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Saturday, August 1, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Worlds Collide by Clint Hall

 





Book: Worlds Collide

Author: Clint Hall

Genre: Adult Science Fiction

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Five worlds at war. Only one can survive.

Ten thousand years ago, five cosmic beings―a dragon, a phoenix, a serpent, a lion, and a wolf―set their worlds on an inevitable collision course. Each civilization was given one command: destroy the rival worlds, or crash into them and die.

As the planets draw near to each other, the moment of final reckoning is at hand. In a galaxy filled with starfighters and superweapons, magic and manipulation, planet-killing devices and mechanized legions, five heroes must defend their homeworlds against overwhelming odds.

But when prophecy and destiny collide, a far greater power begins to stir―one that challenges everything they’ve been told.

Oaths will be broken. Chains will be shattered. Champions will rise. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as these heroes discover whether any world deserves to survive.

The War of the Creators has begun.

Perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Expanse, and mythic sci-fi epics, Worlds Collide blends high-stakes interplanetary war with a legendary, fate-driven mystery―where the final battle may not be what it seems.

 

Click here to get your copy!




Adult Science Fiction is a genre that I have just begun to be interested in. Worlds Collide by Clint Hall is Book 1 in the Worlds Collide Trilogy. 

I will say that it took me a couple of chapters to really understand the storyline. I was intrigued at the Author's writing style once I understood the story. I especially enjoyed the fact that the "characters" were not the typical characters in a story, yet they were Five Worlds who were battling one another and knowing only one would survive the Battle. The Worlds knew they were going to Collide, yet one of the Cosmic beings would win and survive. The story is very action packed, from beginning to end, and also had many twists and turns.The author includes a faith aspect, yet not boldly or strongly. I am astonished at how much I truly enjoyed this book. I am already looking forward to Book 2 in this series, as Book 1 ended with a cliffhanger ending! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Adult Science Fiction. GREAT BOOK!
 




 



Clint Hall is an author, speaker, and podcaster who has been writing stories since middle school, where he spent most of his time in English class creating comic books. (Fortunately, his teacher not only allowed it, she bought every issue.)

Known for stories of hope, wonder, and adventure, Clint is the author of Steal Fire from the Gods and Echo Nova. You can find him hosting panels at conventions, online at ClintHall.com, or at The Experience: Conversations with Creatives podcast, available on all major platforms.


More from Clint

The battle lines we cannot see

By Clint Hall

The enemy seeks to divide us. And while there are wars to be fought, the battle lines often aren’t in the places that we think.

This is not the reason I started writing Worlds Collide. But in the more than ten years that I’ve been working on this trilogy, it has become the reason this story is the thing I most want to say to the world.

I started writing Worlds Collide because of a few ideas that came together at once. I had been reading a book that discussed five types of heroes: the selfless hero, the hero with a code, the charming hero, the cunning hero, and the sympathetic hero. I challenged myself to write a story featuring each type of hero as a way of better learning the archetypes.

Around the same time, I came up with the concept of different worlds being set on a collision course by their respective creators—cosmic beings in the forms of dragon, phoenix, lion, serpent, and wolf—as a “contest of the gods.” This idea came out of nowhere. At the time, I was working on a completely different story (that still has not been published). That evening, I took my wife on a walk, told her the concept, and she said, “This has to be the next thing you write.”

But as I wrote the story, these characters from different worlds started coming together in interesting ways. Each believed that they were doing the things they had to do to survive, to protect their own kind. The distance between them and the rival planets served to create a sense of “otherness” about the people inhabiting those worlds. It was easier to hate them when they were so far removed. And like most (if not all) instances of hate, it was rooted in fear.

The danger of division is a central theme in scripture. In Matthew 12:25 and Mark 3:24-25, Jesus states, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” The Greek word for the devil, diabolos, is derived from a verb that means “to throw apart” or “to scatter,” directly identifying his nature as a divider.

We see this division every day, much of it sparked by what we read online. Humans are designed to be in connection with each other, so the most deceptive way to subvert that innate design is to present the façade of increased connection that is actually voluntary isolation and polarization.

I’m not against the internet and social media, but it must be stated that the technologies that were supposed to bring more people together have achieved the opposite. They constantly present us with groups of people who—at a distance—appear to be dangerously opposed to everything we hold dear.

When we engage with so much of this content, we believe we’re learning more about people. But in truth, we’re only presented with algorithmically curated experiences that are incented to spark fear and outrage, emotions that lead to clicking and engaging. We are told that they are the enemy, that they are to blame, and that they will destroy our way of life. Then we’re told, “click here to read more.”

I wasn’t raised in church; I came to my faith during my teenage years. As a result, and due to a handful of other personal experiences, I’m comfortable in environments where I’m surrounded by people whose beliefs are very different than my own.

But here’s what has surprised me: I never feel like I need to hide my faith in these situations. When I engage such people in conversations from a place of love, respect, and genuine curiosity, they are almost always receptive. We find common ground. How could we not? Regardless of their beliefs, these people are created in the image of God, just like me. Through these interactions, I have created real friendships with people that might have never walked through the doors of my church (but that doesn’t mean I won’t try).

I’m not saying that I’m without my biases. I’m far from perfect. But when I manage to push past my perceived boundaries, I’m often amazed at what I discover on the other side.

As believers, we affirm that every person is made in the image of God. But we must ask ourselves—do our words, our posts, and our attitudes reflect that truth? Or have we, too, begun to see those who are unlike us primarily as enemies?

That tension is at the heart of Worlds Collide. As these characters begin to interact, they discover aspects of each other that they never would have expected. They start asking questions they were never meant to ask, and the answers challenge everything they have ever known.

We may not be on warring planets, but we are constantly being told where the battle lines are in our world, and that anybody on the other side of those lines is our enemy.

And when that happens, will we accept that as the truth? Or will we dare to step across those lines in love, courage, and faith to reach out our hands, as the Savior did for us?



Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 29

Books, Books, & More Books, July 30 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, July 31

Artistic Nobody, August 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 1

Simple Harvest Reads, August 2 (Guest Review from Susan)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3 (Spotlight)

The Lofty Pages, August 4

Guild Master, August 5 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, August 6

Fiction Book Lover, August 7 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, August 8 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 8

Vicky Sluiter, August 9 (Spotlight)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 10

For the Love of Literature, August 11 (Author Interview)



To celebrate his tour, Clint is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and signed hardcover 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/vmT2g/worlds-collide-celebration-tour-giveaway







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Friday, July 31, 2026

FrontGate Media Blog Tour: From Sea to Shining Sea 50 Daily Devotions from Traveling to Every State in America by John Christopher Frame, H. Eugene Frame, and Marsha Frame










From Sea to Shining Sea: 50 Daily Devotions from Traveling to Every State in America is a Christian devotional designed for short, meaningful reflection, blending faith, Scripture, and real-life travel experiences from across the United States.

Each of the 50 devotions begins with a travel moment from one of the U.S. states and connects that experience with a brief Scripture passage and a simple spiritual insight. The readings are intentionally short and accessible, making it easy to start or include in a daily devotional routine.

The reflections draw on the lifetime travels of Gene and Marsha Frame, who visited all 50 states during nearly 60 years of marriage. Their experiences—from small towns and quiet roads to memorable landmarks—become starting points for reflections about faith and living for God.

Each devotion includes a short story from the journey and a Scripture passage that invites readers to pause, reflect, and pray.

With experiences drawn from every state, this devotional provides memorable insights, each rooted in a specific location. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, these reflections will inspire you in your walk with God.








Devotionals are a part of my Everyday life. I really enjoy Devotionals that have a theme. From Sea to Shining Sea 50 Daily Devotions from Traveling to Every State in America by John Christopher Frame, H. Eugene Frame, and Marsha Frame is the most current Devotional that I have read. 

I don't travel often, pretty much only have been in the Midwest. I have a LOVE for our Country and I enjoy reading about happenings in other States. The Devotional is very timely as it is the 250 Anniversary of America. The Authors have traveled to all 50 States over the time of the 60 year marriage and give a Wonderful Story about each of the 50 States in this book. 

I really LOVE the Look and Layout of this Devotional. The book is in the Alphabetical Order of the States. Each Chapter has a Brief Story of the experience in that State, a question to ponder and a Prayer. I am from Chicago, Illinois, so of course I skipped ahead to IL and read that one first. The story focused on a visit to Chicago and the Pacific Garden Mission. I enjoyed the story of their visit as I had a similar experience at Pacific Garden Mission. The story was excellent, although the Question to Ponder and Scripture were on point and very relatable. I continued reading the Devotional, this time from the beginning and found each Chapter and Question to Ponder very deep and a wonderful encouragement. I really LOVED seeing the 50 States from the View of Travelers and diving deep into Scripture through the Devotional. I HIGHLY recommend this Devotional to anyone who enjoys Traveling or has a LOVE for the 50 States of America! GREAT BOOK!







John Christopher Frame is an author and holds a PhD from the University of Oxford. Publishers Weekly stated his first book, Homeless at Harvard: Finding Faith and Friendship on the Streets of Harvard Square, was “touching, and well worth the read…” John loves traveling on the cheap, visiting outdoor markets, and working in quirky cafés in his neighborhood. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, whom he met while buying a carpet at a souvenir shop in Istanbul, Turkey. Connect with him at https://www.johnchristopherframe.com. 
























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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham





Book: The Bachelor Spy (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 5)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2026

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake’s life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

 

Click here to get your copy!




Christian Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham is Book 4 in the Fredrick and Grace Mystery series. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book. 

I immediately began reading this story and could not put the book down. The setting is 1915 in England. Grace and Fredrick had just settled into life and then the War started. Freddie goes way to fight in the War and their home, Havensbrooke Hall, turns into a Hospital. Grace is doing her best to manage the changes and taking care of the home front while Freddie is away. Stephen Blake, Freddie's cousin, comes to the Estate when he hears that German Spies are in the residence. Stephen is one who likes to protect the ones who is close to, so he felt the need to come be with Grace while Freddie is gone. Grace and Stephen both enjoy solving mysteries and they both take the task on to uncover the German Spies. I really love that Stephen was protecting Gracie and he also met a romantic interest, Evie. The book is filled with Mystery, Romance and History and Family. I really LOVED this book and this series. I am sad that Book 5 is the end of the series.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction! WONDERFUL BOOK!




 


Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

Excerpt

Prologue

May 7, 1915

Stephen Blake had been trailing the presumed spy most of the voyage—first to secure his target, and then. . .to strike. Every clue pointed to the fact that the gregarious businessman Donald Leaman was none other than Albert Stein, a German informant ferrying English war secrets straight to the fatherland.

Unfortunately, every opportunity Blake had found to confront the man had been thwarted: too many watchful eyes, too much pomp and luxury for a clean cornering. With the Lusitania’s transatlantic voyage ending in less than a day, his time to complete this mission was slipping away.

Worse, he couldn’t shake the feeling he was being followed himself. Only a limited few knew of his operation to uncover a ghostlike informant who’d used their “ordinary” position to gain extraordinary intelligence—from transfer stations, casualty clearing posts, even a general’s bunker at the Western Front. The spy had proven madden-ingly elusive, slipping through every trap British intelligence laid

with almost theatrical flair.

But what did they know? Stein was the spy’s last contact. And Blake was tasked with finding out what he knew.

The Lusitania was hardly Blake’s first ship, but certainly it was the grandest. It felt as though Claridge’s, the famous hotel in London, had taken to the sea, complete with its extravagant marble floors and its crystal chandeliers, with champagne in the air and ease all around. Just after luncheon, Stein had excused himself early and started down the grand staircase toward the lower decks. An odd choice for a first-class passenger, especially so near the end of the trip and with

his companions urging him to remain for cards.

So, of course, Blake followed.

Deck by deck, corridor by corridor, until the music and chatter faded into the deep measured thrum of the engines.

Occasionally, Stein cast a look behind him but never appeared concerned enough to stop his descent. This was certainly a planned meeting.

The elegance of the upper floors gave way to simpler decor, narrower corridors. Second-class accommodations. Stein stopped before a cabin door. His knock held an unnatural rhythm—three quick raps, a pause, two more. After only a beat of silence, a murmur from within responded.

Stein’s immediate whispered answer? “Octavia.” A code word, no doubt.

The door opened. Stein slipped inside, but before the door could click shut, Blake rushed soundlessly forward and caught it with his fingertips.

Perfect.

He released a self-satisfied grin and then pressed himself against the corridor wall, listening through the crack over the hum of the ship’s engine.

The cabin was small—voices carried easily in the confined space—and the faint scent of cigarette smoke drifted through the opening. “You’re late.” A man’s voice, crisp and impatient. Something about the cadence nagged at Blake’s memory, but he couldn’t place

  1. English, certainly. Kentish?

Blake frowned. He could overpower Stein easily—the man was more socialite than combatant, the sort who’d probably never thrown a proper punch in his life. But this unknown fellow, clearly in charge and confident enough to smoke a cigarette while conducting treason? That suggested either experience or exceptional stupidity. Blake hoped for the latter but suspected the former.

“It was difficult to get away without raising suspicion,” Stein replied, his accent thickening into full German. “Blake is on this ship.”

Blake’s pulse quickened. So Stein knew he was being followed. “I know.” The other man’s tone didn’t waver. A long exhale

followed, as if he were breathing out smoke. “We’ve been watching him to ensure he didn’t wreck things.”

We? Who?

Blake’s mind raced through the passenger manifest, through his team members, through every face he’d seen on this voyage. That voice. . .

“But with that in mind, we need to move quickly,” the Englishman continued. “What do you have for me?”

A rustle of papers. “The Midnight Angel’s next assignment. She’s to embed herself in a convalescent hospital—but not in France this time. There is too much interest in her there.”

Blake’s breath caught. She was called the Midnight Angel? The informant they’d been hunting for months. And she was a woman.

“Italy, then?”

“Nein,” Stein answered simply. “A place much closer to your front door, mein Herr.”

England? A convalescent hospital in England?

“Perfect,” the Englishman murmured. “Wounded officers talk too freely around nurses they think are angels of mercy.”

“Clever, no?” Stein’s voice held a note of pride. “No one suspects the nurses. They’re invisible, really. Moving between stations, tending to generals and privates alike. She’s already proven invaluable.”

“This is excellent information, Stein.” A pause. “And you’ve given

it so freely. Too freely, I’m afraid.”

Blake froze. He knew that tone—the shift from curiosity to finality. The Englishman was finished with Stein. The German had served his purpose, been found wanting, and now. . .had become a liability.

He couldn’t wait any longer. Stein had to be taken alive—had to be questioned, catalogued, and wrung dry of every detail about the Midnight Angel and her network before—

He drew his revolver and pushed through the door. The scene materialized in a horrifying instant.

Stein stood near a narrow desk, documents scattered before him. And holding a gun already drawn, already aimed at Stein’s head with casual confidence, stood Evan Montgomery.

Blake’s breath squeezed closed in his throat.

Montgomery? His colleague. His friend. The man he’d trained with in Scotland, shared terrible army rations with in the trenches, trusted with his life on half a dozen missions across the Channel. The man whose sister Blake had been half in love with for six months but was far too professional to mention. The man who was, apparently, a traitor.



Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 31

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

Book Holds and Jello Molds, August 2

Sylvan Musings, August 3

Jodie Wolfe, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 4

Connie’s History Classroom , August 4

Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Donna)

The Vine and The Branch, August 5

Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, August 6

Mary Hake, August 6

Min Reads and Reviews, August 7

Wishful Endings, August 7

She Lives To Read, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 8

Labor Not in Vain , August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 9

Lily’s Corner, August 10

Cover Lover Book Review, August 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 11

Pause for Tales, August 11

The Sacred Line, August 12

Devoted to Hope, August 12

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, August 12




To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print 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/ovQ5J/the-bachelor-spy-celebration-tour-giveaway







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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Blue Jean Bayou by Janis Jakes






Book: Blue Jean Bayou

Author: Janis Jakes

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance

Release Date: June 12, 2026

After Jenna’s father dies, she travels to his cabin in the Texas Piney Woods to oversee the remodeling and ready the property for sale. She’s surprised when the contractor is a childhood crush – now a handsome man with a heart of gold.

Their friendship reignites, bringing the possibility of more…but at a price. Jenna, a business owner, loves the bustling streets of Manhattan. Creed, a military veteran with a hero’s past, finds refuge in small-town living.

When Jenna learns her father led a secret life, her world turns upside down, and she suspects Creed knows more than he’s telling.

As the truth about her father emerges, Jenna faces the secrets hidden in her own heart and must choose: a life of high heels and high rises or a meandering bayou with the man she now loves.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 


Contemporary Christian Romance is a favorite genre of mine. Blue Jean Bayou by Janis Jakes is the most recent book that I have read in this genre. 

WOW, the storyline starts off really strong and keeps going. The setting is East Texas and the main characters are Jenna Donovan  and Creed Johnson. Jenna has taken leave from her job in Manhattan to return home to Texas after her Dad dies. Jenna intends on remodeling her Dad's Cabin and selling it. The Cabin is on 40 Acres in the Woods and near a Bayou. Jenna decides to go for a canoe ride on the Bayou, only to have to be rescued. Her rescuer happens to be an old childhood friend, Creed Johnson. Creed was actually more than just a Childhood Friend, she had a "crush" on him. Creed is now a Veteran and a Contractor. Creed is helping Jenna with the work being done on her Father's Cabin and their friendship is growing as they begin to spend more time together. Jenna thought this would be a quick turnaround: remodel, sell, return to Manhattan. Jenna is surprised to learn that her Dad hid the fact that he had a wife. Creed has had memories of Sam's Cabin come up as he works on the remodel. He is struck with Gratefulness for Sam Donavan and all the fun times at the Cabin growing up and even before Sam Donavan passed away. Creed really wants Jenna to reconsider selling the Cabin that was so much more than a "Cabin in the Woods" for so many who knew the Donavan family. Jenna is grateful that Creed has been able to share so much with her and reveal things that she is just learning about her Dad's life. I really enjoyed this storyline, as it shows how Friendship never ends and love can transpire even years later. The friendship turned relationship really gave Jenna and Creed the need to slow down and rethink their plans and seek God's will for the future. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoy Contemporary Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!






Janis Jakes is an author of multiple contemporary and historical inspirational romances with an emphasis on courageous men, strong women, Texas sunsets, and happily ever after.

 

More from Janis

Texas is known for its vastness and cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. While those cities are great, there’s something about a small Texas town that stirs the heart and evokes a sense of community.

 

When I wrote Blue Jean Bayou, I wanted Shelton’s Cove to be one of those small towns that every reader would want to visit—where they’d find hundred-year-old farmhouses, wooden bridges that clack under the weight of vehicles, country diners where chicken-fried steak is standard fare, and salt-of-the-earth folks who look after their neighbors.

 

I also wanted characters who embody the Texas nature I know so well: brave men with strong faith and a staunch work ethic, and women who face life’s unexpected twists and turns with strength.

 

My ultimate hope is that readers get a true sense of the town and enjoy meeting the characters who call Shelton’s Cove home. This is Book 1 of the three-book Small Town Texas Series.

 

A little backstory nugget: The café in Blue Jean Bayou is named Myrtle’s Café after my late grandmother. She could cook like no one’s business—her meringue is legendary!—so it only seemed right to give the café her namesake.



Devoted Steps, July 27

Simple Harvest Reads, July 28 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, July 29 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 30

Guild Master, July 31 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, August 1

Fiction Book Lover, August 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

The Bookish Ledger, August 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 5

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 6 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, August 7 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8

Stories By Gina, August 9 (Author Interview)



To celebrate her tour, Janis 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/N6cAK/blue-jean-bayou-celebration-tour-giveaway







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