Monday, June 23, 2025

THE AFTERMATH TOUR BY CELEBRATE LIT

About the Book

Book: THE AFTERMATH: Ladies of Oberlin Book 3

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre: Historical

Release Date: February 1, 2025

Betsy loves her husband, Nate, but losing his leg in the Civil War has changed him. He never touched alcohol before the war, but now he’s turning into a drunk. She doesn’t know how to help him, but to save their marriage, she’s going to do everything she can. If only she can figure out how.

Tormented by the loss of his leg, Nate feels worthless. His drinking only makes things worse, but he can’t stop. It’s only a matter of time before he drives Betsy away. Why did God allow this to happen? What does he owe God now, after this betrayal?

Nate’s anger and bitterness are building a wall that neither he nor Betsy can break down of climb over. Only God can help them, but Nate is no longer on speaking terms with the Lord. Is there any hope for them?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

In her spare time, Tamera Lynn Kraft loves to watch classic movies, drink quality teas, and ride on roller coasters, but not while drinking tea. She does drink tea while writing and working as managing editor for Mt Zion Ridge Press, a traditional Christian publishing company. She has always loved adventures and loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. Forks in the Road, The Aftermath, Lost in the Storm, Red Sky Over America, Anna’s Christmas Promise, Alice’s Notions, and Resurrection of Hope are among her published works, some of which have won awards.

Tamera has been married for a very long time to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and the most adorable and smartest grandchildren in the world. She was a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is now the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors and coaches children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She has written children’s church curriculum including Building Foundationsand is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

More from Tamera

Oberlin College: Ahead of It’s Time

(Insert books picture) All three of my Ladies of Oberlin books feature women who graduated from Oberlin College shortly before the Civil War. Oberlin College, founded in 1833 in Northern Ohio, was a college ahead of its time in many ways. In 1835, it became the first college in the United States to regularly admit African Americans. It’s also the oldest co-educational college in the US. In 1837, it admitted four women, three of whom graduated and earned a college degree. Mary Jane Patterson, another Oberlin graduate, became the first African American woman in 1862 to earn a Bachelor of Arts college degree.

One of Oberlin’s founders once bragged that “Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good”. Oberlin was peculiar in many ways in advancing the causes of the time. Charles Finney, the second president of the college, helped it earn its controversial reputation. He was the founder of the Second Great Awakening, a Christian revivalist movement in the early and mid 1800s.

Oberlin College was the hotbed of abolitionist activity and a stop for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. It was once called “the town that started the Civil War” because of its participation in the Oberlin Wellington Rescue in 1858. Slave catchers came to Oberlin to capture an escaped slave and return him to Kentucky. Most of the town came to the slave’s aid and rescued him. For their trouble, over twenty were arrested and put on trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. During the raid on Harper’s Ferry by John Brown, three men from Oberlin participated.

(Insert arch picture) Oberlin graduates have been involved in all of the movements of the late 1800s including abolition, women’s suffrage, the suffrage movement, and education as well as many charities and helped shape the nation for the twentieth century.

Oberlin was also very well known in the missionary movement of the late 1800s. Between 1860 and 1900, 90% of missionaries sent overseas by the American Missionary Society were graduates of Oberlin College. Between 1899 and 1901, thirteen missionaries from Oberlin were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion of China. An arch in Tappan Square at the center of Oberlin pays honor to their sacrifices.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 21

Simple Harvest Reads, June 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 23

Holly’s Book Corner, June 24

Artistic Nobody, June 25 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, June 25

Guild Master, June 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 27

Fiction Book Lover, June 28 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, June 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 29

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

For Him and My Family, July 1

Bizwings Book Blog, July 2

Cover Lover Book Review, July 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/00adcf54241

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Call in the Canyons Tour by Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Call in the Canyons

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 3, 2025

The bandits who murdered her father are back, but can she trust the sheriff to protect her home and her heart?

Sheriff Heath Monroe believed the wrong man, and although California’s most notorious gang leader was eventually brought to justice, Heath’s error shattered the confidence of the people he serves. With reelection looming, Heath is desperate to prove his worth. So when he learns of a new threat to the citizens of California, he doesn’t hesitate to take action, even though he knows the job will endanger the lives of those he cares about—something he swore he’d never do again. Haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes and second-guessing every decision, Heath sets out to put an end to California’s most dangerous bandit gang, once and for all.

Virginia Baker works hard to keep her desert cattle ranch going, and even harder to keep all men off her land. When the bandits who murdered her father return to her valley, memories of a friendship cut tragically short drive her to work with the all-male posse pursuing the gang in search of justice. Despite her determination to remain guarded, Heath Monroe’s steadfast integrity and unexpected humility begin to crack her defenses. But can she rely on the widower leading them, or will his secrets confirm her belief that no man is to be trusted?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Working on a ranch is not easy as Ginny finds out everyday. Trying to keep the animals safe, working from sunup to sundown is grueling work but our heroine is up for the challenge. Ginny is hardworking and at times forgets to give others grace. The illustration of the prickly plant was spot on. We need to remember that sometimes their prickly parts can hurt, but we need to approach them with grace. I couldn’t wait to see how Ginny handles trials that are coming her way. Will she soften her heart and let others help?

Heath is out to prove that he is a good sheriff and can dependable. He did make a bad judgment call, but he hopes people will see his worth and re-elect him. Hot on the trial of an illusive gang , Heath needs to keep his wits about him. I loved the action where Heath and a group of experienced gun fighters get ambushed. The author does a great job of making that scene come to life. It sure was hard during this time period as ruthless gangs fought against the law.

I liked how Ginny was able to join up with Heath and his men to track down the gang. Ginny is out for revenge and Heath is determined to prove his worth as a sheriff. I won’t spoil the story but I can say it will be filled with danger, learning to trust and forgiveness.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

More from Kathleen

The Power of Unlikely Alliances: Breaking Stereotypes in Call in the Canyons

When we think of the Old West, we often imagine familiar archetypes: rugged cowboys, tough lawmen, and damsels in distress. These characters have been depicted time and again in Westerns but often missing the complexity that truly defines who we are as individuals. In Call in the Canyons, I wanted to push back against those typical stereotypes, creating a world where characters defy expectations, form unlikely alliances, and challenge preconceived notions about who can be a hero, a villain, or even a love interest.

Virginia Baker: A Strong, Independent Heroine
Virginia “Ginny” Baker is a woman who embodies strength and resilience. She’s not the typical “damsel” you might expect from a Western; in fact, she works harder than most men to keep her desert cattle ranch going. Virginia is fiercely independent, having learned early on that the world isn’t kind to women who rely on others. A devastating attack on her father’s ranch that left her the sole survivor only solidified this belief. Yet even as she pushes people away, Ginny’s story is about growth—learning to trust, learning to forgive, and ultimately, learning to let others in.

Ginny doesn’t just defy the stereotype of the helpless woman; she is also a representation of the idea that strength can coexist with vulnerability. She has scars, both physical and emotional, from a past that refuses to be forgotten. And when the very men who killed her father return to the region she calls home, she is forced to work with a posse of men she doesn’t trust. Ginny definitely doesn’t see herself as someone who needs saving, but she eventually realizes that sometimes strength isn’t about facing the world alone—it’s about being open to help when it’s needed and accepting the joy that can be found in true fellowship.

Sheriff Heath Monroe: A Man on the Path to Redemption
Sheriff Heath Monroe is a man haunted by past mistakes, carrying the weight of guilt and a deep fear of failure. His tragic history has made him wary of letting anyone, especially women, take risks. As Sheriff, he has tried to prove his worth, but his past continues to cast a shadow over every decision.

When a new threat emerges in Call in the Canyons, Heath must confront not only the dangers facing his community but his own reluctance to trust others’ decisions. Through his partnership with Ginny, he begins to see that redemption isn’t just about regaining respect—it’s about letting go of the past, learning to let others take risks, and, most importantly, learning to trust God.

Challenging Stereotypes and Breaking Barriers
One of the most rewarding parts of writing Call in the Canyons was exploring how these two characters—Ginny and Heath—push against the boundaries of their worlds. Virginia’s fierce independence challenges the notion that women in the Old West were relegated to secondary roles. She’s not just a survivor; she’s an active participant in her own story, driving the action and decisions that shape her fate.

Heath, on the other hand, challenges the idea that a “hero” must be flawless. His struggles with guilt, loss, and self-doubt make him a hero not in spite of his flaws but because of them. His vulnerability makes him someone readers can empathize with and root for, as they see his journey not just as one of professional redemption but personal healing as well.

Both of these characters also challenge the notion that our past defines us. While acknowledging the very real impact that trauma has on us, their journeys demonstrate resilience and hope for joy-filled futures.

But the breaking of stereotypes isn’t limited to these two characters. Call in the Canyons is a world where characters of different backgrounds, races, and experiences interact and challenge each other. One of the novel’s key themes is that people should not be judged based on their race, their family, or even their past, and this is reflected in the relationships that develop over the course of the story.

An Unlikely Pair
Ginny and Heath’s evolving relationship is an example of an unlikely alliance—a pairing that grows from mutual distrust into something deeply beautiful. She’s been betrayed by men in the past; he’s been betrayed by his own decisions. Yet as they work together, they come to see each other as more than just their past mistakes or preconceived notions.

This journey from mistrust to love is a key theme in Call in the Canyons, and it mirrors the larger narrative of overcoming prejudice and embracing the idea that redemption and healing are possible, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Why It Matters
As readers, we often find comfort in familiar stories and familiar characters. But it’s the stories that challenge our assumptions and push us to reconsider what we believe that leave a lasting impact. In Call in the Canyons, I wanted to create a story that would give readers not only the exciting journey they expect in a Western but also something new, something to think about long after they’ve turned the last page

For that reason, Call in the Canyons is an adventurous story of healing, redemption, justice, faith, and love in all its beautifully messy forms.

To celebrate the release of Call in the Canyons, I am offering a giveaway package:

1 metal sign depicting Cowgirls and listing scripture that reinforces who God says you are
1 Hardback copy of When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace by Ruth Chou Simmons

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 19

lakesidelivingsite, June 19

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21

Texas Book-aholic, June 22

Devoted To Hope, June 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 23

For Him and My Family, June 24

Bizwings Book Blog, June 25

Books Less Travelled, June 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 27

Blossoms and Blessings, June 28

Holly’s Book Corner, June 29

Cover Lover Book Review, June 30

Pause for Tales, July 1

Fiction Book Lover, July 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a metal sign, and a hardback copy of When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace by Ruth Chou Simmons!!

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/00adcf54240

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers Tour by Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers

Authors: Gabrielle Meyer, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch, Susan Page Davis, Lorna Seilstad, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 17, 2025

Seven dedicated Texas Rangers risk their hearts and their honor in this thrilling saga of romance and justice in the untamed West.

In 1875 Texas, the notorious Markham gang threatens the peace of the frontier, prompting seven determined Rangers to pursue them across the state. But their mission becomes complicated when love ambushes the lawmen at every turn.

While tracking the outlaws, these stalwart Rangers encounter extraordinary women who challenge their dedication to the badge: a young widow protecting dangerous secrets, a jeweler’s daughter guarding precious cargo, a former soiled dove seeking redemption, a stubborn horse owner with a score to settle, a quick-thinking bank teller turned hostage, a talented silversmith forced into counterfeiting, and a brave witness who holds the key to bringing down the gang.

From train robberies to kidnappings, these Rangers must navigate the dangerous territory between protecting their hearts and upholding the law. But when love and duty collide, even the most steadfast lawman might be forced to choose between justice and romance.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Gabrielle Meyer, a Minnesota native, draws inspiration for her historical fiction from the rich stories and landscapes of her home state, where she lives on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. A former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, Gabrielle loves weaving real people, places, and events into her captivating tales.

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch weaves her love for Jesus, history, romance, and sports into her stories, including The Debutante’s Code, the first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series. When she’s not crafting fiction or planning her next trip to a history museum.

Bestselling author Amanda Barratt brings to life overlooked moments in history through her award-winning novels, including The Warsaw Sisters, Within These Walls of Sorrow, and The White Rose Resists. Based in Michigan, she’s often immersed in research, tackling her ever-growing TBR stack, or savoring a slice of lemon cake.

Carol Award finalist Lorna Seilstad explores life’s complexities with humor in her nine novels, including the Lake Manawa Summers and Gregory Sisters series, as well as several novella collections. When she’s not writing, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, plans weddings, or spends time with her Pyredoodle, Honey Bea.

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a family of three adorable Londoners. Though she’s an avid reader and loves road trips with her husband, if it’s a Saturday in the fall you’ll find Kathleen cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies.

More from Erica

Hello! I’m Erica Vetsch, and I am thrilled that the Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers novella collection is being republished by Wild Heart Books. This collection, and its predecessor, Seven Brides for Seven Texans, are dear to my heart.

If you have read my previous blog post about Seven Brides for Seven Texans, you will know that all the authors in the collection worked closely together and collaborated well to bring the interconnected novellas into one cohesive story. This required lots of cooperation and communication, and a careful readthrough for continuity.

The process was so much fun that when the original publisher approached me about creating a sequel, I was eager to do so. Six out of seven of the original authors were game to try it all again, and we recruited someone to fill the vacancy left when one of the originals retired from writing fiction.

This time, however, much of the groundwork had been laid. Though we needed seven new heroes and seven new heroines, the setting and especially the town of Hartsville were already set in stone.

For Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers, it was again incumbent upon me to come up with a basic premise for the entire collection, in this case a band of Texas Rangers chasing a gang of bad guys, and then let the authors choose their own storylines. We communicated with one another to make certain that each story would be different, but also be part of the whole. Bank robberies, kidnappings, horse thieves, witness protection and more! All set against the backdrop of the American West.

Once again, the authors agreed to turn their mss in to me early so I could read them all for continuity, since I was the person most familiar with all the stories. I was able to make notes on each novella that helped the project editor and speed up the editorial process.

It was a joy working so closely with this group of authors. I learned so much about their processes and talents, and they established a high bar. I enjoyed each and every story in this collection, and I hope you will, too!

MY REVIEW

A great collection of stories with a theme of Texas Rangers awaits readers in this book. I like how the emphasis is on working together to capture a notorious gang. Each story highlights one of the Texas Rangers as they use their skills to keep others safe. The authors flow well from one story to the next as we get a birds eye view of how this time period had its share of men who tried to outrun the law.

It was fun to join them on their adventure and meet women who interact with the men of the law. The stories illustrate faith, forgiveness, redemption and second chances. What I liked was how each story features how overcoming hurts can lead to second chances. Emotions run high as healing is not always easy when it comes to trust.

This collection of stories will bring readers hours of encouragement, overcoming things from the past and facing danger. Faith is well represented in each story and I appreciate how the characters are flawed but able to find grace in each situation.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Sylvan Musings, June 14

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 15

Vicky Sluiter, June 16

Pens Pages & Pulses, June 16

She Lives To Read, June 17

Madi’s Musings, June 17

lakesidelivingsite, June 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 20

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Blossoms and Blessings, June 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23

Simple Harvest Reads, June 24 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, June 24

Cover Lover Book Review, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 26

Pause for Tales, June 27

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 27

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Books Authors are 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/00adcf54236

Friday, June 20, 2025

Welcome to the Bounty Hunter’s Surrender Tour by Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender (Outlaw Hearts Book 2)

Author: KyLee Woodley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 20, 2025

An expecting widow, a rugged bounty hunter, and a set of secrets that might shatter her fragile heart.

The death of Aubrey Willot’s wealthy but abusive husband left her with an unborn child, an empty chateau, and the last name of a criminal. When she learns he double-crossed a ruthless business associate, she’s forced to accept the protection of the handsome and daring bounty hunter tasked with finding her late husband’s fortune. Though Aubrey swore never to trust another man, she can’t help but be drawn to the bounty hunter’s rugged charm.

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, Nathan Reed spent years running from his past. Now, he needs funds to care for his orphaned niece, and quickly. The chance to retrieve a set of stolen documents offers an opportunity he can’t resist. He’ll find those papers and claim the reward, even if it means deceiving the alluring young widow.

As danger rises, Audrey’s strength, honesty, and compassion break down Nathan’s defenses, daring him to embrace a future he never imagined—a loving wife and a family of his own. But when his secrets are exposed, will his chance at redemption and Aubrey’s heart slip through his fingers?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

KyLee Woodley is a cheery romantic who loves to write about bygone days and heartwarming romance with a pinch of adventure. She teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas, where she lives with her husband of eighteen years and their three teenage children. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show, a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.

In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky Dog—a feisty feline named Hazel, and three adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books with her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.

More from KyLee

When I began writing The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender, I had little more than an idea for a pregnant widow and a kind yet wounded man who had some history as an outlaw. The series is called Outlaw Hearts, so someone had to have a history as a bad guy. At one point, Nathan Reed—the reluctant hero—wonders if he can be a “good man” and remembers the Bible verse that says, “Can a…leopard change its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” Jeremiah 13:23 (KJV). I have always thought this verse so sad. After all, it sounds like it’s saying, “If you have been doing evil, you cannot do good.” But, of course, we also know that “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV). So there is hope for Nathan!

As for Aubrey Willot, well, her spiritual journey is a little different. She has already started on it when the story opens, but her greatest challenge is overcoming the fear from her past and living in the hopeful present. During her time as an abused wife, she became someone different, and now she is getting back to who God wants her to be. Here is a glimpse of Aubrey’s psyche just a few weeks after she’d entered widowhood:

Aubrey dared not admit the freedom she felt since Louis’s death. She could choose her own dress without worrying about smirks, criticisms, or being told to change. She had the ability to take as much jam at the breakfast table as she pleased. On her first morning after Pa and Jesse had left, once the will was read and she learned she was the sole heir to Louis’s estate, she spread enough jam on toast to feed five people. Then, she’d cried.

Sad to think that anyone would ever have to reach a place where they feel the way Aubrey does in the beginning of her story, but worry not. Her happily ever after is a sure thing. If you would like to join Nathan and Aubrey on their way to falling in love.

MY REVIEW

A nice story that illustrates how two people from different backgrounds find each other. I liked how the author introduces Aubrey as a young woman determined to overcome her past. She finds herself as a pregnant widow alone and weary. Her husband was not kind to her but he did leave her with a way to provide for herself and her unborn child. When Aubrey discovers that her deceased husband was shady and someone wants to recoup their losses he was responsible for, she begins to understand that she will need strength and God to help her.

Nathan became my favorite character because even though he slipped up doing wrong, his heart is still compassionate. I liked how he protected Aubrey during a time when danger was near. He wants to stay on the right side of the law, but circumstances try to pull him into evil. He adores his niece and wants to be able to provide for her. Will he be able to protect his niece and help Aubrey without breaking the law?

Two people who both lost loved ones now come together in this exciting adventure filled with danger, trials, faith and a second chance. The author does a good job of taking readers back in history to the Wild West where unruly characters were common. The story is realistic and will give readers a feel for a time where many struggled to provide for their families. Join the author as readers see how faith and trust will play a big role in Nathan and Aubrey’s lives.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.