Monday, June 1, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Mesmerize by Darlene Corbett

Book: Mesmerize

Author: Darlene Corbett

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 18, 2026

Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai, a dazzling romance comes to life.

Can a storyteller win back the love of her life through tales sprinkled with faith and love.

Boston-based Delphina Tulasi, a therapeutic storyteller, has shunned men.

A year after a major betrayal, she accompanies her mother Lucia, a matchmaker, to Las Vegas to help her run an exclusive speed-dating event.

Alexander O’Hara, a CFO with secrets of his own, accepts Lucia’s invitation to attend. He meets Delphina and becomes mesmerized. They go out on a date in Las Vegas and return to Boston, where their love blossoms.

All goes well until Alex goes on a long business trip to Dubai. A visit from someone in her past confuses Delphina and lures her back to a previous relationship, prompting her to break up with Alex.

After a few dates with her ex, Delphina recognizes the mistake she’s made and becomes determined to win Alex back. She uses her creativity, spins stories based on truth, and sends them in videos across the internet.

Will it work?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Contemporary Romance is a genre that I enjoy reading. Mesmerize by Darlene Corbett is the latest book that I have read.

I dove right into the book and the storyline grabbed my interest immediately. The main characters in this book are Delphina Tulasi, a therapist and storyteller and Alexander O’Hara, a CFO of his own. Delphina is not interested in a relationship, yet her mother is a matchmaker. Delphina attends an event with her mom and her mom has arranged for Alex to be there also. Delphina and Alex are matched together and they begin a relationship in Las Vegas and they take it back home to Boston. They seem secure in their new relationship, until Alex takes a trip to Dubai. The moment Delphina decides to allow a person from her past back into her life, she isn't secure with the relationship with Alex anymore. I really like that Delphina begins to understand that life isn't "greener on the other side" and ends the relationship with her Ex. She thought she has lost any chance with Alex, she puts up a strong fight to get him back. I thought the book was a story about Forgiveness, True Love, Determination and so much more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Darlene Corbett has been serving others as a licensed psychotherapist for over thirty years.

With her wealth of experience in human behavior, she decided to write down her thoughts to inspire a larger audience. This set the stage for her book, Stop Depriving The World of You, published by Sound Wisdom in 2018.

She continued writing nonfiction until she heard God whisper again. And his call prompted her to take a risk and dip her toes into fiction. Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, was published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and in August, she won the 2024 Storytrade Book Awards for Christian Fiction in the Contemporary category.

And right now?

Her contemporary romance, Mesmerize, will be published in February of 2026 which has themes of a modern-day, Christian Scheherazade story.

Her writing continues with two romantic suspense novels. Enthralled, which takes place in Mykenos, has been completed but needs editing. A Midnight Call, located in a small fictional town in central Massachusetts, has almost reached the finishing line.

When not writing or seeing clients, Darlene immerses herself in a variety of novels and tries to support other authors of faith.

In addition, she loves animals with dogs being number one. Taking care of her beloved Shih Tzu, Stevie, puts a smile on her face.

Being a life-long learner, she’s attempting a second language and remains a nerd at heart. Staying fit, traveling, and connecting with her inner circle also take priority.

Darlene belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and WFWA.

She lives in Central Massachusetts with Stevie, and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

More from Darlene

For all my life, I’ve been in love with the oral and written word.

And I imagine the same for you.

How many people do not enjoy reading or hearing a good tale?

And doesn’t it make sense?

Each of us has a story, our own book of life. How it unfold lays between God and us.

Although every novel involves a story, I decided to highlight a therapeutic storyteller.

Why therapeutic?

Because I’m a therapist and have listened to stories throughout my life. Also, I remember the story of Scheherazade, and with faith and modernity, I wove it into my novel. The protagonist spins tales to… Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

I hope you become mesmerized by Mesmerize.

Cover Lover Book Review, May 30
Simple Harvest Reads, May 31 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, June 1 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1
Guild Master, June 2 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3
Fiction Book Lover, June 4 (Author Interview)
History, Hope & Happily Ever After, June 5 (Author Interview)
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 6 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 7
For the Love of Literature, June 8 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, June 9
Blossoms and Blessings, June 10 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, June 11
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 12 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of a $75 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/Ap5Fn/mesmerize-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Sunday, May 31, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Psalms from the Sea, Volume IV: OPERATIONS by David Reid Brown

Book: Psalms from the Sea, Volume IV: OPERATIONS

Author: David Reid Brown

Genre: Christian Devotional

Release Date: October, 2025

DID YOU KNOW? YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK HAS A LOT IN COMMON WITH THE LIFE OF A NAVY SAILOR!

Yes! It seems too hard to believe but it is true. Sailors experience hardship, trust, fatigue, worry, disappointment, joy–and so do you! A sailor’s life is filled with the common experiences you have every day of your Christian walk.

OPERATIONS is a compilation of over fifty devotional stories composed by DAVID REID BROWN while he served at sea. These stories present the life of sailors in a way that touches on topics that mirror your daily Christian walk. Each story concludes with a practical application section, relevant scripture, and prayer.

DAVID REID BROWN has first-hand knowledge in understanding the life of a Sailor because he lived it. As former Navy Chaplain, he also understands Biblical truth and how to identify spiritual principles and experiences that Christians and sailors share.

In this book, readers will be:

Surprised to learn the daily lives of Christians and Sailors are quite similar.
Inspired by sea stories that connect with Biblical truths.
Amazed by the selfless sacrifice of Sailors, Marines, and their families.

Still curious? Read this book and find out how God will meet your curiosity with a stronger faith in Him and a deeper admiration for the service of military members and their families.

Click here to get your copy!

Devotionals are a daily part of my Christian Faith. Psalms from the Sea, Volume IV: OPERATIONS by David Reid Brown is the most recent Devotional that I have read through.

I really LOVE how the author compares a Navy sailor life to the Christian Faith and our daily walk with God. The Christian Walk is Hard, treacherous, up and down, filled with worry and so much more. The author is a former Navy Chaplin so he has written this devotional and gives real life experiences that Sailors experience and compares them to the Christian Walk. The Devotional contains 50 Devotionals that has a story from Sailor life and applies it to the Christian Walk. I really LOVE that each story also has Scripture, ways to apply to the story to our life, a prayer and a place to journal personal reflections of the Devotional of the day. This devotional could be used as a daily or weekly format. I was encouraged by many of the stories in this devotional. I would recommend this to anyone who needs encouragement through the WAVES of life. GREAT Devotional.

David Reid Brown is a retired Navy Chaplain and currently serves as a high school Government, Bible, and Art teacher at Grace Christian School in Mechanicsville, VA. He has authored nine books: Spirit Soundings: A Chaplain’s Journal of Life at Sea (three volumes), Lost Summer, and Psalms from The Sea (four volumes), and a book of poetry, Sophia’s Songs. These inspirational stories were born out of his global seafaring experiences, spanning twenty-one years of peace, war, and three overseas deployments as well as his service as a Christian educator.

More from David

Did you know? The art on the front cover of my book, OPERATIONS, was designed and created by one of my Ninth Grade Art Students. Yes, it’s true. I recognized that this young artist had the technical skill and artistic flair to create the unique cover art required for this book when he was just in the sixth grade!

FOR OVER TWENTY-ONE YEARS, I have had the distinct privilege of serving thousands of sailors, Marines, and their families across the nation, upon every major ocean, as well as overseas. I am most proud to have shared a common bond of service, sacrifice, and devotion. OPERATIONS is my patriotic tribute to them.

Simple Harvest Reads, May 29 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, May 30 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, May 31 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31
Fiction Book Lover, June 1 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 2
The Bookish Ledger, June 3 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, June 4 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, June 5 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 6 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 7
Blossoms and Blessings, June 8 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, June 9 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 9
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 10 (Author Interview)
Books, Books, & More Books, June 11 (Author Interview)

To celebrate his tour, David is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/UBDhA/psalms-from-the-sea-volume-iv-operations-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Blaze of Honor by D.M. Griffin

Book: BLAZE OF HONOR

Author: D.M. Griffin

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: May 12, 2026

A BLAZE OF HONOR WOULD EITHER CONSUME HIM OR ILLUMINATE THE PATH TO LOVE!

Joram couldn’t pinpoint the burning conviction in his heart, the reason honoring his father felt like the only path to a life that pleased God. He remembered the unheard prayers of a five-year-old whose mother betrayed the sanctity of family and knew well the bitterness in his father’s heart. Whatever the reason, Joram, a man of few words, lived an obedient life. He adopted his father’s wishes and desires as if they were born from his own heart, and with that came his father’s simmering bitterness and ingrained distrust of women.

Driven by a desire for Joram to achieve more than a shepherd’s humble existence, his father pressured him to excel academically, tirelessly seeking the approval of powerful figures. Joram’s life took a dramatic turn when he captured the attention of Parthia’s notorious bandit leaders.

Caught in a dizzying storm of politics and family vendettas, Joram reluctantly accepts a fake marriage, meant to bring a young woman to Jerusalem so she could marry another man. Knowing how his father felt about women, a view he adopted as his own, Joram wasn’t prepared for the transformation that would take place once he began playing the role of a husband for all the wrong reasons.

The treacherous journey, marked by near-death experiences, culminated with them arriving in Jerusalem amidst the vibrant Feast of Weeks. With his knowledge of God ringing hollow as a mere religious duty, Joram divorced his wife and surrendered her to another man, determined to honor his word. But when he stumbles upon the truth and feels the burning intensity of the Holy Spirit descend in a blaze of honor that illuminates far more than he could have ever imagined, Joram has to decide if he is willing to walk the path of love.

Click here to get your copy!

Biblical Fiction is a genre that I am always intrigued by. Blaze of Honor by D.M. Griffin is the latest book in this genre that I have read.

WOW, the storyline captivated me from the beginning. The main characters in this book are Joram and Azuba. Joram has taken on many of the attributes and personality traits of his father, as he always wanted to please his father from a young age. Joram is now grown and realizes that his father's way may not be the best and he is now seeking to find his own place in the world and to please God. The one trait that Joram is wanting to change is the fact that he has seen his Dad be bitter towards women, due to family issues. Joram believes there is a woman that God intends for Joram. Azuba is someone who Joram has known from his Childhood and now a grown woman. Joram is now seeing Azuba as a woman and one that he feels that God can bring him to marry. I really LOVE the storyline and how Joram goes to being like his father in so many ways, to follow God's lead for him. The book is one that focuses on finding God's will for marriage, being humbled by following God and so much more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction. GREAT BOOK!

D.M. (Demi) Griffin is the author of several novels and has won multiple literary awards. Her novels in The Encounter Series won various Independent Author awards in the category of Religious Fiction.

She writes Christian Fantasy, Biblical, and Historical Fiction. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband of over thirty years. She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

More from D.M.

My inspiration for writing Blaze of Honor came from a simple lyric in a song. “Be careful, little eyes, what you see.” I had the idea of writing the Spirit Ignited Series rattling around in my head for five years. During my regular Bible reading plan, inspiration sucked me into the scene in Acts 2 when Peter preaches to a crowd on the day of Pentecost. I found myself wondering about the people described as coming from all over the empire. I wondered what had brought them there, and what they had heard. How could I not be fascinated when the church grew exponentially that day? So, the idea for Spirit Ignited grew. I wanted to write four novels about four men who had been in the crowd that day.

As excited as I was to begin writing those stories, other books crept into the queue before I fully developed the characters for Spirit Ignited. I was excited when the first ideas came back to me after five long years of waiting for these men to speak up and inspire me. What was even more challenging was that the stories were begging to be written in first-person from a single perspective. That was a daunting task since I had only written dual-perspective stories up until that point. And, truth be told, first-person isn’t my favorite.

But I obliged and found myself completely captivated by these men. Surprisingly enough, I did not write Blaze of Honor first. Though it is the first to be released in the series, it was the third book I wrote in the Spirit Ignited series.

After hearing the song lyric, I started to wonder about how parents, most specifically troubled marriages, affected children. Joram, a shy character, finally found his voice in my head, and together, we explored a life of unintended scars and how they shape a boy as he becomes a man.

The story’s themes of redemption, forgiveness, and grace underscore the main takeaway: honoring God through loving others. I yearn for readers to grasp this central truth, to feel the depth in the main character’s plight. The narrative delves into the heart of devotion, exploring how easily the concept of honoring God can become contorted in the labyrinth of the mind. After completing the first draft, the realization that this story, with its raw vulnerability, could only be told in the intimate voice of the first person hit me.

I truly hope readers will get as much out of it as I did when I wrote it. Stories that transform as well as entertain are my favorite kind of stories.

Simple Harvest Reads, May 19 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, May 20
Artistic Nobody, May 21 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, May 22 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 23
Fiction Book Lover, May 24 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, May 25 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 25
Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27
For the Love of Literature, May 28 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, May 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 30 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, May 31 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31
Stories By Gina, June 1 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, D.M. 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.

https://gleam.io/1iGOX/blaze-of-honor-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Friday, May 29, 2026

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Deep End of Love by Christina Suzann Nelson

The Deep End of Love JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Deep End of Love by Christina Suzann Nelson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Deep End of Love

Author: Christina Suzann Nelson

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: May 19, 2026

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

A refreshed and updated novel on the power of motherly love

When Izzy's pregnancy comes to light during her junior year of high school, her future sinks like a stone and leaves waves of uncertainty in its wake. And suddenly three women are pulled into the undertow. A mother desperate to protect her child but battling hurt and fear from her past. A newcomer with empty arms and a deep longing. And a broken heart trying to survive amid grief.

An unborn baby growing closer to his unknown future brings together these four women with four completely different stories. Masterfully told in woven points of view, The Deep End of Love explores how one decision exposes shame, fear, and hope—and how grace surfaces in the least expected places.

Christy Award-winning author Christina Suzann Nelson draws readers in through this emotionally engaging and inspirational novel, now revised and updated.

Christian Contemporary Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. The Deep End of Love by Christina Suzann Nelson is the latest book that I have read. Christina Suzann Nelson is a new to me author and I was excited to read this novel.

WOW, absolutely astounded by this book. The storyline is one that is VERY emotional and gave me Happy and Sad tears for many reasons. The story has 4 main characters: Izzy: A Pregnant High School girl, Jillian: Izzy's Mom, Margaret: the mom of Izzy's Boyfriend, Stacey: a married woman and has infertility issues. The 4 women each have their own story and their stories are connected and similar to one another in so many ways and factors.

I began reading the book and could not put it down because I felt connected to all 4 of the women, especially Izzy and Stacey stories immediately. I, similar to Izzy, found out I was Pregnant when I was a Senior in High School. I was scared, but I knew I was not alone. I had family and Christian friends who loved and supported me throughout the Pregnancy. Izzy's Mom reminds me of my Mom. My mom was 15 and Pregnant and by age 17 was married with 3 girls under 1. (Single birth at age 16 and 13 days before my older sisters first b-day, my mom gave birth to my twin sister and I.) Izzy's Mom has regrets for her decision as a young Pregnant woman and though my Mom didn't make the same decision she always felt she missed out on her teenage years and many other parts of life. Margaret, seems similar to Mom of my Baby's Father at the time. Although, she was very supportive of the decision I was making and she spoke with my Boyfriend from a Mom's prescriptive and that helped him understand. Stacey, ohhh my heart was breaking for her and all that she went through. Losing her adopted son and still yearning to adopt another child. I chose Adoption for my Baby Boy and I know the story of the Mom who adopted my Baby Boy, whose infertility issues led to the decision for her and her husband to adopt. God truly was in the midst of my decision and the Support of my Pastor's wife and her wise counsel and prayer, gave me the strength to make the decision.

I applaud the author for this very heart wrenching yet heart warming story that really shows that God is in the midst of all the aspects of Motherhood, including Teen Pregnancies and Infertility. The book is fictional yet it has topics that are real life situations. The journey to Motherhood is so different for everyone, yet can be connected in many ways. I really LOVE the fact that this story is written with a Christian Perspective. Have your Tissue ready when reading this book, you will definitely need it. I will definitely be reading more of Christina Suzann Nelson's book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Contemporary Fiction and want to read a book that shows the journey of Motherhood for the different characters in this book! WONDERFUL BOOK!

Also Available:

Christina Suzann Nelson

Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of several novels, including If We Make It Home, More Then We Remember, What Happens Next, and the Christy Award-winning The Way It Should Be.

Connect with Christina by visiting christinasuzannnelson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Deep End of Love and $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 27, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 3, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

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Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Wealth Beyond Riches by Vickie McDonough

Book: A Wealth Beyond Riches

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 12, 2026

She’s searching for a place to belong. He’s haunted by the horrors of war. When danger threatens everything they hold dear, they must trust in God’s plan to find their way home.

Sasha Di Carlo has spent her life in her famous actress mother’s shadow, longing for family and roots. When she learns she has an uncle in Indian Territory, she seizes the chance for a new beginning. Upon arriving at her uncle’s ranch, she finds herself drawn to his quiet carpenter, Jim Conners, even as she struggles to embrace her Creek heritage.

Jim Conners came to Indian Territory hoping to escape the nightmares of his time in the Spanish-American War. Working for kind-hearted Dewey Hummingbird has helped heal his spirit, but Dewey’s beautiful niece stirs long-buried feelings. Just as his discovery of his own Native American ancestry offers the opportunity to build a bridge between them, corrupt oil companies target Dewey’s land. As Sasha and Jim work to protect their loved ones and help struggling oil field widows, they discover that true wealth lies not in riches, but in faith, family, and the courage to love.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre of mine. A Wealth Beyond Riches by Vickie McDonough is Book 6 in the Windswept Wedding Series. I have been anxiously awaiting this book release.

WOW, the storyline of this book was very emotional from the beginning, in a good way. The main characters are Sasha Di Carlo and Jim Conners. Sasha has spent many years with a yearning to discover her family roots. She has felt disconnected from her mom as her mom is a busy actress. She is now ready to set out to find her Uncle who she learns lives in Indian Territory with the Creek Heritage. Jim Conners works for Dewey Hummingbird, Sasha's Native American Uncle. The 2 meet when Sasha arrives at her uncle's Ranch. Jim has worked hard to heal from the affects of serving in the Spanish American War and upon meeting Sasha, memories that had been buried resurface. I was really engaged in the book as the pair have to team up to battle the Corporate Oil Companies that want Sasha's uncle land. I really LOVE that they gained trust in one another, but also leaned up God to help them through the trials and discover each other. The book is one of seeking and finding out about one's self, Trusting God in all circumstances, Family and LOVE. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoy Christian Historical Romance BEAUTIFUL BOOK!

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

More from Vickie

If you read Sooner or Later, you met Jimmy when he was a young boy. He’s now grown and struggling with PTSD after fighting in the war. Oklahoma, at this time, was split in two, with the eastern section being Indian Territory and the western half, the Oklahoma Territory. Jimmy has left his family and taken a job building a house for an older Indian man. But he’s soon in for a big surprise.