Monday, September 14, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Until I Knew You by Tanya Eavenson

Book: Until I Knew You

Author: Tanya Eavenson

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: April 21, 2026

Photographer Jacob Michaels has spent his life running, from foster homes, from emotional attachment, from anything that asks more of him than a fleeting moment through his camera lens, except for Clay Logan, his one true friend and the only person who ever saw past the walls.

Olivia Logan lives in a world of color and quiet, expressing through art what words cannot, and Clay understood her without explanation, offering a steady presence in a world that often feels overwhelming.

But when a hiking trip ends in tragedy and Jacob returns alone, everything changes, and Clay’s final request becomes Jacob’s new reality: take care of Olivia, protect her, don’t walk away.

Now her legal trustee, Jacob steps into a life he never intended. Bound by grief and a promise neither asked for, he and Olivia are drawn into a fragile closeness they don’t know how to navigate.

And perhaps God isn’t finished mending what was never meant to be broken.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Romance is a favorite genre. Until I Knew You by Tanya Eavenson is the latest book in this genre that I have read.

WOW, this storyline really grabbed at my heart from the very beginning. The main characters are Jacob Michaels and Olivia Logan. Jacob had had a rough life and spends of his time "hiding" behind his Camera Lens, as he is a Photographer. Jacob has only ever trusted one friend, Clay Logan. They both have common interests and Clay was able to understand Jacob's life. Tragedy strikes when an accident on a Hiking Trip with Jacob, Clay dies. Jacob is left to deliver the news to Olivia Logan, Clay's wife. Olivia is an Autistic Adult, so Jacob enlists the help of her Caregiver and they tell her the tragic news. Clay trusted Jacob so much that Jacob was declared the Trustee for Olivia's care. Jacob knew that there was a lot to do as Trustee, yet he knew he couldn't disappoint his friend. Jacob and Olivia grew a closer relationship as they both grieved the loss of Clay. I really LOVED this book and I especially love that the author was able to weave a beautiful story through tragedy and more. GREAT BOOK!

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist who writes heartfelt stories of love, faith, and second chances. To date, she has written thirteen fictions novels and seven craft books for new writers. Her historical romance The Rescue, from the All Roads Lead to Texas series, won the 2018 Cascade Award, and the series has gone on to be a finalist for several awards.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family or curling up on the couch with a cup of coffee, chocolate, and a good book.

More from Tanya

“If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.”

Some stories come from imagination . . . and others feel gently placed on your heart for a reason. Until I Knew You is one of those stories.

At its heart, this is a story about grief, love, and healing, but also about the quiet ways God works in our lives, even when we do not fully understand what He is doing. Jacob and Olivia’s journey was never meant to be easy, but it was always meant to lead somewhere meaningful.

Olivia was a character I approached with a lot of care. I truly wanted to do this right. Along the way, I had the privilege of speaking with several people who have worked closely with autistic children and adults. They were so generous with their time, answering my questions and sharing their experiences, and I am incredibly grateful.

“If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” Patricia’s words stayed with me and shaped how I wrote Olivia. Every individual is unique, and it was important to me that Olivia reflect her own voice, her own experiences, and her own way of seeing the world.

There is a moment in this story where Olivia observes a black widow, something many would fear or turn away from, but she sees beyond that fear and recognizes that even it was created with purpose. Not random or a mistake. That realization reflects something deeper woven throughout this story, that each of us, no matter how we are seen or misunderstood, was created with intention and for a purpose.

I wrote this story to the best of my knowledge and ability, with respect, care, and a genuine desire to honor both the beauty and the challenges within it. My hope and my prayer is that you not only enjoy this story, but that you also find something meaningful within its pages.

Here’s a short excerpt.

Olivia

It happened so fast. … Clay didn’t make it. … Clay is dead.

I could still feel the heat of Jacob’s breath against my face, his nearness burning my skin. I wanted to scream, How dare you! Leave me be! But his words rushed through me, painfully churning their way through my heart, touching the deepest parts of my innermost being, and I felt them there for a moment, but it was the fear of being without Clay that clenched my throat.

I struggled to make sense of it all, to breathe, and by some miraculous power I’d been able to hold myself upright, but the moment Ellie made Jacob leave the house, my knees buckled, and I hit the floor so hard pain radiated up my right side.

I gasped. The air forced into my lungs caused my body to crave more. The pressure in my chest grew. Please, Lord. I can’t. Breathe.

It happened so fast.

Clay didn’t make it.

Clay is dead.

Simple Harvest Reads, September 2 (Author Interview)
Books Less Travelled, September 3
Artistic Nobody, September 4 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 5
Guild Master, September 6 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, September 7
Fiction Book Lover, September 8 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9
Pause for Tales, September 9
The Bookish Ledger, September 10 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, September 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 12 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, September 13
The Quiet Bookmark, September 14 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $45 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/TcQZ8/until-i-knew-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Monday, September 7, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Routed To Heaven by Julie Bonn Blank

Book: Routed to Heaven: How Near-Death Experiences, Afterlife Testimonies And Heavenly Insights Can Help You Live With Intention

Author: Julie Bonn Blank

Genre: NF (Memoir, Devo, Christian Living)

Release Date: February 21, 2026

What happens when Heaven doesn’t just reveal itself—but sends you back with a mission?

In Routed to Heaven, Julie Bonn Blank shares the moments that changed everything: a sudden medical crisis, clinical death, and a breathtaking encounter with Jesus Himself. Standing in Heaven, overwhelmed by love and beauty beyond words, Julie received a message that would redirect the course of her life: “There is still so much work to be done.”

But this book is far more than one extraordinary near-death or afterlife experience.

Routed to Heaven weaves together over twenty additional powerful testimonies from people who briefly crossed into eternity—children healed after death, abuse survivors guided by the Holy Spirit, one person sent back to earth for a do-over, and believers who stood at Heaven’s gates and returned forever changed. These stories affirm what so many long for in uncertain times: Heaven is real. God is near. And our lives matter more than we realize.

What sets this book apart is its purpose.

Each testimony is paired with Julie’s honest, compassionate reflections that address the real-life obstacles keeping believers from living with eternal focus—fear, grief, trauma, unforgiveness, mental health struggles, waiting on God, spiritual warfare, and more. With wisdom shaped by personal suffering and years of ministry, Julie doesn’t just inspire—she equips.

At the heart of the book is what she calls the Heaven-Minded Mission Manifesto—a practical framework designed to help readers stop sleepwalking through life and begin living with bold Kingdom intention. Through prayer, worship, gratitude, belief, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, readers are invited to move from survival to activated faith.

With thoughtful Pause & Ponder sections at the end of each chapter, Routed to Heaven becomes more than a book—it becomes a journey of awakening. For those who want to go deeper, the Companion Study Guide expands on these reflections with guided questions, scripture exploration, and practical exercises—making it ideal for personal growth, small groups, or church studies.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Heaven is real…

If you’ve questioned whether your life has greater purpose…

If you’re longing for hope, healing, or renewed fire for God…

This book—and its companion guide—are your invitation.

Heaven is watching. The time is short. And your mission matters.

Click here to get your copy!

Non Fiction Christian Living books are an encouraging genre to read. Routed to Heaven: How Near-Death Experiences, Afterlife Testimonies And Heavenly Insights Can Help You Live With Intention by Julie Bonn Blank is the most recent book that I have read.

I believe that many Christians wonder what it will be like when we get to Heaven. There are those who have had Near Death Experiences that have seen Jesus and have lived to tell their stories. Julie Bonn Blank has written this book to give HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT to anyone who chooses to read this book. Julie has her own experience that the book begins with and there are 20 other stories and testimonies of many who have met Jesus. The stories are very heartfelt and very touching to the reader. The book isn't just testimonials, it is also a devotional, a book that will take the reader through times of reflections and times to Ponder their own Spiritual Journey. I really LOVE the The Heaven-Minded Mission Manifesto as it is truly is scripture based and very encouraging. The Pause & Ponder sections at the end of each chapter takes the reader to a time where they can grow in their journey. I was deeply encouraged by this book and I HIGHLY encourage it for anyone at any stage of the Christian Walk. GREAT BOOK!

About the Author

Julie Bonn Blank is the Bestselling Amazon author of Routed to Heaven: How Near-Death Experiences, Afterlife Testimonies And Heavenly Insights Can Help You Live With Intention

and a fiction suspense series which highlights healing from human trafficking. She is a sought-after speaker, certified domestic violence advocate, near-death experience survivor, and founder of the advanced, faith-based interactive trauma recovery program Broken Souls Restored—a résumé she never planned on assembling, but the plot kept thickening and life hit “publish” anyway.

More from Julie

When Julie returned from visiting heaven in August of 2024, she received a list of three things (to apparently start a list of many more lol) and one of those was to gather the stories and write “Routed to Heaven.” She was shocked to discover that while she was exuberant about her heavenly trip and couldn’t wait to share more, many others had experienced visits over the years and became hesitant to talk about their journeys due to misbelief or even put-downs from other people. But the Lord had placed within her heart that not only was it her job to round them up and get them into paper format, but to build a community. And that community had a special role on earth as well as upcoming in Heaven. She began many conversations with, “Hey I went to Heaven and I hear you might have had an experience too.” Even then, sometimes people hesitated. She found cases of “Well, your heart actually stopped and I don’t think mine did so mine was just a vision” or “I barely remember any of mine …” Over time, she was honored to help over twenty people write their stories for their inclusion in “Routed to Heaven.” People now seek her out specifically at times to tell their stories and she also finds people with stories in some interesting places, including funerals and grocery stores. You just never know! But there are many more stories out there and she continues to gather them for book 2, as well as for other purposes.

Simple Harvest Reads, September 4 (Author Interview)
Girls in White Dresses, September 4
Artistic Nobody, September 5 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, September 6 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, September 7 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8
The Bookish Ledger, September 9 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, September 10 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, September 11 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 13 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, September 14 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, September 15 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 16
Cover Lover Book Review, September 17

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away five books by Julie Bonn Blank and a Starbucks 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/6H1bQ/routed-to-heaven-celebration-tour-giveaway

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal

The Gentlewoman's Apprentice JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Gentlewoman Apprentice
Series: The Gentlewoman Series #5
Author: Emily Opal
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: September 3, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

Every seam hides a secret. Every valentine reveals the truth.

When Margaret Cooper departs the slums of East London for an apprenticeship in a quiet market town, she topples the established order—and no one feels it more than Peter Sloan, the handsome tailor forced to teach her his trade.

Margaret is steeled to prove her worth in a man’s world and has no leisure for courtship. But when anonymous Valentines begin to arrive, each with gifts and words that pierce her heart, she feels truly known for the first time. If only she could unmask the hand that distracts her from her aspirations.

Burdened by a failing business and an ill father, Peter has no patience for a female apprentice who upends his orderly life. Yet through a reckless wager, he finds himself sending Valentines to none other than Miss Cooper. What begins as halfhearted duty blossoms into admiration—and dangerous longing.

Historical Romance is a favorite genre of mine. The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal is Book 5 in the Gentlewoman Series. I recently had the opportunity to read it.

WOW, what a sweet novel that captured my attention from the first chapter. The setting is England in the early 1800's. The main characters are Margaret Cooper and Peter Sloan. Margaret has dreams of becoming a Seamstress and owning her own business. She realizes that achieving her dreams will be a struggle as during this time period, women didn't have careers outside the home. Peter Sloan is a Tailor and knows the Craft very well. He reluctantly agrees to take Margaret as an apprentice. Peter is a man of order and he is frustrated at the fact that a woman is coming into his world and taking him off routine. I really LOVE they both are focused on "business", yet spending time together brings a closeness they didn't anticipate. Margaret is surprised when she begins to receive Valentines and other items from a mysterious admirer. The pair have been through some chaos in their individual lives and through this apprenticeship, they both realize that they can overcome those burdens and work on a lasting relationship. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

Emily Opal spent her childhood reading, having tea parties, and imagining she existed in another century. While pleased to live in a time when chamber pots are obsolete, she loves researching a bygone world full of hardships both foreign and relatable. Fortunate to find a spouse equally afflicted with wanderlust, Emily and her husband travel whenever and wherever they can. They live with their children and Labradoodle in Utah, where she enjoys mountain views and hiking but pretends to love skiing.

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

(3) winners will each receive a book box with 18th century bits and bobs and a $20 Amazon gift card!

The Gentlewoman Apprentice blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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Sunday, September 6, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Drandar and the Quest For Redemption by Terri Hellard-Brown

Book: Drandar and the Quest for Redemption (Book 2)

Author: Terrie Hellard-Brown

Genre: Middle School Fantasy Chapter Book

Release Date: June 15, 2026

What do you do with an enemy who tried to destroy you?

Drandar didn’t expect to find the answer in a dungeon.

Seaton the knight betrayed the king, hunted Drandar, and lost. Now he’s locked up and miserable — and somehow, Drandar can’t stop thinking about him. When Drandar was ready to give up, Seraphina and the fairy believed in him anyway. Maybe Seaton needs the same thing.

The king has a different idea. He’s sending both of them on a quest to find the kingdom’s greatest treasure. Together. Whether they like it or not.

The problem? Drandar isn’t sure he trusts Seaton. And the quest is harder than either of them expected.

Drandar and the Quest for Redemption is a story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and discovering that the greatest treasure isn’t always what you went looking for.

Click here to get your copy!

Children's Chapter Books are interesting genre and format. Drandar and the Quest for Redemption by Terrie Hellard-Brown and Illustrated by Rachelle Brown is Book 2 in the Drandar the Dragon Book series.

I began reading this book and it grabbed my attention immediately. The main characters are Drandar the Dragon and Seaton the Knight. Drandar and Seaton are enemies and don't like one another. They are sent on a Quest by the King to find the GREATEST Treasure. The King was very intentional in sending both of them on this quest as he felt it would help both Drandar and Seaton overcome their own struggles. The many adventures they went on were sweet and heartwarming, especially seeing the growth in their own lives and toward one another. The book is one that shows that God will guide and direct our paths and how to love our enemies . I HIGHLY recommend this book for Middle School Kids and up. VERY Valuable lessons throughout the book. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Terrie Hellard-Brown is an award-winning author, speaker, and missionary with over thirty years of experience as a teacher and homeschool mom. That time at the classroom and kitchen table convinced her of something she writes into every story: every child’s journey matters, and no one is too far gone for redemption.

Terrie works with families — especially mixed-needs families (those raising both neurodivergent and neurotypical children) — to disciple their kids and build a peace-filled home culture. She hosts two podcasts focused on equipping parents to raise the next generation to follow Christ with their whole hearts.

She holds a BA in sociology and psychology, an MA in education, and is currently pursuing her DMin.

More from Terrie

Forgiveness, redemption, purpose, trust, truth – these are so important for children to grasp early. Those are the motivation and foundation behind the Drandar the Dragon series.

Drandar and the Quest for Redemption is the second book in the Drandar the Dragon series of chapter books. It picks up where book one ended, but it also can stand alone on its own as long as readers begin with the understanding that Drandar is a knight in a Medieval, fantasy kingdom.

I began writing these stories for my daughter who is autistic because I saw such potential in her and God’s blessing in her life, yet I watched her struggle with doubt and fear. (She is also the illustrator for the series which is exciting for both of us).