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This book kept me on the edge of my seat. There were a few areas where I did feel a little lost, but I am glad I stuck with the book. It was a great read full of suspense, military elements, romance, and faith elements.
This friends-to-more romance was the perfect kissy-only romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee by Barbara M. Britton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Title: Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee
Author: Barbara M. Britton
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: January 6, 2026
Genre: Biblical Fiction Devotional
Discover the life changing power of Jesus in six short stories from the Gospel of Mark. The miracles of Jesus will leap from the page in a Biblical Fiction story, author reflection, and relatable study.
Travel with Jesus as he calms a storm, heals a desperate woman, raises a dead daughter to life, sends His disciples on a minimalist mission, feeds thousands on a hillside, and shows compassion to a persistent mother.
A perfect study for your small group, personal or family devotions, or even a book club. If you know Jesus, fall in love with Him all over again.
If you haven’t experienced Jesus’s power and love, jump in His boat and engage with the Creator and Savior of the world.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
Barbara M. Britton is an author of Christian Fiction who loves to bring little-known Bible stories to light. She has taught the Bible in church and schools for thirty years. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.
Lydia slumped against her walking stick, the emerging heat draining her strength.
Elon flinched. He could not offer her assistance without becoming unclean. As if sensing why she traveled from her tent, he sprinted to a water jar and set it by her ram skin prison.
A tear slipped from her eye and graced her cheek. “You are too good to me, Elon.” And good for her. You should have abandoned me years ago.
Before she collapsed and embarrassed herself, and him, she grasped his basket and turned toward her tent. The rain had dampened the woven reeds, so the handle fit securely in her palm. If only her future were as secure.
“There is a man.” Elon’s words chased after her. “He lives with a fisherman. Near the lake.”
There was always a man who claimed he could help her. For a fee. The slashes and burns and bindings of the physicians had never healed her. Her health worsened. The horrors of what they had made her drink sickened her stomach. She had only received disappointment and pain.
(1) winner will receive an Across the Lake book box which includes a paperback copy of Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee, a Hebrews 12:2 Scripture Rock, a necklace with cross and GRACE tag, a print copy of the Shelter in the Night devotional by LoRee Peery, a Philippians 4:13 notebook, and a $20 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 2, 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.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Forged in Firra by C.B. Sharp, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Title: Forged in Firra
Series: The Oriel Odyssey #1
Author: C. B. Sharp
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Genre: YA Christian Fantasy
Three will be born of pure intent,
One of bravery, one of compassion, and one of faith.
Wield the sword to slay the kings,
And destroy the bloodless wraith.
The immortal Ancients have positioned themselves as creators, worthy of worship and rule. As a result, they have morphed into beasts, keeping Clay Borns divided and dependent upon them. After their parents are captured, and they are left for dead, the Oriel siblings learn of their fate: free Tirra Nova from the Ancients’ oppressive regime and restore divine order to their world. Forced to trust their former enemies and seek the aid of a stardust maiden, the Oriels must rely on their wits and faith to fulfill a seemingly impossible mission.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
C. B. Sharp has been writing magical tales since she was a child, dreaming up imaginary worlds. She has a degree in Elementary Education and taught elementary school in remote northern Canada. After her northern adventures, she founded a successful tutoring company. In addition to teaching and writing, she also enjoys visual art, graphic design, movie marathons, cooking, and quality time with her loving fiancé and quirky cat, Munch.
Connect with the author by visiting cbsharpwrites.mailerpage.io to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Forged in Firra is C.B. Sharp’s debut novel. This is YA Fantasy, so it did take me a little bit to get into this story. Like most stories in the fantasy genre, I was mostly lost for the first little bit. Once I could picture the world, I was all in. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I loved that this was a sibling journey. The Oriel children: Brion, Caitlin, and Fallon live in this world where the immortal Ancients, which are animals, rule the Clay Borns (humans). The Ancients have kept the Clay Borns in an oppressive community. Where everyone must watch out for themselves and report others for survival. The Oriel siblings find themselves with their parents taken away. In a world that abandons orphans to the forest, they are left for dead, but they find themselves on a quest to free Tirra Nova from the Ancients. Secret tunnels, scrolls, talking to animals, stories become real, characters with a disability, this is an adventure worth taking.
C.B. Sharp did a great job using allegory throughout the journey. I loved the Christian elements.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Forged in Firra and a $20 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 27, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 3, 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/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!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Grandpa's Comrade by Kelsey Gjesdal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Title: Grandpa's Comrade
Author: Kelsey Gjesdal
Publisher: Kelsey Lee Writes LLC
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Genre: Christian YA fiction, multigenerational fiction, military fiction, adventure novel
A boy who wants to be a hero. A girl who just wants to be lost in her books. And a Grandpa with a past that won't leave him alone.
Teens Jess and Will are stuck with their grandparents for three weeks while their parents go on a second honeymoon. Neither are too excited to be bored in a house full of off-limits secrets. But when Will's curiosity gets the best of him, the siblings uncover a mysterious box with a hidden message that could change everything. As former Navy SEAL Grandpa plans a rescue mission for a long-lost comrade, the teens must decide if they're ready for a real adventure. Jess and Will must navigate the unknown territory of South Korea... and Grandpa's PTSD. With each new clue comes haunting memories, and time is running out. Can Jess and Will find Grandpa's Comrade before it's too late?
Join Jess and Will as they learn about true bravery, family love, and the price of heroism.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
Connect with Kelsey by visiting kelseyleewrites.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Grandpa’s Comrade is the first book I have read written by Kelsey Gjesdal. As a Christian YA book, it was a great read. It captured my attention and drew me in.
This story takes us on a journey to try to save a missing comrade in Korea. Grandma and Grandpa are taking care of Jess and Will. The teens go into Grandpa’s workspace and stumble upon a box that has elvish written all over it. Jess, the Lord of the Rings fanatic, is excited and goes to work translating it. They discover the meaning of the hidden message, and that is when Grandpa decides he must go to Korea to search for his missing comrade. Grandpa deals with PTSD and often has a hard time with things. Jess and Will also will not be left behind. So Grandpa, Grandma, and the teens end up on an adventure to Korea. Jess and Will want to help Grandpa so badly that they often find themselves in bad positions. Between secret tunnels, a missionary, PTSD, kidnapping, and more, this story was quite the adventure.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Grandpa's Comrade plus a $15 Amazon Gift Card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 20, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 27, 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.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Arimathea by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Title: Anna of Arimathea
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #1
Author: Susanne Blumer
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press
Release Date: December 7, 2025
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Some wounds are carried in silence. Some healings require more than medicine.
Eighteen-year-old Anna bears the marks of a childhood tragedy that left her motherless, scarred, and lame. Hidden within the household of her father, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy councilman of the Sanhedrin, her days are measured in herb gardens and healing tinctures, in the steady work of hands trained to help others, and in the quiet safety of a world made small.
Then Andrew of Bethsaida arrives at her father's gate with urgent business for Joseph and talk of a teacher who calls ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. A fisherman turned disciple, Andrew follows the rabbi Jesus with a conviction that unsettles every long-held expectation—including Anna's own.
When Andrew's kindness cracks open the door to a larger world, Anna faces an impossible choice: remain in the safety of her father's estate or risk everything for the possibility of healing, love, and a life she never dared imagine.
Set against the dusty roads and fishing villages of first-century Judea, where miracles unfold and mercy walks among the broken, Anna of Arimathea opens The Arimathea Chronicles—a richly imagined tale of faith, first love, and redemption in the footsteps of the Messiah.
Anna of Arimathea is perfect for readers who love:
Biblical and historical fiction with rich period detail
Redemptive love stories that explore the cost of faith
Immersive historical worlds
Characters who choose courage over comfort
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
Susanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. As the CEO and Founder of Sassafras on Sutton LLC, she is the owner of three magical indie bookstores nestled in the North Carolina mountains of Black Mountain and Waynesville and Beaufort, South Carolina. One even has a full coffee bar. Oh, happy day!
She is the author of The Arimathea Chronicles, a series set in first-century Judea and centered on the life of Anna, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. The first book, Anna of Arimathea, published in December 2025 and the second, Anna of Bethsaida, will be available in March 2026. She's also written several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband. Her new children's picture book series, The Story of You, will release its first book late Spring 2026 called Before Your Story Had A Name.
When she’s not writing or doing other entrepreneurial tasks, you can usually find her hanging out on the floor of one of her stores, drinking coffee and learning the stories of her customers or spoiling her eight chickens. Susanne splits her time between Waynesville, NC in her beloved mountains and Beaufort, SC on the enchanting Lowcountry coast.
Connect with Susanne by visiting susanneblumer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Anna’s father is Joseph of Arimathea, who we encounter in the New Testament. Joseph is a member of the Sanhedrin, but also a follower of Christ. The story begins with an accident that leaves Anna’s mother dead and Anna with scars, a limp, and in pain. Joseph then takes Anna to their house and has her stay there while he does his Sanhedrin duties. Anna follows in her mother’s footsteps and is learning different remedies to heal people. When Andrew, the disciple, shows up at her doorstep.
This book brought the bible to life in a great way. I loved reading this beautifully crafted story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
(2) winners will each receive a signed print copy of Anna of Arimathea plus a $50 Bookshop.org Gift Card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 21, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 28, 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.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
This was a fun read about time sailing, where there is a mailbox, and if you open the mailbox, there is a task for you to complete. You find yourself in the past, with the only way to communicate with the present is through the mailbox. Mariana is the widow and mother of two teenagers. She lost her husband recently and is having a hard time grieving the loss. Mariana is the one who finds herself in St. Louis during the great fire. She does not know what her purpose is, though she goes to work trying to help others. In the meantime, her teens, Aiden and Brinley, are left in the present day with Claire. Each character is going through something different. Learning to grieve, learning to lean into God and trust Him. I appreciate the historical aspect and learning about 1849, a part of history I did not know about.
Sarah Hanks did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The story starts with Salome as a young girl. Her spiritedness gets her into trouble a time or two. All Salome has is her Abba, who is always there to help and encourage her. When everyone around Salome begins to get married, it seems that Salome may never get the chance. Then Zebedee and Salome get married. Salome has conflict between her sisters-in-law, and we see the struggle and strain that it puts on family relationships. Zebedee and Salome grow their family and have James, and then John a few years later. As they are growing their family, the family business, the fisherman, is also growing. With that, they take the leap and move.
As the sons grow up, Jesus begins his ministry. James and John begin to spend more time with Jesus. Throughout the book, we get to see or hear about some of the different miracles Jesus performed. I loved seeing it through Salome’s eyes. Seeing the effects of following Jesus also would have impacted the family as well. This book was full of truth, emotions, and truly brought the bible to life from a mother’s point of view.
Heather Kaufman did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the whole novel. It was very evident that a lot of research and time went into writing this book. I appreciate the work. I appreciate the author’s note detailing the difference and the different ideas.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
