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Saturday, July 11, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: For This VERY Purpose by EJ Ashmore





Book: FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE

Author: EJ Ashmore

Genre: Biblical Fiction/young adult

Release Date: October 15, 2025

Sixteen-year-old Eliza has accepted life as a Hebrew slave in Egypt, never to be seen, heard, or loved. After all, she has it good, working alongside her sister for the wealthy Ameneten family. Though unworthy of love, she is free to love others, and she loves her master’s oldest son, Seti (unbeknownst to him).

Only when Moses returns to the land of Egypt to free his people is she emboldened to pray to the ancient God her mother used to speak of, and she prays for the love of Seti, but only if he first rejects his gods and falls for the Hebrew God.

As the God of gods hardens Pharaoh’s heart, He softens Seti’s and pursues him with a love Seti has never known, while also shining His face on Eliza who learns she is indeed worthy of love.

This is the Exodus as told from both Eliza and Seti as a love story between God and His people, God and Seti, and Seti and Eliza.

 

Click here to get your copy!




Biblical Fiction is a genre that I enjoy reading. For This Very Purpose by EJ Ashmore is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the Wilderness Series. 

I will admit that it took me 2 chapters to really understand the storyline. I was engrossed in the book once the storyline clicked with me. The main characters in this book are Eliza and Seti. Eliza is a 16 year old Hebrew slave in Egypt. Eliza and her sister have been working for a Wealthy Family and Seti is the oldest son of the Family. Eliza feels that she is not worthy of LOVE or even to be seen. She though has seen Seti and she has feelings for him, although he doesn't know this. Seti is Egyptian and in an Apprentice for being a Priest. Eliza and Seti are about to experience changes when God sends Moses to Egypt and it is the time of the 10 Plagues and pre-Exodus. Seti begins to question the Priesthood and instead begins to look toward following Eliza and her God. Seti begins to notice Eliza in a way that Eliza has noticed Seti, with adoration and love. I really LOVE how the Author really brings Biblical History to life in this Fictional Story. The book is one of Faith, Trust, Finding Worth in God and Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction. GREAT BOOK!




 


EJ Ashmore, a mother, wife, and a nurse, only wrote for fun as a teenager. Once babies and college got in the way, she stopped, but she also no longer wanted to write unless it was for God. When her son was 15 and trying to grapple with why God would harden Pharaoh’s heart, then punish him, she took to writing again. Best to show him rather than explain it. But then Joel Richardson’s SINAI TO ZION came out, and she fell in love with how the whole exodus and wilderness scenario was God’s love story- from pursuit, winning the love of the people, to betrothal, complete with a wedding supper which has yet to happen. It’s a literal play-by-play of the ancient Jewish wedding customs, but so is Christianity. Not only that, but human marriage was designed to reflect God’s desired relationship with His people.

This became EJ’s passion: to demonstrate this in a story for young people, as is to reach the average teenager who feels unworthy of God’s (or anybody’s) love.

FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE comes from Exodus 9:16 and is EJ’s debut novel.

 

More from EJ

When Lisa Phillip’s son was 15 and trying to grapple with why God would harden Pharaoh’s heart, then punish him for it, she took to writing. Best to show him rather than explain it. But then Joel Richardson’s SINAI TO ZION came out, and she fell in love with how the whole exodus and wilderness scenario was God’s love story—from pursuit, winning the love of the people, to betrothal, complete with a wedding supper which has yet to happen. It’s a literal play-by-play of the ancient Jewish wedding customs, but so is Christianity. Not only that, but human marriage was designed to reflect God’s desired relationship with His people.

This became Lisa’s passion: to demonstrate this in a story for young people, as is to reach the average teenager who feels unworthy of God’s (or anybody’s) love.

FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE comes from Exodus 9:16 and is Lisa’s debut novel. Since there is already a well-known author by the name of Lisa Phillips, a pen name was chosen.




Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 8

Simple Harvest Reads, July 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 10

Artistic Nobody, July 11 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 12

Guild Master, July 13 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 14

Fiction Book Lover, July 15 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 16

The Bookish Ledger, July 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 17

The Bookish Pilgrim, July 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 20

Books Less Travelled, July 21 (Author Interview)



To celebrate her tour, EJ is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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


https://gleam.io/tMHcl/for-this-very-purpose-celebration-tour-giveaway







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Thursday, July 9, 2026

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Names of God: Growing Strong by Grace Fox

Names of God JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Names of God: Growing Strong by Grace Fox, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!




Names of God: Growing Strong

Title: Names of God: Growing Strong 
Series: Names of God Devotional Studies #3 
Author:
Grace Fox 
Publisher:
Aspire Press 
Release Date: July 7, 2026 
Genre:
Christian living; devotional study

Have the demands of life left you weakened and weary? Do you struggle to get back up after life has knocked you down? 

Every day requires a fresh dose of inner strength if we are to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Growing Strong, the third book in Grace Fox’s Names of God series, explores seven Hebrew names of God that will encourage you and fortify your faith:

  • Adonai—Lord and Supreme Master
  • Yahweh Ropheka—The LORD Your Healer
  • Yahweh Makkeh—The LORD Who Smites
  • Ruach Elohim—Spirit of God
  • El Emunah—Faithful God
  • Yahweh Tsuri—The LORD Is My Rock
  • Elohei Tehillati—God of My Praise
Designed to ground you in truth and help you understand the attributes of God, each session includes:
  • The meaning, biblical context, and pronunciation of the Hebrew name
  • Compelling examples that illustrate the name’s impact in the lives of historical biblical characters and contemporary women
  • A guided prayer
  • Reflection questions
  • A video link providing additional insights from Grace Fox

Most books about the names of God seek to be informative, but this series treats readers to Grace Fox’s warm, honest, and heartfelt devotional style. You’ll not only dive into the meaning behind God’s names but also nurture your relationship with him and deepen your understanding of his character. 

Perfect for individual or small group study, Growing Strong will help empower you to “do all things” through Christ as you grow in his strength (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  



Devotionals are a part of my daily life as I feel they are a way to really encourage and uplift me in my Daily Walk with God. Names of God: Growing Strong by Grace Fox is the latest Devotional that I have read. It is Book 3 in the Names of God Devotional Studies Series. 

One of my favorite Bible Verses is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  I was excited to see that the 3rd Book in this series is based on that Verse. I know have seasons of Life that I need every bit of Strength that The Lord gives me to get through the rough times of Life. Growing Strong is a wonderful Devotional that digs deep into the Names of God that pertain to Strength. I was so encouraged and amazed as I read through this Devotional, as I have been going through some major events that have drained me of Strength and I didn't refer to the Lord for my Strength. Grace Fox has many personal stories and analogies throughout the book that encourage the reader and are very heartwarming. I really LOVE that the Devotional is very thoroughly written and very detailed in the explanation of the Names of God . Each part of the Devotional has a Prayer, Discussion and Reflection Questions and a Video to watch. The Devotional would be GREAT for Individual or Group Study.  I HIGHLY recommend this Series to anyone looking for a encouraging Devotional Series! GREAT BOOK!





PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

More in This Series




Grace Fox

Grace Fox is the author of 16 books including "Names of God: Living Unafraid" which won the Christian Editor's Choice Award 2025. She’s a popular media guest and Bible teacher at international women’s events, a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries), and an annual contributor to the ""Mornings with Jesus"" 365-day devotional published by Guideposts.

Grace has been a career missionary for more than 30 years. She and her husband co-direct International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in more than 30 countries. They recently moved back to shore after living fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 15 grandchildren. 

Connect with Grace by visiting gracefox.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.




(2) winners will each receive a copy of "Names of God: Growing Strong," a copy of "Names of God: Knowing Peace," a $25 Amazon gift card, and a photo with one of God's names on it -- taken and designed by the author and suitable for framing!

Names of God: Growing Strong blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 14, 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/CAN 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours






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Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Bible Companion Book 8 Isaiah-Daniel by Karen Westbrook Moderow





Book: The Bible Companion Book 8 Isaiah-Daniel

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Non-Fiction, Bible Study

Release Date: December, 2025

Are you or someone you love on the wrong path?

The Bible Companion Book 8 Isaiah–Daniel helps us see both warning and hope in the messages of the prophets. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scripture without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal, group, or homeschool Bible study.

The Major Prophets give us perspectives of judgment that challenge our lifestyles and understanding of God. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel help us see the Lord at work in dark times. Whether you are suffering the consequences of your own sin or caught in the fallout of the choices of others, The Bible Companion Book 8 points you toward a sovereign God whose power redeems tragedies and transforms them into new beginnings.

 

Click here to get your copy!



Bible Studies are a wonderful way to stay in the Word of God.  The Bible Companion Book 8 Isaiah-Daniel by Karen Westbrook Moderow is the most recent Bible Study that I have had the opportunity to learn from. 

 I have read quite a few of the Bible Studies in this series, and I can honestly say the series is really strongly Biblically Based and Encouraging. The Bible Studies are comprehensive with the Charts, Maps, and other tools that very clearly explain the Prophets of this Study. I am a very visual person and having the Maps, Timelines, and other tools really helps me comprehend and understand the Study. The Author has really created a study that helps us understand that God is with us through all the struggles of Life, especially when things are deep and shows us the consequences that could happen in the dark times. This Bible Study is GREAT for Groups, Individuals and for anyone wanting to learn about the Prophets. I HIGHLY recommend this series! WONDERFUL Bible Study!






 



KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

More from Karen

In 1997 the car my 18-year-old son Michael and four other teenagers were riding in flipped on a country road. Mike suffered a permanent traumatic brain injury. Before that night, we already knew he was in trouble. He’d been in rehab. Through his program, I’d received an education in drugs and alcohol that opened my naive eyes (and nose) to substances I’d had no experience with. Pot was the least of Mike’s problems but the pungent odor from the water pipe he used to smoke it—a bong—would permeate his clothes and tip me off that he had broken house rules once again. In a sad attempt at humor in those dark days, I became so sensitive to the smell of marijuana that I could probably tell you what country it came from. I hated the stench but more than that, I hated what it told me—that Mike didn’t respect us or the boundaries we’d set to protect him, that he was headed for tragedy, and we were powerless to stop him.

This is probably how the prophets felt as they watched their beloved nations of Israel and Judah rebel against the Lord. The people in these kingdoms blatantly disregarded the laws God gave for their protection. They embraced lifestyles that brought shame to His name and His house. God warned that the path they were on would lead to famine, war, disease, and deportation but they ignored Him even though He described judgment in detail. He named names, times, places. To no avail.

Would Mike have changed his ways if I had been able to see into the future and describe the car accident, the excruciating physical rehab, the permanent mental and physical impairments, and the loneliness he would suffer? Probably not. At least that is what he tells me. (He has given me permission to share his story.) So why wouldn’t he listen? The prophets tell us that sin blinds people to the consequences of their actions.

So, if sinners cannot take the truth to heart, why did God give us the books of prophecy? Second Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” There’s always a chance someone will listen. Pain gets the attention of saint and sinner alike. The prophetic books do warn those on the wrong path, but they also encourage godly people who are caught up in the judgment of the wicked. Anyone who lost a loved one to addiction or drained family resources to give someone a chance at a new life knows what I mean.

Mike required 24-hour care after he was discharged from the hospital. My husband Joe and I built an apartment in our walk-out basement for him. Mike had a caregiver during the day. My younger son David (a high-school junior), my husband Joe and I shared duties at night. We had no elevator. We could walk down the stairs to Mike but for him to join us on the upper level required pushing him up a steep ramp outside. Having dinner together took monumental effort. In winter, it meant dressing Mike warmly then one of us had to don a heavy coat, hat, and gloves, and roll him up the ramp. After dinner, we’d reverse the process. One night I decided to fix my signature spaghetti dinner and serve it downstairs, thinking it might be a better solution.

It was a disaster from beginning to end.

Joe and David were not home yet, and Mike’s caregiver was gone for the day. I was on my own. As I wore myself out with multiple trips up and down the stairs—setting the table, bringing down salad, bread, and drinks—the spaghetti sauce burned. I felt sick looking at the charred flecks bubbling up through the gravy that I had nursed for over three hours. Still, I refused to give up. I ladled sauce over hot pasta and hoped for the best. At last, the family gathered around the small table downstairs, held hands, and gave thanks.

David took the first bite then sat straight up. “Mom,” he said, “what’s up with the spaghetti? It tastes like bong water!” Michael laughed hysterically. I burst into tears. I don’t know what all I said. I sobbed through a litany of frustrations about the dinner and my failures as a wife, mother, caregiver, and person. To put it politely, I was inconsolable. David put his arms around me and said, “Dad, I’m going to put Mom to bed.” Joe—wide eyed because I’d never lost it like this before—nodded and quietly gathered up the plates.

David led me upstairs and tucked me in bed like I was a two-year old. It was oddly comforting. He closed the door softly behind him and then I cried it out.

Bong water? To have my cooking compared to the symbol of the rebellion that had led us to this point was too much. I wasn’t just upset over a ruined meal—I was overcome by exhaustion from a journey that I had not asked for. A journey I had done everything to divert Mike from. A journey that was far from over.

It is precisely when we realize we’re in a difficult place for the long haul that we most need the message God gives through the prophets. He says, “Don’t give up, pain doesn’t last forever. Cry, I hear you. Rest, I’ll restore you. Trust me, I will take care of you. I am using this tragedy to prove myself to you and everyone watching you.”

It took a while before I could believe it, but God keeps His word. I found that out the hard way.

Ever so-often when I fix spaghetti (still a family favorite) one of us will bring up the bong water incident. Today, we can laugh about it because in the intervening years, Mike has come to the Lord, and God has sustained our family with miracle after miracle. Thinking about burned spaghetti sauce no longer brings tears because what God has done has stripped that moment of its power. The despair I felt then has been redeemed. That dinner is now a memory that binds our family together. It reminds us how far we’ve come and how faithful God is.

That’s what the books of the prophets will do for us. If God can redeem that stubborn, sinful people, He can redeem us. If He can give them a future, He can do the same for us. The Lord transforms tragedy into triumph. Every time. For believers, bong water is never the end of the story.



Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 2

Simple Harvest Reads, July 3 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, July 5 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 6

Fiction Book Lover, July 7 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, July 8 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 8

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 10

Books, Books, & More Books, July 11 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 12 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, July 13

Books Less Travelled, July 14 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 14

Lots of Helpers, July 15



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/asz8O/the-bible-companion-book-8-isaiah-daniel-celebration-tour-giveaway







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Tuesday, July 7, 2026

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

The Amish Widow's Club JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!





The Unexpected Caller

Title: The Unexpected Caller 
Series: The Amish Widows Club #1 
Author:
Shelley Shepard Gray 
Publisher:
Revell 
Release Date:
July 7, 2026 
Genre:
Amish Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club--but will she risk loving again? 

Leanna Mast never imagined she'd be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it's time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she's not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man's home. 

When she's invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn't even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She's sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true? 

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray skillfully draws readers into an endearing and delightful Amish community of friendship during widowhood and a second chance at love.



Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre of Books. I have been a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray for many years. I was excited to read her new book. The Unexpected Caller by Shelly Shepard Gray is Book 1 in the Amish Widow Club series. 

The Storyline got my attention from the very first pages. I was very engrossed in the book and could not put it down. The main characters in this book are Leanna Mast, Evan Keim and the women in the Amish Widow Club. Leanna became a widow at 41 years old and now a year later is trying to find her place of belonging. The Amish Community is encouraging her to remarry, although coming from a marriage that bore no children and was an unhappy marriage, she isn't wanting to remarry. Leanna joins a "Club" of other Amish Widows and she really has a connection with the women in the group. Leanna has come to a realization that she is comfortable being a widow for life. Evan Keim, who Leanna had a Crush on many years ago, comes calling on Leanna. Evan lost his wife 4 years ago and is now interested in Leanna. Leanna is honored by his interest, yet she is reluctant to pursue Evan. I could totally understand Leanna's initial reluctance, so I was glad to see that she had a change of heart. Evan and Leanna began to build a friendship and then slowing begin to take the relationship to the next level. Evan and Leanna are very careful to take a few things into consideration including Evan's sons and that Leanna does want a child of her own. Grab a copy of this book to see how things unfold for Evan and Leanna. I HIGHLY recommend this book of Second Chance Romance, Family and Faith. GREAT BOOK!






PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | BookshopBookBub

More in This Series




Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.




(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

The Unexpected Caller blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026. 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours







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