuries, but he follows the orders of his boss. The journey becomes a bit dangerous for Colin and Catherine, and therefore Colin must really protect Catherine. I LOVE that Colin and Catherine allow each other to really get to know each other through this journey and the danger that follows them. Colin's heart really changes from bitterness for having this task to letting down the walls. Catherine also finds herself enjoying Colin's company. The growth in Catherine and Colin, in breaking down walls and their Spiritual growth was so heartwarming. The book takes them on a journey that neither would have anticipated. The book is one of Family, Faith and romance. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

More from Lena

I’ve spent a lot of time with these triplets. They almost feel like part of my extended family. I hope my readers feel that way, too.

I have walked with the Lord for most of my 82 years. He has been with me through hard times and wonderfully blessed times. We learn and grow in Him more in the valleys than on the mountaintops. That’s why I write books that show how much He loves. We can’t understand the depths of His love for us unless we need Him desperately. I write these stories to share that love and hope to my readers.

While I am writing a book, I often pray for God to give me the words that will touch readers who need to know Him more. I also want to write a story that will entertain them as well.

If you want to bless me, please leave a review somewhere about the stories you love. I do try to read reviews and learn from them.

I’m only 15 months from losing the love of my life after spending 59 years with him. If the Lord puts me on your heart, please whisper a prayer for me. Prayer changes things.

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7
Pause for Tales, May 7
Texas Book-aholic, May 8
Sylvan Musings, May 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11
Devoted To Hope, May 12
Holly’s Book Corner, May 12
lakesidelivingsite, May 13
Books You Can Feel Good About, May 14
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 14
Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Book Looks by Lisa, May 16
Cover Lover Book Review, May 17
For Him and My Family, May 18
Mary Hake, May 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

To celebrate her tour, Lena 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54213

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Sunday, May 18, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Your Finances God’s Way and the Your Finances God’s Way Workbook by Scott LaPierre

Book: Your Finances God’s Way and the Your Finances God’s Way Workbook

Author: Scott LaPierre

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release date: May 3, 2022

Since he married, author and pastor Scott LaPierre has supported his wife and ten children on a single income. He’s witnessed the stress that accompanies financial insecurity, yet he’s learned firsthand that even those with a limited income can eliminate monetary worries when they abide by biblical principles.

With Your Finances God’s Way, you’ll replace negative spending habits with positive patterns that will set you on the road to financial freedom. Drawing from the Bible’s wisdom on money management, this book provides essential steps backed by proven practices, helping you…

get the most out of your money by paying off debt and building up savings
make informed spending choices that help you avoid anxiety, regret, and conflict
enjoy the fruits of managing your money in a way that honors God

Use what God has provided to thrive! Whether you’re young or old, married or single, working or staying at home, Your Finances God’s Way will give you everything you need to be a Christlike steward of the resources you have been given.

Click here to get your copy!

Your Finances God's Way: A Biblical Guide to Making the Best Use of Your Money by Scott LaPierre is a Self-Help Christian Book.

Scott LaPierre is a Pastor and Conference Speaker. He prides himself in living a Debt Free Life for a Single Income Family of 11. He written this book to share his knowledge of achieving a Debt-Free Life with others. The Book is Biblically based and encourages the reader to be a good Steward of the Blessings we are given. He says many have Negative Spending Habits and are not wise with money. The main points he covers in the book are:

• get the most out of your money by paying off debt and building up savings

• make wise spending decisions that enable you to avoid anxiety, regret, and conflict

• find a healthy balance between being financially frivolous and frugal to a fault

The Economy nowadays is in trouble and many are struggling so much with Finances. The Advice and Principles in this book are very helpful and Biblically based. I believe in being a Good Steward of our Blessings and I strive towards that, but sometimes the Budget doesn't always work that way. I want to apply some of these principles to our household finances. The Workbook is a GREAT addition to help keep the reader accountable. The Workbook also is a great asset for those using the Book in a Group or Bible Study setting. I HIGHLY Recommend both the Book and Workbook to anyone who is struggling to be a Good Steward with Finances. ENCOURAGING BOOK!

About the Workbook

How can I take control of my impulsive spending habits? How do I make up for not saving sooner? How should I prepare in case of an unplanned financial burden? Money can easily become a source of anxiety, but a sound understanding of your finances and a proactive plan for your future will put those fears to rest!

This companion workbook to Your Finances God’s Way guides you deeper into the Bible’s financial wisdom while leading you to create a plan for money management. Perfect for individual use or group study, you will find…

thoughtful questions for self-reflection
illuminating verses from Scripture
helpful guidelines for creating a personalized strategy for spending, saving, giving, and paying off debt

As believers, part of living out the call in 1 Corinthians 6:12 to “not be dominated by anything” means ensuring we control our spending and not the other way around. This workbook will give you the tools to take charge of your money, find peace with your finances, and use every resource God has given you for His glory.

Click here to get your copy!

The Workbook is a GREAT addition to help keep the reader accountable. The advice and follow through from the Workbook really brings both books together! The Workbook also is a great asset for those using the Book in a Group or Bible Study setting. I HIGHLY Recommend both the Book and Workbook to anyone who is struggling to be a Good Steward with Finances. ENCOURAGING BOOK!

Scott LaPierre is a teaching pastor, author, and popular conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. God has blessed Scott and his wife, Katie, with ten children.

More from Scott

There are many finance books already available, so why another one? What makes mine different? Is there any reason you should trust what I have to say?

Most importantly, I’m not asking you to trust me but God. Your Finances God’s Way is not a collection of my opinions about money, but God’s words revealed in Scripture. I do my best to unpack the Bible’s critical money-related verses. God is the One “who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18), and He “makes poor and makes rich” (1 Samuel 2:7). That means God knows what you should and shouldn’t do with your finances, and He has provided you with the needed instructions in His Word. I present these instructions in a clear, engaging, and biblical manner.

I’ve taught extensively on money to the church I serve. The most common type of counseling I give is for marriages, with many sessions revolving around finances. The time I’ve spent with people in counseling—couples and individuals—has made me familiar with the most common problems in marriage, many of which relate to finances. I have seen people struggle, and the time I’ve spent studying the Bible has equipped me to help them find solutions. I’ve been blessed to watch the truths of God’s Word resolve their problems, restore their relationships, and strengthen their financial situations. Your Finances God’s Way is the culmination of hundreds of hours of Bible study and counseling. I wrote this book because I am passionate about this area of Scripture and life.

As a pastor and counselor, I have witnessed the blessings of obeying God and the negative consequences of disobedience. I have experienced these blessings and consequences firsthand as a husband and father. As of 2024, our oldest child of ten, Rhea Grace, is 17. Perhaps God will bless us with more. We have always been a single-income family. I was a schoolteacher when Katie and I married; then, I became a full-time youth pastor. In 2010, I moved from that role to become the senior pastor at Woodland Christian Church in Woodland, Washington.

We have never lived off anything more than modest salaries, but God still enabled us to pay off all our debt, including our mortgage. In some months, we put a few hundred dollars toward debt; in others, we allocated a few thousand. When Katie inherited $10,000, we didn’t think twice before putting it toward the mortgage, and every tax return went toward the mortgage—the year I worked part-time as a youth pastor and full-time as an elementary schoolteacher provided the most money we ever made. More than half of each paycheck went toward the mortgage.

I share my story for three reasons. First, I want to give you confidence in the biblical principles presented in this book. Second, I don’t want you to wonder, Has Scott “walked the talk,” or is he a hypocrite? When discussing debt, I want you to know we have none. When I talk about paying off a mortgage, I want you to know that’s what we’ve done. Third, I don’t want you to think, That’s easy for you to say, Scott; you’ve probably made more than I make. Whether you make much money or a little, you’re in the prime of your career or just starting, or you already have a family or are looking to start one, these principles work because they’re rooted in God’s Word.

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, May 10 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 10
Guild Master, May 11 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 12
Fiction Book Lover, May 13 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 15 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16
Blossoms and Blessings, May 17 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 18
Stories By Gina, May 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 20
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 21 (Author Interview)
Lily’s Corner, May 22

To celebrate his tour, Scott is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book and workbook!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54215

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Saturday, May 17, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould

The Shop Down the Lane JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Shop Down the Lane
Series: Letters from Lancaster County
Author: Leslie Gould
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Amish Romance

Leslie Gould delights in this sweet and humorous Amish romance reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail.

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community's simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, a former Amishman turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub--a move that Lois fiercely opposes.

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a bird watchers' circle letter under an alias. But unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they've found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever?

This heartwarming Amish romance includes themes of bird watching, correspondence by letters, enemies to lovers, and family secrets for readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray.

Amish Fiction is my ultimate favorite genre to read. I have been a fan of Leslie Gould for a long while. The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is her most recent release. It is Book 1 in the Letters from Lancaster County series.

WOW, this storyline is one that immediately had me connected to the story. The setting is Paradise, Pennsylvania. The 2 main characters are Lois Yoder and Moses Lantz. Lois is content with her quiet life and running the Gift Shop in the town. Moses is a former Amish who left town to become a Mennonite. Lois is shocked when she learns that Moses has bought the Gift Shop and she is frustrated with the plans that Moses has for the Shop. Moses broke Lois's heart in the past and with him back in town and her life, she really feels the need to do something else. I really enjoyed seeing how she and Moses joined a "Pen Pal" group for Birdwatchers. They both used "fake names" and unbeknowst to one another they had been writing to one another. The letter writing led to more then a friendship. I think my favorite part of the book was when it was revealed that the 2 had really been writing to one another. They had to figure out if they could let their past be in the past and continue to enjoy the company of each other once again. I am excited for future books in this series, as this series is starting off in a GREAT WAY!

Also Available

Leslie Gould

Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than 48 novels, including four Lancaster County Amish series. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren.

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

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of The Shop Down the Lane!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 13, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 20, 2025. Winner 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

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