Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Every Captive Freed Novella Collection

Every Captive Freed
by B.D. Lawrence, Shannon McNear, Angela Shelton
Publisher: Brave Author Books
ISBN: 979-8999132413

I'm one of those readers who appreciates authors who write stories about hard topics. That certainly applies to this novella collection! Every Captive Freed covers the topic of human trafficking. Yes, a hard, but realistic topic with a strong faith thread. Thanks to the publisher for sending me the ebook ARC for review.

Summary:

Sara's Story by B.D. Lawrence

Once a nameless girl surviving the brutality of strip clubs and street corners, Sara Hanley has been snatched from the darkness and given a second chance. Now eighteen, she’s using her hard-earned strength to reach and rescue others caught in the same trap. Sara’s Story is a raw and redemptive look at one young woman’s journey from exploited victim to fierce advocate.

My Review:

The reality of knowing life for kids in foster care can be awful, it's show just how bad in Sara's Story. Boys and girls are looking for love and unfortunately, it often comes at a price. It certainly did for Sara. From one bad situation to another, life unravels for her piece by piece until she's finally snatched from the streets thanks to Calvin Rockport and his "team." If a story will pierce your heart and make you want to get involved in the dangerous business of rescuing people from these types of situations, this one will do it! Being part of Sara's journey did my heart in! Knowing that there are people in this world who thrive on evil makes me want to beg for Jesus to come soon. And the Lord is in this story, even from the start. He's with her, but she has to claim Him as her own. Thankfully, through her physical rescue there is also spiritual rescue! There is hope!

Streams of the Heart by Shannon McNear

During the winter of 1804-05, a young Native woman stepped onto the stage of American history and helped shape the course of an equally young nation. Sacagawea proved an invaluable asset to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, not just as an interpreter but also with her knowledge of the land, a cool head in times of crisis, and as a sign of peace to the peoples of the West by her mere presence. Her strength and resilience are legendary. Though her name is well known, some are unaware that she was a survivor of slavery, twice over.

My Review:

I hadn't expected a story about Sacagawea (Streams of the Heart), someone we all think we know in one way or another. I knew the very basics, that she was a teen who helped Lewis and Clark. What I didn't know was that her people were killed and she, along with a few others, were taken captive. From there, she was given to a man who already had a Native American woman who was his wife. Just the thought of a grown man with a young girl makes my blood boil. Needless to say, reading this story gave me a new appreciation for all that Sacagawea did in the time she was with Lewis & Clark. Before this story, I never realized she had been a victim in human trafficking. All that she endured at such a young age made my heart so sad. Her sacrifice at the end of the story still has me baffled! I appreciate stories like this that give us new insight to historical people!

Unbroken by Angela Shelton

Seventeen-year-old Nova Stone thought she knew how her story would go—faith,
volleyball, and finding where she belongs. Then Damien Blackwell walked into her life,
charming and protective, making her feel seen. Special. Loved.
When Nova’s world shatters, her dream date evaporates, and she finds herself imprisoned in a nightmare, far from home and hope. As Nova fights to reclaim her life—and her voice—she must face a terrifying Can she risk everything to escape, even if it means leaving someone behind?

My Review:

The last story, Unbroken, shows just how easy it is for a young person to have the wool pulled over their eyes with smooth talk.  Young people (and frankly even older people) can be easy prey for someone with ulterior motives, especially when someone is desperate to be seen and loved. Somehow evil people are able to sniff that out, and is exactly what happened to Nova. Just your average teen falling for a handsome "older" guy. Those older people isolate their victims and pounce! It was just so awful to travel that path with Nova. And where there are more victims along the way, I get so riled up. Just waiting for these evil people to get what's coming to them. Here on earth and when they meet the Creator! I loved how God worked in the midst of the evil in an unexpected way and how He gave her the opportunity to hear the Truth being preached in a way that you wouldn't expect in Nova's situation.

10% of all proceeds go to the anti-human trafficking arm of the Tim Tebow foundation.

About the Authors:

B.D. Lawrence has always loved reading fiction. Ironically, though, his worst subject in high school was English. One night, sitting in a master's level computer programming class, daydreaming about vigilantes, he decided to give writing a try. Out of that came his first novel, which went nowhere. That was many years ago. 

During his writing journey he’s dabbled in several genres, including mystery, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. He currently is focusing on crime stories of justice, vengeance, and redemption. He hopes his Lefty Bruder private detective series will not only entertain lovers of P.I. fiction but will also help fight the scourge of human trafficking, as B.D. Lawrence is going to donate half of all his profits from that series to organizations helping to fight human trafficking.

Learn more about B.D. Lawrence and his work at https://www.bdlawrence.com


Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. A Midwestern farm girl who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, for more than two decades before being transplanted to North Dakota, she's a military wife, mother of 8, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers. When not cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.


Angela Shelton: Rancher by Day, Bestselling Dreamer by Night πŸŒΎπŸ“š

She’s the faith-filled force behind heart-pounding romantic suspense and thought-provoking dystopian tales. With one foot planted firmly in Georgia cattle country and the other chasing publishing dreams, Angela blends hope, grit, and grace into every story she tells. Whether she's decoding healthcare billing like a pro or plotting her next YA twist under starlight with Carly (her loyal black lab) curled at her feet, Angela’s always crafting something meaningful — something that connects.

Champion of clean reads. Master of subtle faith threads. And on a ten-year mission to land among the bestsellers.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen + GIVE AWAY

Echoes of a Silent Song JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I'm a huge fan of Amanda's stories! I can't wait to get started on a new series by her! Be sure to check out the book excerpt & giveaway below! I received her book as part of the tour!

About the Book

Echoes of a Silent Song

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song 
Series: Melodies and Memories #1 
Author: Amanda Wen 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: October 21, 2025 
Genre: Split-time Romance 

A split-time romance from an award-winning author

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight's goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible. 

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day. 

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core. 

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town's history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook | BookBub | Bookshop

Also Available:

Roots of Wood and Stone The Songs That Could Have Been The Rhythm of Fractured Grace


Book Excerpt

“I wasn’t her type. Not good enough for her. Or her parents.” His gaze shifted to something behind Callum, and he smiled and waved. “Sorry, Callum, I just spied some alumni I haven’t seen in a decade. If you’ll excuse me?” Without waiting for a reply, he clapped Callum on the back and strode away.

Callum watched him leave, the stadium lights reflecting off his satiny Peterson Patriots jacket. It was entirely plausible. The librarian could have interpreted events one way, while Vic’s version could be the real story.

But why would Vic have first claimed not to know Iris at all? Why not just come out with the truth? They’d dated briefly and ended things. That happened often enough in high school. And maybe Iris meant so little to him, maybe the relationship had been so brief, that Vic truly hadn’t remembered it. Not until something jogged his memory.

But what didn’t happen every day was someone’s high school significant other passing away while still in high school. Surely that would’ve been worth at least a little bit of brain space.

Blair was still up in the stands, clutching a Styrofoam cup of something and leaning over to talk to Joy. Her puffy coat and her adorable hat were the same shade of Peterson blue, and her fingertips were peeking out of a cute little pair of white gloves, and why did the words cute and adorable continually spring to mind when he saw her outside of work? It was bad enough Wednesday with the T- shirt and jeans, and now, with her all bundled up like a snow princess despite the fifty- degree temperature . . .

At least he didn’t find her cute at work yet. That would make things wicked awkward.

Well, cute or not, he needed to talk to her. Tell her what Vic said and get her read on it. She knew Vic far better than he did. And he wanted to believe Vic.

But right now, he wasn’t quite sure he did.

About the Author

Amanda Wen

Amanda Wen is a Carol– and Selah Award–winning and Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including Roots of Wood and Stone, The Songs That Could Have Been, and The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. She is also a professional musician. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

Connect with Amanda by visiting amandawen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Echoes of a Silent Song and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Echoes of a Silent Song JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 2025. 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt + GIVE AWAY

The Heart of Bennet Hollow JustRead Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I simply adore Joanne Bischof DeWitt! Her stories always melt my heart and her characters stick with me! Check out the excerpt below before entering the giveaway!

About the Book

The Heart of Bennet Hollow

Title: The Heart of Bennet Hollow 
Author: Joanne Bischof DeWitt 
Publisher: Tyndale 
Release Date: October 7, 2025 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart . 

New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor. 

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters. 

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all. 

An inspirational historical romance retelling of Pride and Prejudice for fans of Julie Klassen, Sally Britton, and Sarah E. Ladd. A clever, clean love story. Southern historical fiction in the vein of Michelle Shocklee and Pepper Basham. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.

Also Available:

The Lady and the Lionheart

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale Fiction | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub


Book Excerpt

Lizbeth knew some fine colliers, but something in her heart longed for more than sweeping the porch steps on one of the rowhouses where miners and their families dwelled in the shadow of the coal company. A place where grime and dust tried to coat anything in its sight. 

Was that the life she was meant for? Who was she to think that there might ever be more?

Ma had fussed that she was headstrong. Pa dubbed her noble. And all the girls knew her as well-read. Those weren’t particularly good qualifications for a bride. No. Men around here needed women who could diaper a baby and store coins beneath the mattress. Stretching provisions remained the order of the day, not reading books or caring for her mules or hoping she could have a purpose that she’d been uniquely made for.

Tilting the basket, Lizbeth searched for more chamomile, unable to believe that a man might love her and her purpose. That he could need her for such. Especially since she didn’t yet know what that purpose might be. Best she remain alone and live out a quiet life right here, surrounded by her sisters and her beloved mules. Perhaps that was her calling all along. Otherwise, she’d need to nail her dreams to the floor and go the way that all young women in New River went. To be a miner’s wife, owing every cent her husband made to the company store just for flour and salt.

About the Author

Joanne Bishof DeWitt

Christy and Carol Award–winning author Joanne Bischof DeWitt writes romantic fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. Her historical romance The Lady and the Lionheart received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews and was the very first independently published novel to win a Christy Award. It has also recently taken to the stage. As a longtime Jane Austen fan, Joanne is often making popcorn with her mom so they can rewatch their favorite adaptions, and as a new wife, she celebrates God's own redemptive love stories. Joanne thanks the Lord daily for bringing along her very own hero who's a perfect balance between Colonel Brandon and Mr. Darcy. Together, they're a blended family and the grateful parents of six teens and young adults, making them huge advocates for conversations, laughter, and large dinner tables.

Connect with Joanne by visiting JoanneBischofDewitt.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Heart of Bennet Hollow and a $25 gift card to Amazon, Baker Book House, Christianbook, or Walmart!

The Heart of Bennet Hollow JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 22, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 29, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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Tuesday, October 21, 2025

The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall By Jaime Jo Wright

The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall
by Jaime Jo Wright
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764243806

Summary:

An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . . 
A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . . 

In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended.

In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself.


My Review:

October is the perfect month for The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall to release. I was fascinated from page one! We get 2 1/2 perspectives in this story. Waverly of 1890, Waverly of 1950, and Jennie in current day! That second Waverly added an extra element that kept me on my toes.

The author time and time again has me trying to get what's really going on and it's never until the end that it's all finally revealed. I had no clue when the truth came out! Trying to fit all of the pieces together as I read had me no where near what came to light! Now that I know what's going on, I want to start all over from the beginning with the new information.

Waverly of 1890 has had a hard life and living with her aunt & uncle isn't proving to be any better. When her uncle's insistence that he's going to be done in comes true (along with the aunt) she's left to preside over them until they're buried. During that time, she has to figure out who did it, why, and if she's next. Her one "ally"? The undertaker, Titus. Let's just say that grumpy Titus is probably my favorite character in the story! Well, we can't forget about Foo!

Waverly in 1950 alludes to a secret that she has which she'll never tell a soul and kept me running to the next chapter!

Lastly, there's Jennie. She's inherited Traeger Hall from her father who was loathsome! Her introduction to Newton Creek is one for the books! Oof! To open the Hall back up, to keep it closed is the biggest, and apparently the most dangerous, thing she can do. She has no idea who to trust in this little town with lots of secrets! There's sweet little Milo who she meets right away along with his father, Zane, and Zane's sister, Hannah! There's a lot of history with them and trying to find the answers to what's inside the Hall.

This was nail biting at its best. It was incredibly easy to dislike Uncle Leopold because he was an awful man. The author also touches on, but not in any detail about child abuse through Jennie's storyline. I appreciate how she lets us know without going into any descriptive way of letting us know!

About the Author:

Jaime Jo Wright is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over fifteen novels and three novellas, including Christy Award-winner and ECPA bestseller The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill, and Carol Award-winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She lives in Wisconsin with her family and fabulous felines. Learn more at JaimeWrightBooks.com.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Long Trail Home by Lacy Williams COVER REVEAL + GIVE AWAY

Long Trail Home JustRead Cover Reveal Takeover

Welcome to the Cover Reveal Takeover Blitz for Long Trail Home by Lacy Williams, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! How have I NOT read this series yet? I seriously need to add it to my TBR! This genre is definitely a sweet spot for me.

About the Book

Title: Long Trail Home  
Series: Wagon Train Matches #9 
Author: Lacy Williams 
Publisher: Lacy Williams Books LLC 
Release Date: February 26, 2026 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

All roads lead home in the dramatic conclusion to one family’s journey of love, sacrifice, and survival. 

Since the moment he saw her, Coop Spencer has been single-minded in his quest to protect Belle. She’s running from something—someone—and he’s never met anyone so scared. When the wagon master forces an ultimatum: a marriage or Belle is expelled from the wagon train, Coop makes the only choice he can. He’ll do everything in his power to prove he's the kind of man she can trust. But overcoming the mistakes of his past may prove too much... 

Belle knows that the danger she escaped is still out there, still hunting her. Experience has taught her that she can't rely on anyone, not even the man who promised their marriage was in name only. 

As they traverse the Oregon Trail together, Belle is taken in by Coop’s big family, and the more time she spends with her temporary husband and his siblings, the more she starts to long for something she'd forgotten ages ago: home. 

When danger closes in, one of them must sacrifice everything for love...
  • Forced marriage of convenience
  • Redemption
  • Family saga
  • Heroine with a dark past/sworn off men

Ready to see the cover?

Long Trail Home Cover

PRE-ORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon


About the Author

Lacy Williams

With multiple hits on the USA Today and Publishers' Weekly bestseller lists and more than 1 million copies sold, Lacy Williams has won the hearts of readers worldwide with her heartwarming romances set in the rugged beauty of the American West. A proud Oklahoman, she balances writing with the joyful chaos of raising four children and snuggling her fur babies.

Connect with Lacy by visiting lacywilliams.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of A Trail so Lonesome and ebook copies of the rest of the series!

Long Trail Home JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 16, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Creative Commons License
Woven by Words by Mimi B is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.