Tag Archives: fantasy

Perplexity Spotlight and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book Two)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.

Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.

Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.

As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

 

 

 

More from Chawna

Cracking the Cover Code

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.

We’ve all done it.

We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.

Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.

The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.

This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.

Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.

So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.

The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.

Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.

So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 21

For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Spotlight)

Book Looks by Lisa, April 22

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 23 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 27 (Spotlight)

Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, April 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Spotlight)

Vicky Sluiter, May 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and 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/zK7oW/perplexity-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Restitching of Camille DuLaine Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: The Restitching of Camille DuLaine (The Rivenlea Book 2)

Author: Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 10, 2023

A splintered world, a heart gone cold.

Hope reborn in threads of gold.

After accidentally bridging the storyworlds together, Emlyn DuLaine faces an impossible task: sever the connections without destroying the stories themselves. If she fails, the characters will be trapped in twisted versions of their tales, forced to relive their worst moments forever.

But undoing the bridges is only the beginning. To truly fix what’sbunraveling, Emlyn must uncover the secret flaw buried deep in Rivenlea’sbfoundation, something that’s been wrong since the very start.

And the danger has never been closer to home. The clock is ticking for the injured wyvern who needs Rivenlite air to survive and the story boy Emlyn swore she’d never fall for. Emlyn and her team must rescue Frank and Laramie from chaotic, shifting story spheres before they’re gone for good.

But Frank and Laramie aren’t the only ones lost to the spheres. Camille DuLaine is a prisoner, held as bait by someone who knows exactly how to lure her sister in. After seven years of sleep, Camille wakes to find herself trapped in a storybook and sure of only one thing: Emlyn must stay far, faraway.

Racing to solve one mind-bending puzzle after the next, Emlyn uncovers a plan seventeen years in the making. She stands at the center of a fractured universe—and she might be too late to save it.

 

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Lindsay A. Franklin is the Carol Award–winning author of The Story Peddler, the ECPA best-selling author of Adored, and Managing Editor of Enclave Publishing. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives happily among the rain and evergreens of the Pacific Northwest with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their three (nearly) grown geeklings, and three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats).

 

 

 

More from Lindsay

The Fiction-Fixer’s Handbook:

A Guest Post by Emlyn DuLaine, the Newest Member of Novem XVII

I haven’t been a Novemite long, and if you want advice from an absolute expert, you’ll have to ask Captain Doyle or maybe Laramie, if you can manage to push your way past the cloud of ego that surrounds him at all times.

But I’ve been diving into upside-down classics, wrangling rogue characters, bridging broken plots, and saving story spheres long enough to give some helpful pointers on how to keep your wits about you when you, too, traverse the fantastical, fictional universes we all know and love.

Read on for my hard-won wisdom.

  1. Never accept apples from anyone. Ever. Even if they promise it’s organic and locally sourced. Just don’t.
  2. If a book starts whispering, close it immediately. This is not the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Cursed tomes are not to be trifled with.
  3. Stay away from unattended spinning wheels and mirrors that look a little too shiny. Exercise caution around wardrobe-shaped furniture. Odds are high you’re about to be enchanted, imprisoned, or transported. Stay vigilant.
  4. Beware of overly charming men in masks, hoods, and/or capes. It’s 50/50 on whether he’s a tragic hero or a villain with a vendetta. Proceed with caution.
  5. Always check the fine print on magical contracts. If the terms include “firstborn child” or an unspecified “favor” to be later named, run.
  6. Characters who break into song at random intervals are either harmless or extremely dangerous. If they’re just narrating their morning routine, you’re fine. If the music gets ominous, assume the worst.
  7. If you find yourself in the company of a talking animal sidekick, always ask for its backstory. Talking cats may be friend or foe, sometimes both if it starts telling riddles. Grumpy toads are probably cursed nobles. Overdramatic ravens are almost always bad news.
  8. When in doubt, follow the protagonist—but not too closely. The main character has plot armor. You do not.

If you’re hoping for a fairy-tale ending, these tips might get you there. Stay safe, friends. And happy sphere-diving!

Author Interview

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

If I have to pick one, I would say a plotter, but I prefer the term “puzzler.” I spend a lot of time staring at index cards and bullet-point-covered beat sheets and sometimes a blank page while figuring out my stories. Occasionally, the outline I’m trying to create simply refuses to come together, and I have to just dive in and start writing. That was the case with The Restitching of Camille DuLaine!

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I started my writing journey when I was a homeschooling mom of young children, and in those days, it was really important for me to get out of the house to write. I spent most of my time at home, being Mom and Educator, and it was really hard to morph into Writer on command when my daily demands were staring at me, so I got in the habit of writing at coffee shops a few nights per week. These days, my kids are grown, but I still find it helpful to move away from my regular desk when it’s time to write. I penned most of The Restitching of Camille DuLaine at my mom’s house, and most of The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine was written at various libraries and coffee shops.

Describe your book in five words.

Layered, heartfelt, inventive, wild, mind-bending.

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

This is such a tough question! I usually don’t spend time writing a character unless they speak to me in some way, even my antagonists. (Which is not to say I like or approve of them. J) But the ones that really get me in this story are Camille, Laramie, Wistlee, and Phen. I’ve poured elements of some real-life people I love dearly into these four characters, so they hold a special place for me—Camille, particularly, because she is the character through which I get to explore sisterly bonds.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

All of the above! Because I work in publishing, both as an author and Enclave’s managing editor, I spend a lot of time in digital books and manuscripts. So when I’m reading for pleasure, I do love the feel of a book in my hands (paperback for reading, hardcover for collecting). But nothing beats the convenience of my Kindle. And I’m a recent convert to audiobooks, which I listen to while working in my garden.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, February 25

Simple Harvest Reads, February 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, March 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 2 (Spotlight)

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4

Guild Master, March 5 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6 (Spotlight)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 6

For the Love of Literature, March 7 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 8

Stories By Gina, March 9 (Spotlight)

Fiction Book Lover, March 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lyndsay is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/iyeVn/the-restitching-of-camille-dulaine-celebration-tour-giveaway

Of Dawn and Embers Spotlight and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Of Dawn and Embers (The Fireborn Epic Book Three)

Author: Gillian Bronte Adams

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Release Date: January 13, 2026

He rides a dawnling, a steed of light and glory, destined to restore.

Jakim Ha’Nor will save his people, or so says the prophecy that upended his life and drove his brothers to betray him. Now, he has returned as the dawnrider to fulfill his purpose and reconcile with his brothers—only to find himself embroiled in a war.

Captured in the fallout of a deadly attack, Rafi grapples with the ghosts of the past. His brother is alive but no longer himself, and Rafi will stop at nothing to save him. Farther up the coast, Ceridwen strives to reignite the embers of the rebellion to burn the empire down. When Rafi is sentenced to execution before the imperial court, Ceridwen must rally every spear and steed she can for a blistering strike at the heart of the capital.

But the empire’s schemes are already in motion, and Jakim’s two missions collide when an unexpected encounter with one of his brothers reveals the true threat behind the imperial thirst for ancient secrets. Hidden forces intend to unleash a cataclysmic power, spurring Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim to challenge the full, crushing might of the empire for the fate of the world.

Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own (and more coffee).

More from Gillian

This is, at its core, a book about hope. I discovered that fact partway through the writing process. Of Dawn and Embers is the cataclysmic finale to an epic fantasy trilogy where warriors bond with elemental warhorses and the action sequences strike with ever-increasing intensity from page one, and I was halfway through drafting it before I realized that beneath the searing visuals, the blistering pace, and the moments that set your heart thundering in your chest, this story sings with hope as a powerful undercurrent.

But you’re the author, you say. How could you not already know that?

Some authors go into each project with a specific theme in mind. They begin fully aware of the deeper meaning of the story they want to tell, and they intentionally structure the sequences of the unfolding plot and character arcs to match. I, on the other hand—while an avid worldbuilder who loves creating layered fantasy stories with multiple characters facing their own paths of growth—often wind up surprised by the overarching themes that also surface through those characters’ individual journeys.

Themes of identity and worth. Of finding the beauty in our broken stories. And, in this case, of hope.

Not the soft and feathery kind, fluttering in your chest. Or the brightly optimistic kind that lends itself to cheerful sayings. But the kind of hope that dares to kneel in the ashes, with blood on its teeth and knuckles, and trust that the sun will rise again. The kind of hope that endures and keeps on enduring. The kind of hope that is as stubborn and resilient as an ember’s deep and fiery glow, waiting to be rekindled with a touch of the morning breeze.

That’s the kind of hope that I find myself clinging to in my own life. Because we live in an age where discouragement can seem rampant, flung in our faces with each news cycle and with every moment spent scrolling on this or that screen.

Even once I uncovered that underlying theme, it wasn’t until I reached the end of the first draft and started working back through that I realized just how deeply it had already been woven into the story. It was there in each breathtaking moment of connection between characters, in the first touch of gold breaking through the cloud-wrack, in the hearty meals shared around a fireside, in the friends who refuse to leave one another to face the darkness alone, and in the loyalty that proves a greater defense than any shield or weapon.

It fairly came singing to me off every page, a reflection on hope at the heart of the book.

On the ache of hope. The seeming foolishness of hope. The defiance of hope. The way hope can feel like fresh air to oxygen-starved lungs, and the way it can cause your chest to ache with the fear of losing it again. The way it holds you up and keeps you standing long after you expected to be on your knees. And the way a lack of hope can leave you grasping for some sense of control, lashing out in desperation to find your own way forward after you put your hope in something that proved incapable of enduring.

In the prologue, one of the main characters, Jakim, compares holding onto hope in the midst of hardship as a candle flame that he has had to grip tightly to shield from the buffeting winds to keep it from going out. And “lately, it had felt like the only way to keep it alive was to grasp it so tightly it singed him.”

If you’ve ever faced the long and aching wait for a hope to be realized, you know what it feels like for hope to sting. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) talks about how “hope deferred makes the heart sick” but Hebrews 6:19 tells us where we can find that true and lasting hope that exists as “an anchor for our souls”: through the One who stepped into the darkest night in our place and took on our own hopeless state so that He could become our hope.

A hope that endures. That breathes life. That does not falter or fail. That doesn’t slip away. That isn’t in danger of burning out if we grip it too tightly.

A hope that holds onto us.

Later on, Jakim comes to the restorative realization that “Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after darkest night.”

Rising without any effort of his own. Rising beyond the pain of his circumstances. Rising steadfastly day by day.

And throughout the wild ups and downs of this book, through the aching chill of the dark nights and the resplendent glories of the new dawns, I hope that readers will walk away with that same assurance singing hope into their souls.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, January 27

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, January 29 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, January 31 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Blossoms and Blessings, February 1 (Spotlight)

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 3 (Spotlight)

Book Holds and Jello Molds, February 3

Fiction Book Lover, February 4 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

A Reader’s Brain , February 7 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 8 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 9 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gillian is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and 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/yIAxb/of-dawn-and-embers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Freedom Rings Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Freedom Rings

Author: Rachel Keith

Genre: Christian Middle-grade Animal Fantasy

Release Date: June 16, 2025

Freedom rings out. Who will hear it?

Tina the wolf and her adopted animal siblings narrowly escaped childhood enslavement and lead a quiet, secluded life together. But when they find out the usurping Authorities ravage their world of Neftar to capture more slaves, Tina feels that she and her squad are being called to free their fellow Neftarians.

As they plunge into their abolition quest, however, untold dangers arise—from betrayals, to life-threatening peril, to the discovery of Tina’s forbidden heritage.

Can Tina and her siblings fight for freedom, or will they be put to death for their rebellion… and for Tina’s outlawed bloodline?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Keith created and finished the world of The Squad at an early age. Inspired to share her faith and glorify God through her passion of writing, she used her extensive knowledge of animals, artistry, graphic design, and fanaticism for a certain video game hedgehog to bring the world of Neftar to life.

When not writing, praying, or geeking out over her video games, Rachel draws custom betta fish portraits, pampers her unusual pets, jams to Christian radio, and reads. And reads. And READS.

Because there’s no such thing as too much of a great story.

Rachel lives in her native land of Nashville, Tennessee, with her menagerie, Bible, and animal encyclopedia.

More from Rachel

I’m Rachel Keith, an 18-year-old homeschool graduate from Franklin, Tennessee. I understand how difficult it is for homeschool families to find safe, clean, Christ-centered fiction that also resonates with young readers, and that’s why I wrote The Squad: Rising series. The series focuses on Tina, an anthropomorphic wolf in a vibrant world of anthropomorphic animals. She and her squad of adopted siblings see the oppression their world is facing, and together, they fight to free their world and establish peace. Though they face plenty of perils, they trust that The Most High will guide them. Each book includes fun resources, including an animal species guide and discussion questions! Inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog and The Chronicles of Narnia, this series—beginning with book 1, Freedom Rings—is a fun new trailblazing series for middle grade fantasy, especially for Christians and anthro lovers!

Author Interview

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a plotter, for sure! But originally, I pantsed most of Freedom Rings, and the entire The Squad: Rising series for that matter. These days, though, I can’t get a story down the way I want without an outline!

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I’m always writing at my desk, where I’m accompanied by a ten-year-old hermit crab named Culver and an army of Calico Critters, many of which are painted to look like my characters. If I need to stand up, I’ll write in my closet, where I have a shelf specifically to work at. It’s smothered with stickers and Scripture cards!

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

A couple times, I have hidden Easter eggs for my readers! Some of them are very random, though, or are more for friends and family than the overall fanbase. A couple examples are a brief reference to the main character Tina wanting to eat chocolate, which is a running gag on my YouTube channel, and one character wearing a shirt that has the same design as a flag from my very first story universe.

Who was/is your biggest inspiration?

CS Lewis inspired a lot of my earliest writing. For a long time, my writing voice sounded like his, and to some extent it still does. I don’t read The Chronicles of Narnia very often, but it—and many of CS Lewis’s books—will always have a special place in my heart because of that.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Never give up, and never be afraid to do a bit of hard work! Writing a story is not as easy as it looks. It honestly takes endurance and bravery. There will be times you’ll ask yourself if there’s a point to any of it. But if you buckle down, take on those challenges, and refuse to give up till the story is finished, you will have completed something few people have. And that’s when you’ll agree there was a point to it—because as the story grows, so will you. If God is calling you to write a story, you’ll know it, and He won’t let that come to nothing.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 13

Simple Harvest Reads, January 14 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, January 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Fiction Book Lover, January 16 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 17

Vicky Sluiter, January 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

For the Love of Literature, January 20 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 22 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, January 24 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 25 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a signed paperback 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/DNsrJ/freedom-rings-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Goodness of Unicorns Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

2 Replies

About the Book

Book: The Goodness of Unicorns

Author: Kayla E. Green

Genre: YA Noblebright Fantasy

Release Date: October 21, 2025

One girl determined to heal her sister and another looking for purpose in a nation on the brink of war. And unicorns—with a twist you’ve never seen before.

It’s Rowan Tritonia’s sixteenth Naming Anniversary. Her plans for the day never included a headache that causes her to almost faint on a day meant for celebration. When the world comes back into focus, her brown eyes have changed to magenta. But what scares her more is that everything around her is now black and white coupled with a mysterious ability to see the light and shadows in a person’s soul. Then a local cleric implies that Rowan could have the power of Sight, a gift which has only been seen in the stories of unicorns in the Book of Verimor, an ancient text. Rowan is perplexed. Why would Verimor give her something she never asked for instead of answering her greatest prayer to help her younger sister, Blythe?

News of the girl with Sight quickly travels beyond Rowan’s local village. When the King of Wisteria learns of her gift from a letter, he summons her to the castle. With growing political tensions from neighboring nations, Rowan may be able to provide the aid they desperately need. Linnea, the king’s sister and his primary advisor, prays that Rowan has truly been blessed by a unicorn and can save the nation and its people from encroaching darkness.

Meanwhile, back at home, Blythe, sets out on her own journey. She feels helpless, tied down by the pain that keeps her homebound most of the time. Although she wears a smile to comfort those around her—especially her family—Blythe wonders if her life will ever amount to anything more than fading into the background. Is she truly too broken for any greater purpose, or can Verimor still use her?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Kayla E. Green is an author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. When she isn’t writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio and pretending she’s a unicorn. Fittingly, her debut novel is The Goodness of Unicorns. Kayla has also written an award-winning YA fantasy novella, Aivan: The One Truth, and an inspirational poetry collection, Metamorphosis. Kayla also has stories, poems, and devotionals featured in various anthologies, and she has several flash fiction stories available through Havok Publishing

More from Kayla

Do you enjoy reading book dedications? The Goodness of Unicorns’ dedication reads:

For my twin sister and first friend, Kari:

My world, and the world at large, is brighter with you in it.

May everyone who reads this find the strength in their own journeys to embrace the beacon of hope God has placed in their hearts for both themselves and those around them.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15, NIV

It will come as no surprise to those who read the book’s dedication that TGOU is a story about two sisters who are best friends; but, like any relationship, conflict happens. And, sometimes, it arises from the best of intentions.

Sisters, navigating chronic pain, finding purpose and learning that bravery doesn’t always look like charging into battle are all elements you will find in The Goodness of Unicorns. Join sisters Rowan and Blythe in the world of Wisteria where they each have important choices to make for the sake of light, goodness, and one another.

Author Interview

Describe your book in five words.

Bravery comes in many forms.

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

I think it’s easy to unintentionally leave “crumbs” of oneself while crafting the “recipe” for characters so it’s easy as an author for me to relate, or at least sympathize, with my cast of characters. Like Rowan, I’m a big sister and have a tendency to want to “fix” everything. Like Linnea, I strive to do right by my family and reflect God’s light but also struggle with anxiety. Like Bane, I find change difficult a lot of the time. Like Blythe, I have struggled to find my voice and advocating for myself has taken time.

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

My stories generally have a common thread of light prevailing over darkness, but it’s not typically a hidden thread. I don’t have any “Easter eggs” in The Goodness of Unicorns. However, in a middle grade fantasy project I am working on currently, there is an “Easter egg” that references TGOU.

What are your hobbies?

I love reading, going to the library with my daughter, singing loudly (and most likely off-key) to KLove Radio, recognizing people in shows my husband watches from Law and Order episodes, and talking to friends and family on the phone… Does enjoying actually talking on the phone over text messaging mean I’m old?

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I usually have at least one of each format going at one time. However, since becoming a mom, audiobooks are how I do most of my reading!

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 20 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, December 21

Artistic Nobody, December 22 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, December 22

Stories By Gina, December 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 23

Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, December 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 26

The Lofty Pages, December 27

For the Love of Literature, December 28 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 29

Blossoms and Blessings, December 30 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 31

Guild Master, January 1

Blogging With Carol, January 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, journal, pen, and unicorn themed item!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3f287/the-goodness-of-unicorns-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Search for the Shadow Cat Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: The Search for the Shadow Cat: Book 3 of the Jaguar Oracle Series

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Magical Realism Fantasy

Release Date: October 26, 2025

Venture into a lush, mystically supercharged natural world where the fate of an entire animal kingdom hangs in the balance in The Search for the Shadow Cat, the captivating third installment of the Jaguar Oracle series.

After a long absence from the Rio Grande Valley, the majestic jaguar named Oracle returns for a perilous quest to restore the three feline tribes—bobcat, ocelot, and long-lost jaguarundi: the “shadow cat.”

With Patch the raccoon, Plod the horse, Bog the toad, and the child named Miracle, Oracle navigates a richly-drawn landscape, pressing through pain and perplexity to rediscover ancient wisdom that will awaken creation, from a jabber of green jays to secretive turtles to trees holding on to treasured knowledge. Along the way, Oracle finds an unexpected ally in a conflicted young entrepreneur, while a hermit holds the key to unlocking the jaguar’s destiny.

Blending magical realism, mythology, and environmental advocacy, this pulse-pounding adventure will captivate readers with its tale of courage, honor, and the power of reclaiming our forgotten roots.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Kurt helps those who built someone else’s dream finally build their own.

As a speaker, advisor, and award-winning poet, he draws from twenty years of lived experience in forty nations.

He is a sought-after voice on five continents, advising expats in places as challenging as Cuba, Persia, and North Korea. He has published multiple books , hundreds of articles, and well-respected poetry.

Kurt and his wife Karen have been married since 1993 and raised their family in Afghanistan, where they founded a community development agency. They are Americans living in the Emirates with ties to the Gulf Coast, the Rio Grande Valley, Central Texas, Louisiana, and New England.

He writes in the poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation, the mysteries of the Ancient Faith, and the drama of the nations. Guiding sources for his work include the Hebrew prophets, the Desert Fathers, Dante, Milton, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, and Tolkien.

Why? Because thought leaders go back to the beginning to find the way forward.

The key to the future begins with a memory. Our calling comes from the original self the Creator had in mind when He said, “Let there be you.”

More from Kurt

How do you begin again? How do you take the first step alone?

Sometimes we don’t need a how-to manual to answer these questions. We need an encounter. We need a story.

That’s why I wrote this epic tale.

Saturated with poetry, proverbs, parables, and prayers, this book is in the tradition of the Christian poets and the Hebrew prophets. It is an immersion in a mystically supercharged natural world alongside a very real human drama.

Why? Because poetic storytelling, when done well, gives prophetic insight for the decisions we face. Then we can begin again. Then we can take the first step alone. Then we can do the thing that is in our heart to do. The thing the Creator placed there. Your calling: the original self He had in mind before the Fall when He said, “Let there be you.”

That’s what this story is about.

An epic quest for redemption and self-discovery

Venture into a lush, mystically supercharged natural world where the fate of an entire animal kingdom hangs in the balance in The Search for the Shadow Cat, the captivating third installment of the Jaguar Oracle series.

A long, mysterious absence and the fulfillment of a legacy

The majestic jaguar named Oracle has returned to the Rio Grande Valley to pick up the trail left by the last guardian of this endangered realm, Kahoo the Grave. Awakening a dormant legend, Oracle embarks on a perilous quest to restore the three feline tribes—bobcat, ocelot, and long-lost jaguarundi: the “shadow cat”—to their rightful place as stewards of the animal kingdom.

With Patch the raccoon, Plod the horse, Bog the toad, and the child named Miracle, the jaguar navigates a richly-drawn landscape where created things have a voice. Oracle must press through pain and wrestle perplexity to rediscover the wisdom of the Days of First Things and restore the fragmented animal realm. As he does, creation awakens, from a jabber of green jays to secretive turtles to trees holding on to ancient knowledge.

Reclaiming lost wisdom and honoring our connection to nature

But Oracle is not alone in his quest. He finds an unexpected ally in Tripp Menefee, the ambitious and conflicted young entrepreneur who runs the Eden’s Bend preserve and high-tech ranch, where a rhino, zebras, and other exotic beasts dwell alongside native ones.

Tripp and Oracle forge an invisible partnership as both seek to restore the animal kingdom while Tripp grapples with his own motivations—and the growing affection he has for the woman confronting him on the toll his development plans are taking on the delicate ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the hermit Brazos Ben, who had once nursed Oracle back to health, holds the key to unlocking the jaguar’s past and the secrets of the Lonely Tree at the heart of this landscape. As Ben is forced to confront his own painful history, he must decide whether to help Oracle complete his legacy or remain trapped in the shadows of the past.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, December 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 20

Fiction Book Lover, December 21 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Vicky Sluiter, December 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 24

For the Love of Literature, December 25 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 28

Stories By Gina, December 29 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 30 (Author Interview)

Author Interview

Which authors have most influenced your own writing?

Although I am constantly reading other genres—in particular world history, American history, and Eastern Orthodoxy— I especially read the works of C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, and J.R.R. Tolkien. They picked up the prophetic tradition of the ancient Faith and clothed it with fresh, imaginative, poetic tales from the worlds familiar to them. I have attempted to pick up that tradition too.

Why? Because they understood that sometimes we need an encounter and not an explanation. Poetic fiction, when done well, contains prophetic insight for the individual whose heart is open to their Creator. Each one is on a journey from trusting Him as Creator to obeying Him as Healer and Rescuer.

Along with Dante and Milton, they knew that fiction, when submitted to the tradition of the parables that our Lord and the Hebrew prophets employed, gives the reader the opportunity to decide whether their heart is hungry or hardened. What is more, the best fruit of fiction is to render an offering of life-giving beauty and timeless truths that potentially produce joy-giving sorrow, healing of the heart, and course-correction in one’s mindset, which are essential steps in one’s personal transformation.

Although I cannot recommend these authors for every single one of their theological conclusions, I can wholeheartedly recommend the gift they each have of communicating the inexorable love and fiery holiness of our God and King, a glory that animates stories, gives them a prophetic voice, and awakens us to the life we are called to live. The joy-giving sorrow, healing of the heart, and spirit of repentance their tales impart is a retelling of the gospel par excellence.

Telling parables in Afghanistan caused me to discover how humans, as God’s image bearers, are “wired for stories” by the hand of our Creator. This led to reading George MacDonald’s fiction tales in order to experience the same encouragement his writings gave Lewis and Tolkien in their journey of becoming authors of mythopoetry. This included books like The Golden Key and At the Back of the North Wind. I also studied and explored John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Dante’s Divine Comedy.

I am also highly influenced by Lewis’ Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold, his last novel. He said it was the best thing he had ever written by far. The tale draws us into a vividly pictured ancient, pagan world and a conflicted soul we can identify with. As we read her journal entries and memoirs, we follow her lifelong wrestling with the gods over a great sorrow, a raging heart, and a deep longing to be loved. Her discovery of Self-giving Love behind the veil of her world takes her breath away. It might strike you at our core too.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I use a Pomodoro-method timer called Flow by Yugen GmbH found at www.flow.app. I usually set it for 25-minute sessions. The goal is two-fold. The limitation increases my focus. The break stewards my body’s fitness.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I sit at a solid wood desk with no drawers facing southeast. Two Gothic-arch windows are above it, one of which has a perch for birds who feed on seeds near a birdbath below. Under a brass reading lamp is an icon of the Holy Family.

A cat tower is to the right of my desk, where the cats Apache, Sioux, and Cheyenne take turns napping or keeping watch at the window. And there is a desk fan, for it can get quite hot where I live in Arabia.

Behind me on a shelf, a toy raccoon “reminds” me to take courage and write. (The Jaguar Oracle series features a raccoon named Patch.) A map of the tale—which appears in the book—is also nearby, along with silhouettes of the four main cats: jaguar, ocelot, bobcat, and jaguarundi.

Describe your book in five words.

Poetic literature with prophetic insight.

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

Patch the raccoon. He is the first friend Oracle the jaguar makes when he arrives in South Texas. He is cautious and unpretentious, but he is also clever and inspired to acts self-giving love for the band of new friends he and the jaguar become the core of. In the audiobook version, Nashville actor Zach Lazar Hoffman renders his voice after his favorite actor, Tom Hanks.

I expect that many readers will identify with Patch’s longing for close friends and a supreme purpose that pairs with his struggle to be courageous.

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card; a high-resolution digital map of the entire series, a high-resolution cover, and the audiobook version featuring Nashville actor Zach Lazar Hoffman when it is released!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3faa0/the-search-for-the-shadow-cat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Drandar the Dragon Knight Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Drandar the Dragon Knight

Author: Terrie Hellard-Brown

Illustrator: Rachelle Brown

Genre: Chapter book for Middle Grade Readers

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Drandar is the dragon that has been prophesied. He will help the king build a strong, safe kingdom as one of his faithful knights. But Drandar doesn’t seem to fit what a knight should be or even what a real dragon should look like. He’s what Seraphina calls a “late bloomer.” Drandar is droopy, discouraged, and doubting. Will he ever become the knight he’s supposed to be?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Empowering families to disciple the next generation every day and everywhere is Terrie Hellard-Brown’s mission. Sparking Everyday Discipleship, the podcast hosted by Terrie Hellard-Brown focuses on discipleship in the 21st Century, great books, and sparking important conversations with our children. Terrie is a writer, speaker, missionary, and mom with a BA in sociology and psychology, an MA in education, and is currently working on her DMin.

Her books include:

  • Up, Down, and All Around: A Handbook for Discipling Our Children Based on Deuteronomy 6
  • Building Character Through Picture Books: 25 Family Devotions Based on Favorite Picture Books
  • A World of Pancakes (a picture book on flexibility and culture and including recipes from around the world)
  • Izzy’s Notebook (a picture book about forgiveness, Harper and Izzy, Best Friends Forever Series: Living the One Anothers)
  • Drandar the Dragon Knight (chapter book about being who God created us to be).

Terrie creates jewelry, bookmarks, and mini books (décor) with biblical and literature themes.

Her writing has appeared in Starlight Magazine, Upper Room, and Inspire Christian Writers Anthologies and blog.

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

In second grade, our teacher had us write a poem. That opened the floodgates. I haven’t stopped writing since then. I knew then that I wanted to be a writer no matter what else I did, and I’ve had my writing published since I was in high school all because of that one poem in second grade.

Is there a particular literary period that you’re drawn to (Regency, Victorian, Romantic, Modernism, etc.)? Why?

I like Medieval times because of the knights and valor, and of course, dragons fit nicely in the time period. However, in most of my other writing, I just write stories from current times because I’m writing for children, and I want them to relate to the stories.

Describe your book in five words.

Funny, allegorical, enchanting, inspirational, wholesome

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

Drandar speaks to my heart because I wrote his story for my daughter who has autism. Like Drandar, I want her to understand God has a plan and purpose for her life, but she must sometimes do hard things. Drandar is like so many of us. He struggles, and he beats himself up with his fears and doubts. But when he holds on to the truth, he shines. I love that he is annoyed by the geese at the beginning of the story but kind of counts them as friends by the end. He is tenderhearted and vulnerable. And I love the mercy he is shown by others because we all need mercy and grace as we walk through life.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

Like most writers, I prefer traditional books, and I have way too many of them! But I have all three types and enjoy them all. I just love good stories, doing research, and excellent writing. I like audiobooks because I can “read” books faster. I like ebooks because I can carry a whole library with me wherever I go, but I love holding a book in my hands. I like to highlight as I read. I know some people think that’s terrible, but I like to be able to go back to sections that inspire me or make me think. I’m a teacher at heart, and was a literature teacher for years, so it’s just part of who I am.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 12

Simple Harvest Reads, September 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

For Him and My Family, September 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 16

Fiction Book Lover, September 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, September 18

Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 20 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain , September 21 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, September 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 23 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, September 24 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 24

For the Love of Literature, September 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, signed copy of the book and Bible study that accompanies the book, three stickers, a dragon velvet bookmark, and an armor of God necklace!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54297

Logan vs. the Hateful Strawberries Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

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About the Book

Book: Logan vs. the Hateful Strawberries : A Towers of Light Early Reader (Logan’s Search for the Fruits of the Spirit Book One)

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Logan was important…once! He helped slay a Dragon. Now all his days are chores, chores and more chores. Will nothing relieve the drudgery?

But when he happens upon a hidden grove of strawberries with mysterious powers, his whole perspective changes and he wonders if he’s found the mysterious fruit of self-control? Will Logan and his new pet raccoon Rascal solve the mystery before Logan’s Pa turns the rodent into a new hat?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media and through his blog.

More from Allen

As a writer, I tend to lean toward what I know for inspiration. Actual life events or people I know shape what I write about. As a ministry volunteer in church for over 15 years, I regularly saw the challenges children with ADHD or other spectrum disorders had with the church. Volunteers are ill-equipped to understand their unique needs, and many of the young boys I worked with ended up having terrible experiences at church because they just couldn’t fit in.

So when I set out to write an early chapter book for boys I wanted to find a way to shine the light of God’s truth right where they lived. Having been diagnosed with A.D.D., I understand these challenges and the general mentality. On the one hand, this can have detrimental effects when being forced to sit in a chair with nothing to do but listen; on the other hand, it can supercharge tasks that require intense focus.

I also had inspiration from the existing Towers of Light series I wrote for a middle grade audience and pre-existing characters that children love. So I worked with the real-life Logan to craft this story that exemplifies the spiritual gift of love as the antidote to the poison of the hateful strawberries. Plus, the antics of Rascal the Raccoon add just the right touch of comedy and action to keep young children turning the pages.

Author Interview

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

That’s a really tricky question. Writing happens in seasons for me, so when it’s writing season I write any chance I get.  Usually first thing in the morning, but more often than not just whenever I can.  When I fly by plane for my day job can be one of my more common times to write.  But occasionally if there’s a long weekend I might just burn as many hours as possible writing.

Is there a particular literary period that you’re drawn to (Regency, Victorian, Romantic, Modernism, etc.)? Why?

I like the 1860’s frontier because its something I’m familiar with.  I grew up in the middle of no where Iowa and we were surrounded by the history of the frontier.  So it’s a very comfortable period for me to write in.

Describe your book in five words.

Realistic, thoughtful, – faith-based & Fun

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

Logan as the main character speaks to me because I have felt his pain.  I have ADD and growing up in church culture I didn’t always fit in.  Having spent significant time with the real life Logan including getting help on plotting this story I feel deeply connected to him and his story.

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

It’s only in this story as a sort of ancillary thing, but in the Towers of Light series there are a series of words that if you figure out the linguistic trick you’ll unravel a bunch of mysteries early in the series.  I’d tell you the secret but that would spoil it for the readers.

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

Texas Book-aholic, June 26

Simple Harvest Reads, June 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 28

Fiction Book Lover, June 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

For Him and My Family, July 1

Vicky Sluiter, July 2 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, July 2

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Guild Master, July 4

For the Love of Literature, July 5 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, July 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 7 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, July 8 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54247

63 Hours in Hell Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

1 Reply

About the Book

Book: 63 Hours In Hell

Author: Susan L Davis

Genre: Fantasy/Speculative Fiction

Release date: March 4, 2025

To reach the kingdom of Heaven, they must unlock the gates of Hell.

Discover the Journey. Rediscover Your Faith.

On their journey to Jesus’s crucifixion, Hannah and her brother perish in a tragic accident, plunging into the enigmatic afterlife of Paradise. Jesus sends them, along with the “good thief” Dismas and a mysterious angel, on a perilous quest to retrieve scattered fragments of the key to Hell.

This ragtag team races through the epochs of biblical history, trying to outwit Lucifer’s forces at every turn. Can they restore the key in 63 hours? Or will Lucifer destroy them all

Experience the power of the Christ’s resurrection in a way you never imagined.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan L. Davis is an author, speaker, and blogger whose journey from skepticism to faith began unexpectedly at a funeral. Her debut novel, 63 Hours in Hell, explores the three days Jesus spent in Hell, offering a fresh perspective on biblical events. Susan lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, two children, and their mischievous dog.

More from Susan

Thank you so much for being part of this incredible journey. I am grateful for your support in helping to share my debut book!

I’m thrilled to introduce readers to more than just a novel—this is a journey into God’s love and mercy, reaching even the darkest places. Rooted in scripture, infused with traces of Jewish folklore, and written with the utmost respect for Jesus, 63 Hours in Hell examines themes of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and the healing of broken relationships.

If you’re a fan of The Chosen series, this book will resonate with you. It imagines what happened during Jesus’ three days in the depths of hell. The story follows a jilted bride, her brother, and the good thief on a quest: finding key fragments, freeing hell’s prisoners, fighting the devil, and facing their own inner demons.

A Special Message

Readers have shared how they found a personal message within its pages—something they needed to hear at just the right moment. I pray 63 Hours in Hell offers encouragement to you as well.

An Inspired Journey

As you can see in the photo, my furry companions have been a steady source of joy throughout my writing journey. (Fun fact: my majestic, wolf-like dog even inspired the demon dog in the book!)

An Invitation

I didn’t truly discover Jesus until later in life, which makes me even more in awe of His boundless love, sacrifice, and resurrection—and His patience throughout my personal transformation. This book is more than a story; it’s an invitation to understand why Jesus’ death and resurrection remain pivotal—yesterday, today, and forever.

Thank you for joining me on this journey and for sharing this book with others. Your support means the world to me!

Happy reading,

Susan L. Davis

Author Interview

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

I can’t pinpoint just one—it’s been a journey.

As a child, characters like Pippi Longstocking’s bravery, Encyclopedia Brown’s wit, and Jo March’s determination sparked my imagination and love for storytelling. Later, authors like Pat Conroy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Amy Tan, and Toni Morrison deepened that passion.

When I became a Christian, everything shifted. I spent years devouring non-fiction works by Catherine Marshall, Max Lucado, John Maxwell, Charles Spurgeon, and others, which helped shape my worldview. Eventually, I returned to fiction, discovering writers like Kristin Hannah, Rachel Scott McDaniel, and many talented authors I’ve met on my writing journey. Each stage has shaped me as both a writer and a person.

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

Absolutely! I love planting subtle clues in my stories. In 63 Hours in Hell, for example, I sprinkled hints about a family member from Hannah and Benjamin’s tribe. One of my editors admitted they nearly spit out their coffee when I uncovered the suprise in the last pages! Little things like that   makes writing so rewarding.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I love traditional books—nothing beats the feeling of turning real pages. Still, I enjoy my Kindle because it lets me read late into the night without disturbing my husband.

Audiobooks are trickier for me because my imagination wanders. Ironically, 63 Hours in Hell will be the first audiobook I’ve listened to, that’s going to feel so surreal!

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or Bible story that resonates with you?

The story of David at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1-6) moves me. David loses everything—his family, his home—and even his men turn against him. But in his darkest moment, David encourages himself in the Lord.

The most inspiring part? While everything seemed lost, God was already working behind the scenes, setting the stage for David to become king. This story reminds me that even when life feels hopeless, God’s plan is unfolding.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Attend a writer’s conference! My first one opened my eyes to endless possibilities, from blogs and devotionals to short stories and screenwriting. It’s also where I met mentors, new friends, and my editor—all people who encouraged and challenged me in the best ways.

Investing in yourself as a writer isn’t just about improving your craft. It’s about building relationships that inspire and guide you along the way. Conferences are worth every penny!

I’ve formed so many wonderful friendships throughout my writing journey, and that’s been one of the best parts of it all.

Blog Stops

Guild Master, March 28 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, March 30

Simple Harvest Reads, March 31 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, April 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 2 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5

Artistic Nobody, April 6 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, April 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $75 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54188

The Way Back to Eden Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

3 Replies

About the Book

Book: The Way Back to Eden: Book 2 of the Jaguar Oracle Series

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Magical Realism

Release date: February 28, 2025

A Mystical Journey to Restore the Natural Order as Hope Guides the Way

In the lush wilderness of the Rio Grande Valley, a centuries-old prophecy is about to be fulfilled. The jaguars, once the revered rulers of the animal kingdom, have vanished—until a brave jaguar named Oracle begins a journey to summon the scattered tribes and restore their rightful place.

A captivating quest and an unforgettable journey home.

His quest intersects with young Paco and his extraordinary animal companions—a wise horse named Plod, a storytelling toad called Bog, and a clever raccoon named Patch—as they navigate the mystical landscapes of the Texas-Mexico borderlands and Brazos River bottomlands, a quest that weaves through ancient forests, mysterious towers, and sacred sanctuaries.

Guided by ancient wisdom and the enduring loyalty of his animal friends, Oracle’s epic journey leads him through a world on the brink of upheaval. As greedy developers encroach on the land and threaten the delicate balance of nature, Oracle must navigate a tangled web of human greed, betrayal, and violence to find the missing jaguarundi tribe and unite the warring factions of the animal realm.

The fate of the Valley rests on Oracle recovering lost memories and rediscovering the original harmony between man and beast. From vast Texan ranches to ancient palm forests, from well-ordered zoos to untamed wilderness, The Way Back to Eden weaves together a rich tapestry of cultures, legends, and the immutable power of the natural world.

Blending elements of magical realism, environmental advocacy, and pulse-pounding adventure, this sweeping tale transports readers into a vibrant, unforgettable world where Oracle’s quest is to preserve the ancient balance and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Way Back to Eden, a deeply satisfying and thought-provoking fantasy epic, is the second installment in the six-volume Jaguar Oracle series. Discover the magic that awaits where ancient wildlife sanctuaries hold secrets, where ghosts and tree house hermits guide lost souls home, and where the path back to Eden might just be hidden in plain sight.

Follow the trail. Find the tree. Change the world.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Kurt writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and the cultures of the nations. Guiding sources for his works include the Hebrew prophets, the Desert Fathers, Dante, Milton, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, and Tolkien.

Kurt and his wife, Karen, married since 1993, raised five children in Afghanistan and have spent more than twenty years in forty nations as encouragers in the Christian faith. Their travels led to the discovery of the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. Their roots include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

Kurt writes to give readers courage for their faith journeys, as he believes that no disappointment, however profound, should prevent you from completing it.

More from Kurt

The Way Back to Eden expands the Jaguar Oracle epic into a full-fledged human drama alongside the animal one. Who among the animals do you enjoy? Who among the humans do you identify with? A clue to courage for your calling lies in that intersection.

Brazos Ben is based on a relative who built a three-story treehouse with running water and electricity. Just like we find in the story, he did so on sixty acres of bottomland beside a river, where he let most of his property go wild. It contained an old pecan orchard and an abandoned cabin.

Papá Eli, a member of the old-school “gentleman mafia” of Mexico, is based on the actor Cesar Romero.

Every plant, animal, moon phase, and constellation are the work of much research. I use an astronomy app called Starry Night Enthusiast 8, which I learned of from reading the profound scholarly work called The Great Christ Comet by Colin Nicholl, who used this app as a key aid in his attempt to determine the nature and trajectory of the Star of Bethlehem.

While the animal characters are on a journey to “remember their names”—what Adam spoke when he named them—the human characters are on a quest to get “back to Eden.” High-tech rancher Tripp is leveraging money. The hermit Brazos Ben is letting his land go wild. Papá Eli is creating a glass arboretum where he hopes to retire alongside the jaguar. Chase the zoologist is in touch with the omens of creation.

But the jaguar Oracle is on a deeper journey. He is trapped in a “mangarden” far from the Rio Grande Valley. He will need more than mere strength and skill to escape and return; he will need weakness and suffering. Can he drink the cup? Can he return to the Valley and restore the cats to their leadership (the ocelot, the bobcat, and the lost jaguarundi)? Can he bring the animal kingdom into a “final spring in their twilight days this side of Eden”?

Read and discover. Perhaps it will inspire you to drink the cup heaven has offered you, too. His grace is sufficient. His power rests in our weakness. His blood is enough. This is our way back to Eden.

Author Interview

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

Telling parables in Afghanistan caused me to discover how humans, as God’s image bearers, are “wired for stories” by the hand of our Creator. This led to reading George MacDonald’s Christian fantasy in order to experience the same encouragement his writings gave Lewis and Tolkien in their journey of becoming Christian fantasy authors, and it did indeed inspire me. This included books like The Golden Key and At the Back of the North Wind.  I also returned to the roots of Christian poetry with an exploration of John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Dante’s Divine Comedy.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I use a Pomodoro-method timer called Flow by Yugen GmbH found at www.flow.app. I usually set it for 25-minute sessions. The goal is two-fold. The limitation increases my focus. The break stewards my body’s fitness.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I sit at a solid wood desk with no drawers facing southeast. Two Gothic-arch windows are above it, one of which has a perch for birds who feed on seeds just below the sill. Under a brass reading lamp is an icon of the Holy Family, and with this my daytimer, called a Full Focus Planner, which I highly recommend.

A toy raccoon “reminds” me to take courage and write. (The Jaguar Oracle series features a raccoon named Patch.) And there is a desk fan, for it is quite hot where I live in Arabia. A plant sits beside the desk whose leaves curve over the corner thereof. A map of the tale—which appears in the book—is also before me, along with silhouettes of the four main cats: jaguar, ocelot, bobcat, and jaguarundi.

Describe your book in five words.

Poetic literature with prophetic insight.

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

Patch the raccoon. He is the first friend Oracle the jaguar makes when he arrives in South Texas. He is cautious and unpretentious, but he is also clever and inspired to acts self-giving love for the band of new friends he and the jaguar become the core of. In the audiobook version, Nashville actor Zach Lazar Hoffman renders his voice after his favorite actor, Tom Hanks.

I expect that many readers will identify with his longing for close friends and a supreme purpose that pairs with his struggle to be courageous in Patch the raccoon.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, March 21 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Blossoms and Blessings, March 27 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, March 28 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, March 29 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 31 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain , April 1 (Author Interview)

Blogging with Carol, April 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a high-resolution digital map of the entire six-book tale, a high-resolution cover, and an audiobook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54180