Happy Tuesday! Is Christmas in July still a thing? Well today on By The Book it is! Today’s featured first line is Christmas in The Castle Library by Ann Swindell. My copy came courtesy of a book swap by my book club. I haven’t read it yet, because I generally start my Christmas reading mid-November. But that should probably change. What do you think? When do you start reading Christmas books?
Here are the first lines:
Ellie Sawyer looked at the time in the corner of her computer screen. One minute left.
Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday.
Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.
Ann Swindell and her writing have been featured widely by The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, (in)courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and many other publications. She is the owner of Writing with Grace (where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses), and holds an MA in Writing from DePaul University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Seattle Pacific University. Ann lives in West Michigan with her pastor-husband and their children. Learn more at annswindell.com.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Moms of the Bible by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title:Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful Author:Rhonda Stoppe Publisher: Harvest House Publishers Release Date: March 10, 2026 Genre: Christian Non-Fiction/Parenting
Biblical Encouragement for Everyday Motherhood
Have you ever whispered to yourself, I’ll be a better mom tomorrow…but tomorrow never comes? Maybe you’re comparing yourself to other moms and feel you aren’t measuring up. But don’t lose hope. Just as moms in Scripture learned from life’s ups and downs, with God’s help, you can become the mom you long to be.
Moms of the Bible explores timeless life lessons from Bible moms of all types, revealing how their stories of failure, faith, and hope can help you fulfill your own calling with confidence. From the redeemed Rehab to the horrible Herodias, each story unveils eye-opening insights and powerful applications that can help you as you seek to raise up children who impact their generation with fearless faith.
Author Rhonda Stoppe engages you with the warmth and wisdom of a trusted friend who’s been there herself. For mothers of all ages and stages―including step, adoptive, foster, and grandmothers raising their grandkids―this uplifting look at the moms of Scripture will empower you to influence the culture in profound ways through your sacred ministry of motherhood.
Excerpt
I’ll Be a Better Mom Tomorrow
I’ll be a better mom tomorrow, I whispered to myself before drifting off to sleep. But when tomorrow never came, mom-guilt plagued my anguished soul. Being a fun-loving, good mom was what I hoped for. But, in reality, I spent lots of days in survival mode; snapping at my kids when they spilt their milk and worrying over how we were going to pay for those extracurricular activities.
I wasn’t always on the struggle-bus. Mom-life has seasons of highs and lows, right? Some years I felt like I was totally nailing this mom-thing. I call those times the highlight reel of my parenting experience––you know, the years I hope my kids will replay in their minds when they consider the type of mother I was to them.
When I was ready to change, I looked for help in the pages of Scripture. I needed to learn how to live out my faith in a genuine way, so my kids would want to follow Christ too.
I found help from reading about moms in the Bible. With each testimony of their very real lives, I discovered hope and inspiration from their stories.
These were genuine women who didn’t always get it right, but God redeemed their failures. In spite of their frailties, they were moms whom God had chosen in history for their time. I became enthralled to discover over and over how these mothers influenced, not only their own children, but had a profound impact upon the culture and generation in which they lived. Down through the ages, the first teachers of godly world changers were not theologians, they were their mothers. Let that sit with you for a moment.
These stories transformed my life, and influenced the way I raised my children. I believe the same will be true for you too.
Just like the moms of the Bible, this is your time in history. God has chosen you to raise your children in this generation. As you read through this book, I pray you will wake up each day inspired by the testimonies of these godly mothers, and equipped to live differently than the flawed moms who got it wrong.
Rhonda Stoppe is a biblically sound speaker and host of the award-winning podcast Old Ladies Know Stuff. A trusted voice in the Christian living community, she is the best-selling author of 7 popular books and a frequent guest on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk and Focus on the Family. Rhonda has been joyfully married to her pastor-husband, Steve, for 45 years. They have 4 children and 15 grandchildren. Connect with Rhonda at NoRegretsWoman.com.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 14, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 21, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title:Ribbons of Guilt Series:Bite of Betrayal #3 Author:Laura Thomas Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink Release Date: July 5, 2026 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
A marriage in crisis. A betrayer in the wings. A life at stake.
Harriet Duval has it all—a handsome French husband, a delightful young daughter, a successful career as a professional ballerina behind her, and a beautiful future in a charming village in the English countryside. Even her beloved sisters can’t see the painful truth she hides beneath her perfect mask…
Successful businessman Leo Duval is at a breaking point physically, emotionally, and spiritually as he is forced to harbor secrets in Paris while his marriage in England dissolves before his very eyes.
The magnetic pull of Harriet’s old dancing life and the shocking murder of a Swan Lake ballerina causes her to question everything: faith, future, family. When the killer begins targeting the Duval family, Leo and Harriet’s vulnerable marriage is tested by an unimaginable traumatic event. Will the guilt they carry divide them when they need each other most?
Excerpt
“Leo, do you trust me?”
His forehead wrinkled. “I do.”
“Remember when we first met and you said I was born for the stage?”
“Yes.”
“When you used to say I was a performer who could play any part and dance whatever was required of me?”
“Absolutely.”
Her pulse quickened as she devised a plan. Betray the betrayer.
Leo tucked her windswept hair behind her ears and nodded. “I used to tell you that all the time. I’m glad you still remember. You were amazing. Always.”
“Thanks.” Harriet stretched her spine as long as possible and lengthened her neck. “It’s time.”
“Time for what?”
“I need to put the mask in place for the performance of my life.”
A multi-award-winning Christian author, Laura Thomas writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing.
Laura is a certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!
Connect with Laura by visiting laurathomasauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and an ebook copy of Captured in Frame!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 13, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 20, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Happy Tuesday! Here we are half way through 2026 and I have only read TWO new-to-me authors so far! I have been reading, but evidently only books by favorite authors. I am due to change that quickly. While I haven’t read any of these authors’ books yet, they have been on my radar for a while. I know I have some great reading ahead with my list today. I hope you find some new-to-you authors too!
Janet W. Ferguson has a new release in her Coastal Hearts series that you will not want to miss! Until April is thought-provoking women’s fiction/contemporary romance. Get al the info below.
Michael Galloway has always believed freedom means living life on his own terms. His career is dedicated to saving the environment and teaching others the importance of taking care of the earth, rivers, and oceans. He’s building a life with no room for complications. Especially in his love life.
Then tragedy turns April Yancy’s world upside down.
After her husband’s death, April discovers he’d been hiding devastating secrets, leaving her buried in debt and struggling to protect her children’s future. The last person she expects to come to her rescue is Michael—the man who shattered her heart years ago.
Michael has few regrets, but hurting April back in grad school still haunts him. When her situation grows desperate, he devises a risky plan to help her rebuild her life…even if it means jeopardizing his carefully guarded independence.
Accepting Michael’s shocking offer could cost April more than her pride. His resistance to her faith clashes with the convictions she holds dear, and trusting him again feels impossible. Yet as doors keep opening and her prayers keep nudging her toward him, April begins to wonder if God is offering her a second chance at more than survival.
An emotional second-chance love story of forgiveness, redemption, and unexpected faith.
Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist, Maggie Award Winner, and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after.
Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children and a cat that allows them to share the space.
My Impressions:
I am going to be honest with you, I was not sure how I was going to like Until April, the latest offering in the Coastal Hearts series by Janet W. Ferguson. This women’s fiction/contemporary romance includes a marriage of convenience trope. I always associate that with historical fiction. You know, a time period where that’s acceptable. LOL! Everyone loves Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke, so why does the trope need to be confined to the days of the horse and buggy? Ferguson proved to me that it does not! In the novel, the two main characters have a lot of past history together. They are brought back together under tragic circumstances that Ferguson handles with a compassionate hand. When faced with raising a toddler and a newborn baby alone amidst staggering debt, April takes the extreme step towards security, even though she risks future emotional trauma. Unlike secondary characters in historical fiction, the reactions from friends is not necessarily that of approval, yet it is supportive. And that’s one of the strengths of this book — a community of believers coming alongside believers and nonbelievers alike in loving ways. There are a number of other themes in this book that make it more than just another romance. Male main character Michael is a scientist with a capital S! I loved how believers were firm, but respectful in their sharing of God’s love with him. And I loved how the author has God enter into Michael’s life in supernatural ways that turn his beliefs upside down. There are also themes of grief, forgiveness, family dysfunction, and mental illness explored. The author weaves all of these threads into a sweet story that made me regret turning the last page and leaving Dauphin Island. I hope another book in this series is in the works, because I can’t return soon enough!
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I borrowed a copy of the novel through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Happy Friday! Today I am featuring Amanda Cox‘s upcoming release, The Things We Cannot Keep. Amanda is one of my favorite authors. She has a style that is easy to read, yet her books are anything but easy. They tackle real life struggles through her true-to-life characters. I cannot wait to read this one! Check out the details below.
Here’s the first line:
People always used the phrase “can’t see the forest for the trees” like it was a bad thing, but Tess Holcomb had learned to survive by letting the big picture fade into meaningless blur.
A mysterious package. A name she thought she’d erased. And the one person she never expected to see again.
Tess Holcomb has built a new life in Alabama, repairing timepieces and avoiding her troubled past as she restores her customers’ family heirlooms–treasures she never had. When a mysterious package arrives addressed to Teresa Baker, the name she abandoned, Tess finds herself drawn into a puzzle that threatens her delicate peace.
Then Elliot Sullivan appears at her door after eighteen years, and Tess knows he’s after more than just forgiveness. She doesn’t trust his motives, but he could be the key to uncovering the origin of the mystery package and its cryptic contents.
Tess has found safety in her simple life, but to reunite this lost heirloom with its rightful recipient she will have to come out of hiding. Each clue leads her further from the security of home, and each story reveals hidden truths. The question is whether she’s brave enough to face what she might find–and whether the man beside her can be trusted with what matters most.
Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.
A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes.
She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club–but will she risk loving again?
Leanna Mast never imagined she’d be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it’s time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she’s not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man’s home.
When she’s invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn’t even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She’s sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray skillfully draws readers into an endearing and delightful Amish community of friendship during widowhood and a second chance at love.
Excerpt
She was so tired of being nice. No, that wasn’t true, Leanna Mast decided. She liked being nice. She was a nice person. She was just tired of being nice to the string of men who had started calling on her on Sunday afternoons. Most of them she’d known all her life. Some were old enough to be her father. None of them were husband material.
Though, if she was being honest, the fault was probably hers.
The problem was that she’d already been married once and had no desire to be married again. Ever. So this constant parade of suitors was neither desired nor asked for. They’d just started appearing at her doorstep one year and one month after Willis died.
When the first one had shown up, she’d been so surprised, her good manners had taken over her personal preferences. Instead of politely sending the man home, she offered him kaffi and a slice of the almond cream- cheese bread she’d made that morning. When he asked for a second slice, she gave it grudgingly. She really hadn’t wanted to give him any of her favorite afternoon treat in the first place.
“This is mighty gut bread,” he’d said with his mouth full.
“Danke.” She’d said the word while staring at her hands clenched in her lap.
“You are a modest woman. Not only can you cook and clean, but you are shy too.”
When she lifted her chin to meet his gaze, she’d seen true appreciation there.
She’d bitten the inside of her lip so she wouldn’t ask him to leave.
Unfortunately, that little decision with her first caller had created quite a stir among the single men in the area. Next thing she knew, men started coming around all the time. She’d had to start baking cookies, pies, and bread every morning just to keep up with their hearty appetites.
It was annoying. And exhausting.
Because she was ninety-nine percent sure that she didn’t want to be another man’s wife. The only reason to consider such a thing would be to have a baby. At long last. Even though the doctor had promised that there was nothing wrong with her, she and Willis had never been blessed with a child in their nineteen years of marriage.
However, if she ever did decide to get married again, it would not be to the man currently sitting on her couch. Zeke Detweiler was too brash and too bossy. Plus, he stared at her chest too much. Did he think she wouldn’t notice?
Then, to make matters worse, he’d been her husband’s boss. Leanna hadn’t liked Zeke when Willis was alive and she liked him even less now. Unfortunately, that didn’t mean she could ask him to leave before his hour was up.
She’d learned that a widow, no matter what her age, was expected to be kind and proper. And demure.
Since she still had eighteen minutes to go, she gestured to his empty coffee cup. “Would you care for some more kaffi, Zeke?”
“I would.” His gaze drifted over her again when she started to bend down to pick up his cup and saucer. “You are over forty now, jah?”
“I am forty- one.”
“That’s a gut age, I think. Not too young. Not too old.” He crossed his legs. “You could still have a babe.” His eyes narrowed. “You could, jah?”
“I suppose so.”
“Hmm,” said Zeke.
Gritting her teeth, Leanna forced her expression to remain calm.
“I’ll be right back,” she murmured.
“Don’t forget that I like two teaspoons of sugar,” he said.
“I would never forget that, Zeke.” He needed all the sweetness he could get.
Only when she reached the privacy of her kitchen did Leanna press her hands to her eyes. Tears were threatening. She needed to fight them back before Zeke noticed. She’d learned that most of these later-in-life suitors looked for weaknesses. Flaws. They could be used as ammunition to make her feel like she shouldn’t be alone anymore.
Or, perhaps, simply to make themselves feel better.
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT is an open prompt — Books Whose Titles Contain The Word _____. I chose the word story(ies) because that is what has always drawn me to books — the stories you find in people’s experiences, places, and history. I only have 5 titles, but they are gems you will want to check out.
Happy Friday! Today I am featuring Elizabeth Goddard‘s upcoming release When Silence Breaks, the first book in the Mercy Ridge romantic suspense series. Goddard will take readers on a thrilling ride in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Releasing on August 4, 2026, this novel will be the perfect book to round out your summer reading!
Here’s the first line:
Secrets can’t stay buried forever.
A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers–and danger closing in.
When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather’s deathbed confession connected to her brother’s murder, she’s determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand.
After his father’s death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can’t stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.
Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.
This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry.
Can an unexpected turn lead her right where she belongs?
Pregnant, single and stranded in a storm with her two young kids, Olive Hart is out of options—until gruff mechanic Hank Valentine comes to their rescue. When her housing falls through, he reluctantly offers them shelter at his ranch in exchange for help at his garage. It’s just a temporary arrangement…but Olive’s chaotic, lovable crew begins to warm his guarded heart. They’ve both been burned by the past, but can they find the courage to build something lasting…together?
Excerpt
“Hank, I—”
“Olive, please—”
They spoke over each other. He lifted a hand, palm up. “Ladies first.”
That earned him a tiny grin and a win in his book.
“I hate to be a burden—”
He opened his mouth, but she stopped him with the same look he’d seen her level on her kids when they misbehaved.
“As you probably figured out, my family needs a place to stay a bit longer—”
She licked her lips—a mouth he had no business noticing—then brushed a hand over her ponytail. At first glance, she looked young, but exhaustion clutched her like an extra layer.
He was too old—and too worn down himself—to be getting any ideas. Wasn’t he?
“So the sooner I can start work at the garage—” she took a deep breath, then exhaled “—the sooner I can pay our way.”
“Look, Olive, you’re—”
She didn’t miss the flicker in his eyes toward her ample middle.
“I’m what…pregnant?” Humor laced her tone.
He shrugged. “Well—yeah.”
Her bottom lip jutted out. Way too full, if you asked him.
Olive squared her shoulders and sat a little taller on her chair. “I’m starting on Monday.”
Chris Maday Schmidt is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes contemporary inspirational romance—real-life fairy tales filled with hope, humor, and heart. A member of Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, she is the author of the Love Inspired Sweetwater series for Harlequin, including her latest release, A Mother’s Prayer (June 30, 2026). Her debut novel received a 5-star review in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest.
Connect with Chris by visiting chrismadayschmidt.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a book tote, a B&N gift card, and a signed print copy of A Mother’s Prayer!
(1) winner will receive a Sweetwater, Arizona book bundle: A Father’s Vow, The Fire Chief’s Surprise, and A Mother’s Prayer! (print for US winner, ebooks if winner is outside the US)
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies & book tote. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Many of the books I review are provided to me free of charge from publishers, authors, or other groups in return for a review. The opinions expressed in the reviews are mine and mine alone. No monetary consideration is given. This disclaimer is in accordance with FTC rules.
I am an Amazon.com affiliate, which means that I earn a small percentage of the sales from products purchased through links on my site. I NEVER recommend a book in order to receive a profit. Proceeds from affiliate sales help to defray operating costs of the blog.
Giveaways are open to persons 18 years or older. All winners are picked randomly. No purchases are necessary to enter a giveaway. All giveaways are for US entries only and are void where prohibited.
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