Monday, May 12, 2025

JustRead Blog Tour: Levi's Loyalty by Lynne Lanning

Levi's Loyalty JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Levi's Loyalty by Lynne Lanning, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Levi's Loyalty
Series: Mountain Men - Longing Hearts in the Wilderness
Author: Lynne Lanning
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance (Christian)

Levi found out how much void a woman could fill in his heart…

But the heartache and betrayal wasn’t worth it.

He was better off alone… wasn’t he?

Levi enjoys his secluded life on the mountain until his friend convinces him he needs a woman in his life. A wife, when you’ve barely been around people, especially women? If only he could pick one out at the store like a shovel or bag of flour. But Levi falls head over heels—ignoring all the warning signs that something is wrong—until a delay in marrying her reveals her true intentions.

Now, he’s decided heartache and betrayal aren’t worth it. He’s better off alone. But God has a surprise waiting in the wilderness, softening the devastation he had suffered…in the form of a feisty woman who has claimed his mountain home for her own.

Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre and I enjoy it tremendously. Levi's Loyalty by Lynne Lanning is part of the Mountain Men - Longing Hearts in the Wilderness series.

I was very intrigued by the synopsis and cover of this book, so I knew I had to read it. I am glad I trusted my instinct and read this book. Levi is a "lonely" man living in the Mountains. He prefers to be lonely and doesn't forsee himself being the marrying guy. He does have friends around him and they are continually encouraging him that he doesn't have to live alone and that there might be women who he can have a relationship with. Levi is a man of faith and prays that God will direct his ways and lead him to a woman if that is God's will. Levi heads into town to sell his crafts and is smitten by a woman in town. The woman isn't all that Levi believed her to be and his heart is broken. Levi isn't sure what to make of this and returns to the mountains. He has a situation back on the Mountain that shows him that his God given woman might have been there all along. I really LOVE that the author really focuses on the fact that Levi is loyal to the one whom he should be loyal to, God. The book is one of Trusting God and that God's plan is greater then our own. I am looking forward to further books in this series. GREAT BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Lynne Lanning has such an effortless way of evoking emotion from her readers. Her characters are so realistic that the reader can feel their pain during trials and their joy during triumphs. Reviews state: "...it's as if Mrs. Lanning lived through this herself." "Couldn't put it down..." "A real page turner." Lynne enjoys turning history and her love of God into enjoyable, relatable stories with practical life lessons that can benefit people today. Each story tells of true bonds of love and loyalty, mixed with tough times and decisions, with a twist of humor and sometimes devastation...the same is true in life. With a blend of her own family members and heritage along with lots of fiction, it's hard to tell where reality stops and fantasy begins.

Connect with Lynne by subscribing to her email newsletter updates or following her on Amazon.

(2) winners will each receive a gift basket with homemade scented soaps (like you'll find in the story), a print copy of Levi's Loyalty, a print copy of one of Lynne Lanning's 2025 Selah Awards finalist titles (winner's choice between To Trust a Heart or Mail-Order Stonemason), and bookmarks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 12, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 2025. 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!

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Shadowed Secrets by S.F. Baumgartner

Book: Shadowed Secret (Mirror Estate Series Book 5)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

Release date: May 13, 2025

In a world of secrets and shadows, a priest, two accountants, and an elite task force must protect what’s hidden or risk it all.

Fr. Phil, a former Navy SEAL turned priest, finds his quiet life at Mirror Estate shattered when a priest from the Vatican pays him a visit. Asked to retrieve a secret book before it’s auctioned on the dark web, Fr. Phil must face lethal adversaries and race against time, knowing his life is on the line.

Tommy Rivers’s date with Mia Granger turns deadly when they’re attacked upon discovering a colleague murdered at the office. Assuming they have the book, ruthless operatives have Tommy and Mia in their sights.

With the exposure of the secret book threatening the lives of countless operatives, Fr. Phil, Tommy, Mia, and an elite FBI task force must prevent a catastrophic intelligence leak before time runs out.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Suspense is a genre that I have come to enjoy the genre fully. Shadowed Secret by S.F. Baumgartner is Book 4 in the Mirror Estate series. I have read this series from the beginning and have been truly enjoying it.

WOW, the storyline keeps me captivatied from the beginning of the book. A Navy Seal turned priest, Fr. Phil, is asked to help on a critical retrival, but he is risking his life in doing so. Tommy Rivers and Mia Granger are put in danger when they discover their co-worker murdered in the office. Tommy, Mia and Fr. Phil work together to figure out why there is so many deadly attacks going on and who is trying to sabotage them. The book is a PAGE TURNER with all the twists, turns and intriging mystery throughout. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense Novels. WONDERFUL BOOK!

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

More from S.F.

Unraveling Secrets: The Journey of Writing This Book

Some books come together effortlessly. Others take their time, demanding patience, persistence, and more rewrites than I care to admit. This latest installment falls firmly into the latter category. The story simply didn’t gel the first couple of times I attempted to write it. I knew where it needed to go, but the journey to get there felt off. Characters resisted the paths I initially set for them, subplots unraveled at the seams, and the pacing never quite clicked the way I wanted it to.

It took several drafts and a fair amount of frustration before things finally started falling into place. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was that this book needed to do more than just continue the story—it had to weave together past threads while setting the stage for what’s to come. That’s a delicate balance, and it wasn’t something I could rush.

Why I Wrote This Book

The simplest answer? It’s the next chapter in the story. After everything that has happened in previous installments, there were lingering questions that needed answers, loose ends that needed to be tied up—or, in some cases, unraveled even further.

This story is about Fr. Phil. He’s no longer just the priest of Mirror Estate’s chapel; he’s once again being pulled into the shadows of his past. Old alliances resurface, and new threats emerge. At the same time, Olivia and Simon’s upcoming wedding adds a deeply personal layer to the story. In many ways, this book is about past decisions catching up with the present—whether in matters of faith, espionage, or personal relationships.

And then there’s the Ghost. Marge Beaumont remains as enigmatic as ever, and while she’s playing by the rules—for now—it’s clear she’s still ten steps ahead of everyone. The question isn’t just whether she can be trusted, but whether anyone can truly outmaneuver her.

The Challenge of Getting It Right

What made this book particularly challenging was the complexity of the narrative threads. There’s a missing book that may or may not contain dangerous secrets. There’s an auction on the dark web that threatens national security. There’s a decades-old mystery involving hidden treasure. And, of course, there’s the ever-present undercurrent of trust and betrayal—who’s telling the truth, who’s working an angle, and who’s about to make their next move?

Balancing these elements while keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high took longer than expected. Some subplots had to be reworked entirely, others had to be trimmed down, and a few surprises emerged that even I didn’t see coming in the early drafts.

What’s Next?

Now that this book is finally complete, I can say with confidence that the struggle was worth it. The twists, the revelations, and the character moments that emerged from this process have made it stronger than I initially imagined.

For readers who have been following this series, I hope you enjoy the ride. Expect high stakes, hidden agendas, and a few moments that might just leave you breathless. And as always, thank you for sticking with me on this journey—because the story is far from over.

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 10
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 11
Stories By Gina, May 12 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13
Texas Book-aholic, May 14
Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Author Interview)
Betti Mace, May 16
Artistic Nobody, May 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18
Blogging With Carol, May 19
Guild Master, May 20 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 21
For Him and My Family, May 22
Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook 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/00adcf54216

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Sunday, May 11, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure by Yvonne M Morgan

Book: Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure

Author: Yvonne M Morgan

Genre: Children’s Early Reader

Release date: February 1, 2025

A Kenya Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren’t different, and Jesus loves all children.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, “Mary the Missionary” teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.

Click here to get your copy!

Childrens books are a very important genre. I LOVE reading books to Little Ones and watching them enjoy the books. Mary the Missionary, a Kenya Adventure by Yvonne M. Morgan is the latest in this genre that I have enjoyed.

I was really excited about the premise and topic of the book. Mary learns about "all the Children of the World" at Sunday School. She begins asking questions about the Children and how their lives are in other countries, especially how they LOVE God. I LOVE that her parents decide to take her on a Missions trip to Kenya so that she can experience the different cultures and how children across the Children live. The adventures in Kenya are not without trials, but those trials teach valuable lessons to Mary. I really LOVE how Mary easily makes new friends in Kenya and truly learns new things through her new friends. The culture experience from Mary's eyes was astounding and seeing her understand that even though the kids in Kenya maybe different on the outside, they are all the same on the inside. The book is one about God's love for everyone, Faith, Culture and empathy. The book is GORGEOUSLY illustrated by Jack Foster. The illustrations really bring the story to life for little ones. GREAT BOOK!

Yvonne M Morgan takes readers of all ages on a journey of faith, hope, and love with encouraging words. Her captivating storytelling will inspire readers to trust in the Lord and give them hope. Yvonne’s insightful reflections will resonate with anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God.

More from Yvonne

As my grandchildren grew, I started writing children’s books. I wanted them to read engaging, faith-based stories filled with fun illustrations and valuable lessons that would nurture their faith. As the children grew, I wanted to continue their lessons, tailoring them to their expanding interests and abilities. The book, “Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure,” shares the message of God’s love, and how we are all his children despite our differences.

The memories of my mission trips to Kenya, filled with the warmth of the people and the beauty of the landscape, led me to choose it for Mary’s visit. I loved the vibrant tapestry of cultures and the welcoming smiles of the people I met during my visits. To help your children explore Kenya, I’ve added free resources to my website; these include downloadable activity books and captivating information. Here is a link to those resources: https://yvonne-morgan.com/mary-the-missionary-resources.

In Kenya, Ugali is used as a fork to pick up their food. Ugali Recipe to try with your children:

Ingredients:

1 cup maize meal / corn meal

2 cups normal water

Instructions:

Heat water over medium heat in a deep pan. Make sure you use a pan with a handle.

Add the maize meal or cornmeal and keep on stirring with a strong wooden spoon.

Keep stirring and pressing the mixture against the sides of the pan to break up the lumps.

As the mixture becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to mix but keep mixing and breaking up the lumps.

The mixture with begin to come away from the sides of the pan.

Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes.

At this point transfer the ugali to a platter. Place the plate over the pan and turn it upside down.

Or you can transfer to a small heatproof bowl. Pat it down into shape. Place a plate over the bowl and turn it over.

Enjoy piping hot ugali with your favorite stew or curry.

Rural School in Kenya

Vicky Sluiter, May 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4
Texas Book-aholic, May 5
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 6
Lots of Helpers, May 7
Mary Hake, May 7
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 8
Leslie’s Library Escape, May 9
Older & Smarter?, May 10
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 11
ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 12
For Him and My Family, May 13
Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)
Roads to Everywhere, May 14
Labor Not in Vain, May 15
Lights in a Dark World, May 16

To celebrate her tour, Yvonne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/00adcf54212

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Friday, May 9, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Lizzie's Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne

Book: Lizzie’s Little Mouse (The Heart of the Amish Series Book Eight)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: April, 2025

Lizzie Has Dreams That Won’t Be Deterred

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Ever since attending a wedding in Louisiana, Lizzie Miller has been fascinated by French baked goods. With permission of her parents and bishop, she did a two-year internship in a French bakery in New Orleans. When a local Amish bakery became available, she bought it and opened her own French inspired bakery.

But now someone wants her out of business. During her grand opening, a strange man accosts her, then a brick is tossed through her window wrapped in a note telling her to leave. Someone breaks into her apartment above the bakery, and her cat chases the intruder out.

With the help of her friends, Lizzie will get to the bottom of why someone wishes her to fail. And at the same time, she’ll realize that sometimes dreams can be fulfilled with what—or who—was always close at hand, just waiting to be noticed.

Click here to get your copy!

Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre of books. Lizzie’s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne is Book 8 in The Heart of the Amish Series. The series is written by various authors and they can be stand alone books. I read many books in the series and have been enjoying the series!

I was hooked on the storyline from the very first pages. The main characters in the book are Lizzie Miller and John Bontrager. Lizzie has always wanted to run a Bakery and has been fascinated by French Bakery treats since visiting New Orleans. She was given authority to study French Baked Goods in New Orleans for 2yrs. She was very excited to be able to buy the Amish Bakery when she returned. She is living her "dream", but then trouble arises. She is being attacked in many ways and it takes her and a crew of her friends to begin to figure out why someone doesn't want her to run the Bakery. A Mystery needs to be solved and Lizzie and her friends uncover some interesting info about the Bakery that goes back 100 years. I LOVE that the friends stand by Lizzie and protect her, especially John. I truly enjoyed watching Lizzie and John turn their lifelong friendship into a Romance. They finally admitted the have wanted to court one another for a long while. A VERY Sweet Romance blossoms! This is a WONDERFUL Story and anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction with a bit of Cozy Mystery will enjoy this book! WONDERFUL BOOK!

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

More from Anne

I’m so excited that once again, the amazing bloggers who work with Celebrate Lit are going to do a blog tour for my brand new book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”!

Lizzie’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel so blessed to have the help of the Celebrate Lit folks in launching this wonderful story.

If you read either of my previous two books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise” and “Mary’s Calico Hope”, you’ll remember Elizabeth Miller, their sassy friend with the darling Haflinger pony named Goldie who gave Mary a ride one morning before church services. Elizabeth, or Lizzie, was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Lizzie’s cat is a gray kitty she named Petit Souris, which is French for Little Mouse. Why Little Mouse? Because as a tiny kitten, the darling reminded Lizzie of a mouse!

And why the French name? Well, our heroine is not your typical Amish miss. After attending a wedding in New Orleans as a teen and tasting the amazing baked goods for which the city is renowned, Lizzie began dreaming of opening her very own New Orleans style French bakery – in Ohio’s Amish country!

She loves everything to do with New Orleans, and learned to speak their dialect of French while doing an internship in a bakery there when she was 18. Upon returning home she went to work at the local bakery to learn more about the business, and to save up for her dreams.

As the story opens, we find that Lizzie’s dream has come true! It’s opening day of The Plain Beignet, Lizzie’s bakery in Willow Creek, Ohio. Everyone comes out to wish her well, including friends you’ll recognize from my first two books!

But when something unexpected and frightening happens during the grand opening, it becomes apparent that not everyone is as happy as Lizzie and her friends about her success.

Along with some help from her pals, and her best friend Jane’s handsome big brother, John, Lizzie will get to the bottom of the mystery of who wants to put her out of business, and why!

They discover, among other things, that Lizzie’s bakery was the site of a murder a hundred years before! What could this historic crime have to do with Lizzie’s current problems?

As she, John and their friends search for clues, Lizzie will discover that there’s more baking than her latest batch of beignets!

Could it be romance?

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Lizzie’s story! This book is my third in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my fourth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in all my other stories, Jane Bontrager.

Just like her friends, Jane received a kitten from their friend, Lydia; a little brown tabby. Her story, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”, is due out in early winter 2026. .

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

As for me and mine, we are all well and enjoying spring in southeast Ohio. In other words, enjoying the sunshine, but carrying a sweater and an umbrella, just in case!

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne