I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
10.02.2023
The Apostle's Sister by Angela Hunt // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
10.01.2023
The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs // Celebrate Lit
About the Book
Book: The Eternity Gate
Author: Katherine Briggs
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: September 12, 2023
Destroy the key. Save her people and herself.
The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.
Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears.
Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
A brilliant adventure filled with intrigue, an ancient treasure that has the power to send their world into turmoil.
An entertaining read for fantasy lovers, with a building plot, and a setting that felt inspired by Asian culture to me. I liked that the story had good tension, and strong themes of faith and redemption throughout. Seyo is a strong protagonist, complex and compassionate. I liked her friendship with Geras, and how she chooses to see him and his gifting, and will be interested to see where it goes.
The prose was at times abrupt, and more of an overview at times, and at first I found myself going back and re-reading lines here and there but as I got used to it, that didn't happen so much. Might be just a personal quirk of my own.
Overall, a high stakes fantasy, with flawed characters, and plenty of twists along the way. I loved the message of God being able to use each of our unique gifts for good. A great introduction to a new-to-me-author! I will be interested to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.
More from Katherine
Hello friend,
Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?
As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?
Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?
I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?
Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.
I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:
- What part of your journey has made you stronger?
- Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word?
- Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.
Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.
Sincerely,
Katherine Briggs
Blog Stops
Bliss, Books & Jewels, September 21 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21
Texas Book-aholic, September 22
Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 25
Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)
Madi’s Musings, September 26
The Book Club Network, September 27
Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29
Blogging With Carol, September 30
Labor Not in Vain, October 1
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3
Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb7/the-eternity-gate-celebration-tour-giveaway
*post contains affiliate links
9.29.2023
Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot // Review
9.28.2023
Redeeming the Cowboy by Lisa Jordan // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.27.2023
The Blind // Movie Review and Giveaway
Experience the incredible true story of Phil & Kay Robertson from Duck Dynasty in the new movie, The Blind, coming to theaters September 28th!
(Note: This is limited to US winners only).
9.26.2023
Restoring Their Family by Allie Pleiter // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.25.2023
We Three Kings by Crystal Caudill, Cara Putnam, and Angela Ruth Strong // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.22.2023
Art of Writing Webinars 2023 // Just Read Takeover Blitz
Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2023 webinars, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
You are Invited
The Art of Writing
Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT
online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9
This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.
Session One: Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. central Kelsey Bowen, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Rachel McMillan
Added Bonus
All registrants to the Art of Writing sessions can opt to “add-on” a publisher consult. Choose one or more of these small group sessions with a publisher: Pitch & Publish, Ask Me Anything, Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door, Calling All Debut Authors. Time/dates are determined based on attendee and moderator schedules. Space is limited. First come, first served.
Learn More about The Art of Writing 2023 Webinar Series
Register
Save the dates for The Christy Award Finalists Webcast & Winners Gala Webcast on October 12 and November 16, respectively. Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA's Jeff Crosby will be announcing the 2023 finalists on October 12 at 11 a.m. CT. Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, and other award-winning novelists will be featured and winners announced during the 2023 Winners Gala Webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. The Christy Award webcasts are free but registration is required.
Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award web events
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2023. 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

9.21.2023
Shadowcast by Crystal M. Grant // Guest Post // Just Read
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Shadowcast by Crystal D. Grant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Shadowcast
Series: The Gateway Trilogy
Author: Crystal D. Grant
Publisher: Quill and Flame Publishing
Release Date: September 20, 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance (Clean)
He has known nothing but darkness for years. Now it’s time to let it consume him.
After witnessing the brutal death of his brother at the hands of the Steward Knights, Mason Grey turns to vengeance. Using his Gifts to read and control the minds of others, he climbs the ranks of the Dark Army, determined to earn the coveted Shadowstone-a powerful tool against the light-wielding Stewards. But when he is wounded in battle, he finds himself recovering in the home of a chatty peasant girl...without the use of his Gifts. Even worse, the girl mistakes him for one of the Stewards he despises.
Seria Gayle longs to be seen as more than the town washerwoman. When she finds an injured Steward in the woods, she welcomes the chance to use her healing skills and hopes it will earn her some respect. But as she nurses the sullen stranger back to health, she discovers he is nothing like the knights she has long admired.
When Mason's true identity is revealed, Seria is devastated and humiliated. But she is offered a chance at redemption by the very prince that Mason hates. Now Mason struggles between two choices: accept the Shadowstone to avenge his brother or pursue this newfound light in the form of a peasant girl. With time running out and war looming, will Mason and Seria defy their own convictions for a chance at love or stand against one another like they've sworn to do?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
Guest Post by Crystal D. Grant: What is your favorite thing about writing fantasy?
When I read or watch an epic fantasy story, it always moves me emotionally. I get invested in the characters—their struggles, hopes and dreams, failures and successes, etc. I love the relationships that come out of the journeys that they go through together. (Sam and Frodo, anyone??) And in those big climactic moments, when all seems lost against the forces of evil, the hero stands up and fights anyway. And usually, victory comes to the side of the good, even though it may come at a cost. Those kinds of stories strike a cord deep inside me. I find myself thinking about them long after I’ve finished. And I think the reason for that is it turns my thoughts to spiritual warfare. We face our own dragons and monsters, and we have our own everyday heroes who fight them alongside us. Most importantly, we have a Source of power and goodness, One who was willing to sacrifice His own life in order to save us.
Fantasy always turns my mind to spiritual things, makes me stop and think a little deeper about the battles we face in life. While the external situations in those stories may be vastly different than what we face in the real world, I find that the internal battles are much the same. We seek for courage to face our trials or redemption for our past mistakes. We struggle to rise about our current situations and find something that fills us with purpose. We fight to resist the forces of darkness that try to blind us to truth and light.
When I write fantasy, I always find myself thinking of the deeper issues the characters are facing, and I love to explore those spiritual themes. Fantasy stories tend to be bigger in scale, higher in stakes, and deeper in meaning. And those are the kinds of stories that inspire and encourage readers. They give hope to those who are in the middle of their own journeys, adventures, and battles.
And that is why I love writing them.
About the Author
Crystal D. Grant is a daydreamer who adores freshly-baked cookies and anything with fur or feathers. During the day, she strives to instill a love of books and learning within her young students. As a hearing-impaired, home-school graduate, she found her voice in writing and has had multiple short stories and poems published. When she’s not reading or writing stories that sweep her away to another time and place, she watches classic movies and TV shows that do the same. Or she works on jigsaw puzzles. Crystal currently resides in smalltown Missouri, where she is always looking for space for another scented candle.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win a signed copy of Shadowcast, book swag, and exclusive color art from the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 25, 2023. Winner 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

9.20.2023
Journey to Bethlehem // Official Trailer
About JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told, the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.