Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Flight of Fate by Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

Book: Flight of Fate (The Clockwork Chronicles Book Two)

Authors: Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction with a Steampunk Twist

Release Date: June 10, 2025

When destined for destruction, fate must be challenged.

Curator Dante Ramono must remove the priceless Farnese Cup from its hidden vault in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli to protect it from Allied bombing. A swift betrayal places the cup in Nazi hands, but not before it reveals its mystical powers. To recover the cup, Dante must join forces with cunning Theodora. Can he trust her, or will he be deceived once more?

In Prague, Kateřina Dubová works to care for the Jews she’s hidden. In her hour of greatest need, her trusted friend, Josef, has seemingly vanished. Danger closes in, yet an unseen protector steps in again and again. Could it be Josef, hidden in the shadows?

The clock is ticking. Is the future set in stone, or can courage and faith change history? Together, these four unlikely guardians must defy the odds to stop the Germans’ dark ambitions or risk their very souls.

Betrayal, sacrifice, and destiny collide as unlikely heroes race to save a world at war from the power of a mystical relic.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Fiction is a great genre Flight of Fate by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer is Book 2 in The Clockwork Chronicles series. It actually is a mix of Adult Historical Fiction with Steampunk Fantasy. I have read Book 1 in this series and have been anxiously waiting for this book to be released.

WOW, this book is just as intriguing at the first. I was drawn into the story from the first chapter. The main characters are Josef and Katerina. Katerina is a journalist and she is working with Josef to help with Jews in Prague in the 16th Century. 2 additional characters have been added to this book, Dante Ramono and Theodora. Dante needs to put in trust in Theodora to help retrieve a magical cup and he isn't sure she is to be trusted. Katerina is worried when Josef goes missing. Danger lurks for Katerina yet she seems to be protected. The Historical and Steampunk Fantasy in this book really click together and flow nicely. There is a lot of action going on, yet the storyline is very intriguing. I am excited to read the rest of the series as the books are released! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical and Steampunk Fiction! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Tricia Goyer is a celebrated writer, speaker, and co-host of the Daily Bible Podcast. Author of 80 books, Tricia has won four Golden Scrolls, two Carols, and a Christian Book Award. In addition to Christy and Gold Medallion nominations, her book sales exceed 4 million copies. Tricia is a highly sought-after conference speaker, sharing on writing, parenting, and purposeful living. Tricia’s most recent work, The Clockwork Chronicles, is a historical steampunk fantasy trilogy co-authored with her son, Nathan Goyer.

Nathan Goyer is an upstart designer and science fiction author who has been writing since he was young. He has written the novel Bask: City of Shadows and solo-developed the mobile RPG game Heedless, which has surpassed 30,000 downloads. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, he is now pushing forward with new endeavors, starting with his latest series, The Clockwork Chronicles, co-authored with his mother, Tricia Goyer.

More from Tricia and Nathan

Mafia in World War II? This One Fact Changed the Plot of Our Book

By Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer

Some discoveries in research are expected. You dig, and you find what you’re looking for. Others? Well, they blindside you. Sort of like a speeding Vespa on a crowded Italian street.

That’s what happened when Nathan and I were deep in research for Flight of Fate. I was already thrilled about weaving real history into our novel—especially the story of the Naples Museum during World War II and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. (Yes, the very volcano that buried Pompeii in AD 79.) Turns out, this volcano wasn’t done causing trouble.) But what I didn’t expect was how one innocent question would change our entire book.

The Question That Changed Everything

I had been gathering all sorts of juicy details from my online friend Raffael Romano. Raffaele is an expert on Naples history, and he runs his own tour company. (If you ever want to explore Italy without leaving your couch, check out Naples Grand Tour—you won’t regret it!)

After an information-packed interview, I asked, “So, is there anything we didn’t ask about that we should?”

Raffaele paused. Then, as casually as if he were offering me an extra scoop of gelato, he said:

“You haven’t asked about the mafia.”

Excuse me, what?!

Yes, the Mafia Had a Secret Role in WWII

Up until that moment, I had been focused on mystical artifacts, Nazi theft, stolen artwork, and volcanic chaos. But suddenly, my brain was spinning in a whole new direction.

Because, yes—while American and British forces were battling the Axis in Italy, there was another power at play in the shadows.

The Sicilian Mafia (known as Cosa Nostra) had been suppressed under Mussolini’s fascist rule in the 1920s and ’30s. However, when Allied forces invaded Sicily in 1943, something surprising happened: the Mafia made a comeback. And not just any comeback—a strategic, calculated one.

The U.S. military, scrambling for allies on the ground, reportedly turned to some rather unusual sources for help. Enter Mafia boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano—yes, the American Mafia kingpin, who was conveniently in a New York prison at the time. In exchange for some leniency, he allegedly used his underworld connections to help Allied intelligence secure Sicily.

Meanwhile, in Naples—where part of our story takes place—the Mafia was alive and well. And they weren’t just smuggling black-market goods or running gambling rings—they were also influencing who had control of their country. (Hint: the Germans may got the boot outta the Boot!)

And Just Like That, A Different Story Emerged!

With this new information, our fictional world suddenly cracked wide open. How could we tie the Mafia into the world of ancient legends and steampunk warfare? Are they good? Evil? Somewhere in-between? We could twist those scenarios into tales of sacrifice and duty we had already explored in Breath of Bones. There were lots of directions we could go, and boy did we go!

This is Why We Love History

This is what we love about writing historical fiction. It’s like stepping into a time machine and realizing that real history is so much bigger than we imagined. Stories we think we know—like the Allied liberation of Italy—have so many hidden layers. Layers of ordinary people making impossible choices. Layers of forgotten heroes … and unexpected villains.

And, sometimes, layers of the Mafia.

So, the next time you watch a WWII movie and wonder, could the Mafia really have played a role in this?—the answer might just be yes. (And don’t worry. We’re not giving away too much of the plot by sharing this!)

Now, I’m curious—have you ever learned a historical fact that completely surprised you? Drop a comment, and let’s chat! And if you love history as much as I do, be sure to check out Naples Grand Tour for a deep dive into Italy’s incredible past! Tell Raffelo that Nathan and I send you and said, “Chao!” Also, be sure to check out Book One, Breath of Bones!

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 30
Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, July 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2
Texas Book-aholic, July 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 4 (Spotlight)
For Him and My Family, July 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6
The Lofty Pages, July 7
Blossoms and Blessings, July 8
Book Looks by Lisa, July 9
Artistic Nobody, July 10 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, July 10
Lily’s Corner, July 11
Bizwings Book Blog, July 12
Life on Chickadee Lane, July 13

To celebrate their tour, Nathan and Tricia are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of Breath of Bones and Flight of Fate!!

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/00adcf54251

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Being Content God’s Way and the Being Content God’s Way Workbook by Scott LaPierre

Book: Being Content God’s Way and the Being Content God’s Way Workbook

Author: Scott LaPierre

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release date: May 21, 2024

Philippians 4:12 reveals a profound truth: there is a “secret to learning contentment.” As Paul declares in the next verse, the secret is the strength Christ provides: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Just as a tree’s unseen root system gathers vital resources for the tree, the unseen part of contentment is being “rooted and built up in Christ” (Colossians 2:7).

With Being Content God’s Way, you will…

learn to “be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5)
enjoy personal stories and application to daily life
be equipped to put off covetousness (Colossians 3:5)
receive biblical answers to common questions
discover why “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Contentment is not an elusive concept. Instead, it is a tangible reality within our reach through a relationship with Christ.

Click here to get your copy!

I LOVE when books come at just the right moment in life. Being Content God's Way by Scott LaPierre is just the book at the moment.

I have always been one to be content with God's provisions and more for my life. Contentment is something that many struggle with strongly, myself included at times. The world, Christians included, is at time where Contentment is a struggle. So many have an "I want" and will go to extent to get what they want, including luxury items. I am a "Plain Jane" girl and for the most part I am content with life. I have my struggles and wants though.

Being Contents's God Way is a MUST READ for so many. I really LOVE how this book is Biblically sound. The author really gets the message across through Scripture references. The 10th Commandent comes to mind while reading this book "You shall not covet". Coveting material things is wrong, but it seen so much all around me. The author points to the fact that Contentment is a choice and we can choose to be content with God's provisions and blessings.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves Biblically sound books and encouragement to be Content. GREAT BOOK!

About the Workbook

The perfect companion to Being Content God’s Way!

James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” A common mistake with God’s Word is believing we have done enough by learning without applying. Our responsibility goes much further than simply obtaining information.

This 13-week in-depth Bible study will reinforce the teachings from the book so you can be not just a hearer (or reader) but a doer (or obey-er). You will be given the tools to apply the reading and cement the teachings in your heart.

Inside, you will find:

Helpful guidelines for deepening your relationship with Christ
Thoughtful questions for self-reflection
Insightful observations to help you grow spiritually

The workbook is a 3-month study to help you become rooted and built up in Christ. This great tool is perfect for individual use or group study.

Click here to get your copy!

James 1:22: Be doers of the Word and not Hearers only, deceiving yourself has been a verse that has stuck with me from the age of 14. It was the verse of a weekend Teen Retreat and it was engraved in m y heart and mind since that time. Scott LaPierre focuses it on this verse and a few others in this 13 week Workbook. I read through the Workbook and was extremely excited to see a Workbook that focuses on Contentment and Building a true relationship with Christ. I appreciate that the author shows that lack of Contentment is showing that a relationship with Christ needs growth. The Workbook is set up in a manner that it is solid Biblical teachings and also thought provoking study. It can be used as a Standalone or with the book. Individuals or as a Group study. I HIGHLY recommend this Workbook! AMAZING!!

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

We all want to be content, but should you trust what I, Scott LaPierre, have to say about this topic? Yes, for these three reasons…

First and foremost, I am not asking you to trust me but God. My book is not simply a collection of my thoughts and opinions but God’s words revealed in Scripture, which is why the book is filled with so many verses. God knows how we can be content and overcome covetousness. I want readers to understand what He says about these topics.

Second, I have preached extensively on contentment and covetousness to the church I serve. The sermons involved hundreds of hours of Bible study, which I used to write Being Content God’s Way.

Third, much of the counseling I perform is related to contentment and covetousness. When couples come for marriage counseling, they want to see their spouse change. More often, I help them be content with each other. When people have financial problems, I help them overcome covetousness to be better savers and givers. In other words, I have experience assisting people to become content.

I poured my heart into the book and workbook because I am passionate about this area of Scripture and life. I am convinced that applying the biblical principles can change your life.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 23
She Lives To Read, June 24
Artistic Nobody, June 25 (Author Interview)
Its Mama Safe, June 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 27
Texas Book-aholic, June 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29
Guild Master, June 30 (Author Interview)
Barb Howe, June 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2
Fiction Book Lover, July 3 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, July 3
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 4
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, July 5
Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Author Interview)

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/00adcf54245

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Tuesday, July 1, 2025

iRead Book Tours Blog Tour: The Things They Didn't See: A Novel by Angela Shaeffer

Book Details:

Book Title:  THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T SEE by Angela Shaeffer
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 358 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction, Family Saga
Publisher:  Wander Lane Press
Release date: June 2025
Content Rating:  PG + M: Mild profanity with some mature themes (self harm, suicide attempt)

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Fire Chief's Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt

The Fire Chief's Surprise JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Fire Chief's Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Fire Chief's Surprise
Author: Chris Maday Schmidt
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

He wasn’t looking for love…

Until one little boy came into his life.

Fire chief Josh Rogers has just three months to get married or risk losing custody of his late foster brother’s infant son. So when Annie Greene offers to help him find a wife in exchange for repairs at her bakery, it seems like the perfect solution. As the three spend time together, Josh can’t help but feel that Annie’s the only person he can picture filling the role of Finn’s mother. But can they set aside their past insecurities and embrace a chance at happily-ever-after?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Christian Romance is a genre that really picques my interest. I absolutely am interested in the LOVE Inspired series of books. The Fire Chief's Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt is the most recent book in the LOVE Inspired Collection that I have read.

The storyline in this book is OHHHH, so sweet. The 2 main characters are Fire chief Josh Rogers and Annie Greene. Josh and Annie have been friends for a long time. Josh is the Fire Chief of the town and Annie owns a bakery in town. Josh is assigned to do an inspection on Annie's Bakery. The inspection doesn't go well for Annie and she asks Josh to help do the work needed to pass. Josh is in a situation that he only has 3 months to resolve. He needs to find a wife or lose custody of his nephew, Finn, that he hopes to adopt in the future. Josh lost his brother recently and wants to adopt the son his brother left behind. Annie and Josh make a "barter", Josh fixes the Inspection issues and Annie helps Josh find a wife. I really LOVE how the story takes a beautiful change. Josh and Annie are beginning to have feelings for one another. Josh also observes how caring and tender Annie is with Finn. Annie is holding onto frustation toward Josh over the failed inspection, but soon realizes that the "hunt for a wife for Josh" might just need to be inside her heart. I really LOVE how Annie realizes she wasn't opening her heart fully and they both could have an instant family for Finn. The story is one of Friends, Faith, Family and trusting God's plan over our own. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Also Available

Chris Maday Schmidt

A self-professed princess and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Chris Maday Schmidt believes it's always the “write” time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope, humor & heart. She's a member of Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers, and her debut novel—A Father’s Vow—received a 5-star reader review in the 2024 Readers' Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. The Fire Chief’s Surprise is Chris’s second inspirational romance for Harlequin. She also writes heartwarming stories for Woman's World, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, and assorted magazines. She and her real-life hero reside in a cabin in Northern Arizona.

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

(1) winner will receive a Reader's Prize Bundle which includes a scented candle, bookmark, and bookish socks, glass cup, and canvas bag, as well as a print copy of A Father's Vow, also by Chris Maday Schmidt!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 8, 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!

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Following the Clues by Dana Mentink

Book: Following the Clues (Security Hounds Investigations Book Four)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: May 27, 2024

A search-and-rescue mission
reveals a lethal secret.

After K-9 handler Kara Wolfe witnesses her childhood friend Beau O’Connor survive a targeted hit-and-run, she’s shocked to learn his mother’s missing. And Beau, who can no longer recognize familiar faces after an earlier attack, can’t shake the feeling these terrifying incidents are somehow connected. With the tracking skills of her blind bloodhound, Kara will help Beau locate his mother—but someone will do anything to sabotage their search. With the culprit on their trail, can they uncover a sinister plot…before their rescue mission turns into a fight for survival?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Suspense Romance if one of my favorite genres. Dana Mentink is one of my favorite authors for this genre and I have read MANY of her books. Following the Clues by Dana Mentick is Book 3 in the Security Hounds Investigation Series. I have been enjoying this series from Book 1 and was excited to learn this book has been released.

The Mystery and Suspense was very prevelent from the very first pages and continued throughout the storyline. Kara Wolfe and Beau O’Connor are the 2 main characters in this story. Kara and Beau are childhood friends and Beau needs Kara's help to find his missing mother. Kara is part of the K9 Investigator team and agrees to help her friend Beau. The hunt for Beau's mom becomes interesting because Beau has a facial disorder that he can see faces, but doesn't recognize them, therefore identifying his mom could be problematic. Kara has the help of 2 wonderful and cute K9 dogs, Phil and Millie, who truly were an amazing help. I really love that Kara's family is part of every investigation and help so much. The relationship between Kara and Beau grows from friendship to Romancitic throughout the book. I was on the edge of my seat many times throughout the story as the twists and turns kept coming. The book is part of a series, but also reads great a standalone. I look forward to reading future books in this series! The book contains Faith, Romance, Mystery and so much more! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction based books! WONDERFUL BOOK!

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

The only thing more fun that writing about bloodhounds, is adding in some colorful new canine characters who aren’t quite your standard tracking champions. In this book, you’ll get to know Phil who was introduced at the end of book #3. He’s a livestock protector who steps in as a guide for Millie the bloodhound when her vision becomes impaired. Phil takes his job VERY seriously. He flat out refuses to wear a vest, or play with toys, and he doesn’t particularly like people, but he will lay his life down to protect Millie and Kara Wolfe. It was so much fun having this unlikely hero rise to the challenge as Kara and her ex-boyfriend must root out a saboteur on the local fish hatchery property. The secret they unearth will shock you, I hope! Please enjoy the adventure with Millie, Phil, and the rest of the Wolfe pack!