Wednesday, June 3, 2026

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Brunswick by Callie Murray

The Brunswick JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Brunswick by Callie Murray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Brunswick

Author: Callie Murray

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: May 19, 2026

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

When Cora provides a safe haven for Jewish refugee children, she discovers that opening her doors means risking everything, including her heart.

In 1939 Georgia, far removed from the war brewing overseas, Cora Cain's world feels small--and shrinking. There, she runs The Brunswick, her family's once-grand hotel, which is now struggling as the town's general store. When Thomas Watkins arrives seeking work and solace after his mother's death, a connection sparks between them. Through Thomas, Cora glimpses a life beyond obligation and her war hero father's unpredictable moods.

But everything changes when Cora is asked to turn The Brunswick into a sanctuary for Jewish children fleeing persecution in Germany. As Cora and Thomas prepare for the children's arrival, they struggle to confront their pasts--and the prejudice of their neighbors--as their fragile hope is put to the test. Meanwhile, in Vienna, ten-year-old Charlotte is offered refuge in America. But even with the horrors she sees around her, she wonders how her parents could possibly send her away. As war's shadow begins to reach small-town Georgia, each person must face what love demands and decide what to hold on to and what to let go.

Christian Historical Romance is a genre that I enjoy reading. The Brunswick by Callie Murray is the latest book in this genre that I have read.

I will admit that it took me a couple of chapters to understand the storyline. The setting is 1939 in Norcross, Georgia. The main characters in the book are Cora Cain and Thomas Watkins. Cora is in charge of the town General Store, it used to be the Hotel, The Brunswick, that her family owned. World War II has begun in Germany and so many other happenings in the world. Thomas Watkins arrives in Georgia as he has moved here to be close to family. He approaches Cora looking for work. They both start working together and they feel a romantic connection between them. Thomas goes on a trip with a friend to Austria and is unfortunately captured by the Nazis. Cora and those back in Georgia are worried about his safety. In the meantime, Cora is asked if she could house some refugee children from Germany. I admire that she says yes and begins to set up the Brunswick Hotel to accept the Children and give them a safe place to be, away from the War areas of their Country. The story is heartwarming, yet heartbreaking. I LOVED the Historical part of the story and that although written in Fiction, the reality of the WWII times really touched my heart. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance Fiction and War time stories. GOOD BOOK!

Callie Murray

Callie Murray is an entrepreneur who has been featured on The Today Show and in The New York Times. Her debut Southern fiction book delves into the lesser-known historical details preceding World War II. Callie and her husband live in Norcross, Georgia, with their seven children, four of whom came through the honor of foster care.

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

(1) winner will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble 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 June 3, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 10, 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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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Stolen Secrets: A Thriller by S.F. Baumgarter

Book: Stolen Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book 7)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Thriller with Christian elements

Release Date: June 2, 2026

An adopted daughter. A vanished teenager. A secret that must stay hidden.

FBI Special Agent Charlie O’Rourke believed adopting Jamie Beth would keep her safe. But when her best friend vanishes during a school band rehearsal, Charlie discovers the threat isn’t random.

As Jamie Beth desperately searches for answers about her best friend’s disappearance, she has no idea she’s next.

To save his daughter, Charlie must choose between protocol and survival.

Perfect for readers who love the layered conspiracies of Daniel Silva, the emotional stakes of NCIS, and the shadow-war tension of The Blacklist.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Suspense is a genre that I have come to enjoy the genre fully. Stolen Secrets: A Thriller by S.F. Baumgarter is Book 7 in the Mirror Estate series. The series has been one that I have been enjoying from the first book.

I was very excited to see another edition of this series. I dove right into reading the book and didn't stop reading until I finished the book. The main characters in the book are FBI Special Agent Charlie O’Rourke and his adopted daughter, Jamie Beth. The storyline focuses on Jamie Beth's vanishing and Jamie and Charlie working hard to locate her. Jamie gets really worried when the "kidnappers" call and tell Jamie they want her to surrender to them or her friend's life could be at risk. Agent Charlie knows time is of the essence to get Jamie's friend back and he is on the case. The shocking things is all the secrets he discovers along the way that are concerning for his adopted daughter, Jamie Beth. The book has so many twists and turns, I was on the edge of my seat reading. The book is very fast paced and I think that is what makes the storyline so exciting. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense Novels. AMAZING BOOK!

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets and Forgotten Secret—Books 1 & 2 of her Mirror Estate series—named Top Picks in the thriller & suspense categories, respectively, at Killer Nashville, and Tangled Secrets—Book 3 of Mirror Estate series—won couple of awards in the Christian Indie Awards and the Incipere Awards. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work. And as always, her books are all clean.

More from S.F.

Stolen Secrets is the seventh book in the Mirror Estate series, and for me it represents something I didn’t fully realize when I started writing it: the beginning of the end of the Ghost arc.

When I began the series, I never mapped out a long, eight-book storyline for the Ghost. In fact, I didn’t even think about how long that arc might last until around Book 6, Shadowed Secret. That’s when it started becoming clear that the threads surrounding the Ghost, Dylan, and the larger conspiracy needed more room to unfold. Book 8 will wrap up the Ghost storyline, though the Mirror Estate series itself is far from over. There are still many stories left to tell.

One of the continuing mysteries involves Dylan and the buried treasures connected to Mirror Estate. Whether that storyline concludes in Book 8 or continues beyond it is something I’m still discovering as the story evolves.

Stolen Secrets also includes a bonus story titled “Shadow Extraction.” Writing that novelette was one of the hardest parts of the project. It features Olivia in the middle of a black-ops mission that unfolds at the end of her honeymoon in Italy. The emotional and operational stakes in that story made it especially challenging to write, but it also became one of my favorite parts of the book.

Another element I enjoyed writing in Stolen Secrets involves Jamie Beth and Owen. Watching those two characters work their way through danger and figure out how to escape was incredibly rewarding as a writer. Those scenes capture something I love about thrillers—the moment when characters must rely on their own courage and quick thinking to survive.

Looking back, Stolen Secrets feels like a turning point for the series. Secrets are beginning to surface, alliances are shifting, and the long game surrounding the Ghost is finally moving toward its conclusion.

But even as that arc approaches its end, the world of Mirror Estate still holds plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 1
The Lofty Pages, June 1
Simple Harvest Reads, June 2 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 3
Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 5
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6
For Him and My Family, June 7
Guild Master, June 8 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 9
Blogging With Carol, June 10
Fiction Book Lover, June 11 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 11
Because I said so -adventures in parenting, June 12
The Bookish Ledger, June 13 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, June 14 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook 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/9cIN6/stolen-secrets-a-thriller-celebration-tour-giveaway

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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.