Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Off The Rails – A Wilderness Survival Adventure by Susan Count

 

Book: Off The Rails – A Wilderness Survival Adventure

Author: Susan Count

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Just because your cousin jumps from a train in the wilderness doesn’t mean you should too.

After planning a fun experience for a year, two Texas cousins make their first trip to Montana. When their train stalls, the boys leap from it into the white wilderness, beginning a perilous run for their lives.

As a blizzard hits, the boys spend a miserable night trying not to freeze. They struggle along the tracks to find shelter, but a disaster leaves them exposed to the elements and every famished wild creature.

Frustrated by their too-real situation, Davy and Anderson struggle to endure. Instead of vacationers at a wolf sanctuary, they become players in an unplanned survival experience.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Children's Fiction is a genre that I always encourage as reading from a young age is important.  Off The Rails – A Wilderness Survival Adventure by Susan Count is the latest book in this genre that I have read. 

Davy and Anderson are 2 cousins from Texas and they are excited about their upcoming Train Trip to Montana. The Fun Trip turns into an Adventure trip when the cousins jump off the Train when they hear an animal in distress. The boys quickly realize they are now lost in the woods and the Train has continued on the journey without the boys. Davy and Anderson are trying to find shelter when a Blizzard comes through and they are also getting frustrated with each other. The Boys really are in "survival mode" from the Weather and all the things lurking in the woods.

I have to say as a "Boy Mom" this story really resonated with me. My 3 Boys were always getting into "Adventures" and having to learn Natural Consequences. Davy and Anderson certainly had some lessons that they learned from their Adventure and stay in the Woods for the night. I truly enjoyed this book as it was Adventure, Family, and Fun. I HIGHLY recommend this for Children ages 7-12. GREAT BOOK!

 

Susan Count writes for the joy and entertainment of young readers. She is an Amazon best-selling, award-winning author of the Dream Horse Adventures Series, Dream Pony Riders Series, and Texas Boys Adventures.

She prefers to create stories in a quiet zone. Out her window, her mind wanders through the forest and keeps her in a grateful, contented state of being. Susan writes at a fabulous antique desk that has secret compartments filled with memories, mysteries, and story ideas. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and American Christian Fiction Writers, she takes studying the craft of writing seriously.

Susan confesses to being overly fond of brownies, and horseback riding on forest trails. She is a lifelong equestrian and is owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse.

Her newest release, Off The Rails – A Wilderness Survival Adventure was written for her four grandboys who wanted an adventure of their own. What’s a fairy grandmother to do but wave her magic pen and create.

More from Susan

Ten of my novels are horse books for girls. On the rare occasions that I do a book sales table, I’m inevitable asked if I’ve written any books for boys. So, I wrote this two book series (Texas Boys Adventures) because you asked and kept asking. You and my four grandsons. Finding wholesome books that will engage 8- to 12-year-old boys is a parental challenge.

I’m so old school. Let the kids keep their childhood for as long as possible. I believe in protecting their young hearts and minds. Give them adventures where they learn to build friendships and be the hero of their own stories. Capture their interest and then

encourage and strengthen them to grow into the arrows they are destined to be.

 

No pictures— have a couple ad images if you want them…

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

Simple Harvest Reads, October 20 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 21

Artistic Nobody, October 22 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Guild Master, October 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 25

Fiction Book Lover, October 26 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 27

Lots of Helpers, October 27

The Bookish Ledger, October 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 28

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 29

Vicky Sluiter, October 30

To celebrate her tour, Susan 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/eMueJ/off-the-rails-a-wilderness-survival-adventure-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Off The Rails – A Wilderness Survival Adventure by Susan Count

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Secret Sauce by Fay A. Klingler

Book: The Secret Sauce: A Story of Apples, Robots, and a Grateful Heart (Rena Whittaker Book 2)

Author: Fay A. Klingler

Genre: Children Ages 6-11

Release Date: June 26, 2026

The recipe for joy? A grateful heart and helping hands!

When Rena Whittaker’s neighbor, Eithan, falls from a ladder and injures his ankle, Rena and her best friend Harper jump into action to help save his apple harvest. What begins as hard work soon turns into a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and an unexpected surprise that changes everything. In this engaging adventure, Rena discovers a powerful truth—happiness has a secret ingredient.

This tender, faith-filled story gently weaves together gratitude, service, and friendship. A beautiful choice for Christian families, thoughtful gifting, and parents and grandparents who want to share stories that nurture both faith and character.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Children Books are always a great read. The Secret Sauce by Fay A. Klingler is Book 2 in the Rena Whittaker series. A great series for Children ages 6-11. 

I really LOVE stories that teach an encouraging lesson to Children as they read and this book does just that. Rena Whittaker rushes to help her neighbor, Eithan, when he takes a fall from a ladder. Eithan has many apple trees that need to be picked and harvested and Rena gets help from her friend Harper to get the job done while Eithan recovers from his fall. Rena is young girl who tends to be selfish at times, yet when she saw her neighbor have a need, she didn't hesitate to help. The change of heart in Rena was very heartwarming. She put others first and that is a great lesson for children of all ages. I also enjoyed that Eithan was grateful for the help. Fall and Apple Picking is one of my favorite times of year and is also shows God's Beauty of Nature. I enjoyed all the Wonderful blessings that came from the Apple Harvest, especially the desserts. The book is one of showing Gratitude, Friendship, old fashioned Apple Recipes, and God's LOVE for our Neighbors. I HIGHLY recommend this book for Kids ages 6-11 and for Families to read together. GREAT BOOK!

 

Fay A. Klingler is an accomplished author and illustrator known for her award-winning work in both creative and technical writing. Her literary contributions span a wide range of subjects, with a particular focus on empowering women, promoting effective grandparenting, and guiding individuals through betrayal recovery. In addition to her inspirational works for adults, Fay is also recognized for her captivating children’s books, weaving together heartwarming stories that spark imagination and impart valuable life lessons. Her insights and expertise have made her a sought-after motivational speaker.

 

More from Fay

Ever made apple juice by pressing apples through an old wooden apple press? One of my favorite scenes in The Secret Sauce came about because it happened to me in real life—swallowing a fly! I was just a young teenager helping a neighbor press apples for juice. I opened my mouth and in flew a fly. Just like Harper in the story, I coughed and coughed to expel the insect, but instead I swallowed it! I’m the one taking this picture at my neighbor’s home.

 

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Simple Harvest Reads, October 17 (Author Interview)

The Vine and The Branch, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

Artistic Nobody, October 19 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20

Guild Master, October 21 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 22

Fiction Book Lover, October 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 24

The Bookish Ledger, October 25 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, October 26

Vicky Sluiter, October 27 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, October 28

For the Love of Literature, October 29 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Fay is giving away the grand prize of 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/ugVlG/the-secret-sauce-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Secret Sauce by Fay A. Klingler

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Heartfelt Formula by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Heartfelt Formula by Leslie Kirby DeVooght, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Heartfelt Formula 
Author: Leslie Kirby DeVooght 
Publisher: Lanier Price Publishing 
Release Date: October 22, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women's Fiction/Romantic Comedy

After another breakup, Atlanta attorney Hope Elliot decides to stop waiting for her happily-ever-after and write it herself. Inspired by her beloved Christmas romance movies, Hope crafts The Heartfelt Formula: a foolproof plan including snowball fights, cookie baking, and a perfectly timed first kiss. 

Trading the big city for coastal Georgia, Hope sets out to find her small-town soulmate. But the actors in her carefully plotted scenes keep shuffling—especially when Brennan Taylor, her ambitious co-counsel continues to fill in for Cole Walker, the carefree furniture maker, who Hope cast as her hero. 

Between courtroom drama, a mismatched leading man, and a mistletoe mishap, Hope must decide if she’ll trust her formula or accept a plot twist that might leave her all alone, or perhaps, with the happiest ending of all. 

 A faith-filled romantic comedy for anyone who believes love, like Christmas, can still surprise you.

Christian RomCom Novels have become a favorite genre of mine. The Heartfelt Formula  by Leslie Kirby DeVooght is the latest book in this genre that I have read. I was especially intrigued that it is also a Christmas themed novel. 

WOW, WOW, WOW! The storyline starts off wonderfully and kept me fully engaged in the book until the end. The setting is a small town on the coast of Georgia. The main characters in the book are Hope Elliot, Brennan Taylor, and Cole Walker. Hope is an Attorney in Atlanta, GA. She loves her job, but she also is yearning for a real relationship. She hasn't had any luck in the boyfriend area, yet she really wants a relationship. Hope devises a plan that will help her find her "Happily Ever After" ending. Hope's first chance at finding love is when her Mom sets her up with one of Hope's friends, Brennan. Hope is not interested in Brennan, and likewise Brennan isn't interested in Hope. I really LOVE that they decide to "Fake It" to make Hope's family believe they are dating. The story takes a twist when Hope, Brennan and their team of Lawyers head to a Small Town in Georgia to work on a Case. Hope meets Cole Walker, a Furniture Maker in this small town and she is immediately smitten by him. Hope really feels her "plan" is falling into place just as she dreamed it could be. Hope comes to the realization that LOVE isn't something that is dreamed up when things start to change. Hope begins to rely on her Faith in God, something she hadn't been doing so far. I really LOVE how Brennan reveals that he has been falling in LOVE with her as they have been spending more time together on the case for work. The story has some twists and turns, has humor intertwined in the story, and is one of "God's plans are greater then our own.". I LOVE the Small Town, Christmas, Hallmark feel of this book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christmas RomCom books! GREAT BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

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PW Best-Selling Author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

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

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(2) winners will each receive a Coastal Christmas ornament, plus signed copies of Taking a Second Shot, Stealing Magnolias, and The Heartfelt Formula!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 21, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 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

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

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Heartfelt Formula by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: My Grief Shared by LaDonna Shanks

About the Book

Book: My Grief Shared: A Tiny Book of Essays on Death, Loss    . . . and Life

Author: Ladonna Shanks

Genre: Memoir

Release Date: June 23, 2026

Do you find yourself overcome while living in the darkness of loss? Do you wonder if it will ever end . . . or if you will even survive?

In My Grief Shared: A Tiny Book of Essays on Death, Loss . . . and Life, Ladonna Shanks shares a message of hope while chronicling her persornal experience with grief. The essays, written in the midst of her grief journey, are bare, raw, open, and honest. Woven throughout these insightful anecdotes, however, is the fact that death is not the sole source of loss and ensuing grief, making this a relatable read for all. The book can minister to anyone who deals with grief and loss.

A light at the end of the tunnel exists. There is hope.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Memoir book can cover many topics. My Grief Shared by LaDonna Shanks is a short book of essays about Grief. 

Grief is something that many go through at some point in their life. Grief also is different for everyone. LaDonna Shanks has written this short book as her telling of her journey through Grief since her husband passed away. The author wasn't anticipating writing a book about Grief, yet once she began documenting her own Grief, she decided to share her journey through a book. I really LOVE that the author gives Scriptures that helped her and encourages others. The book is written with Honesty and Openness that shows the reader how grief and loss can affect someone. The personal stories and essays are so beautifully written that they tug at the heart. Grief doesn't have a timeline, it can be never ending. The short book is encouraging and would make a great gift for anyone going through Grief and Loss. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement during their Grief Journey. GOOD BOOK!

 

Octogenarian Ladonna Shanks has published two other books of personal essays: Tidbits and Pearls: A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God, A Cascade Award finalist, and Sermons from a Soapbox. My Grief Shared was also a finalist in the Cascade Awards Contest. She strives in all she does to honor God and encourage others.

 

More from Ladonna

I did not plan on writing another book after publishing Sermons From a Soapbox. However, when my partner passed away three years ago, I began writing as a means of comfort and solace. I tossed my essays into a drawer and, after two and a half years, realized I had made it through the dark tunnel of grief back into the “land of the living.”

 

Death is not the sole source of grief and loss. My heart’s desire is to share with others that “You are not alone,” and “If God did it for me, He can do it for you.”

 

It’s a “tiny” book, only 10,000 words, but it is “mighty.”

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 15

Simple Harvest Reads, October 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 17 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 19

Fiction Book Lover, October 20 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, October 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 21

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Books, Books, & More Books, October 24 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 25 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, October 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, October 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, October 28

To celebrate her tour, Ladonna is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of my book, and a variety set of 6 handmade floral photo note cards, (including birthday, sympathy, and thank you)!!

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

https://gleam.io/98wTW/my-grief-shared-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: My Grief Shared by LaDonna Shanks

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