Thursday, January 29, 2026

My Maker And Me Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: My Maker And Me

Author: Pat Domangue

Genre: Christian Living/Bible Study

Release Date: July 22, 2025

A six-week guided Bible study based on Isaiah 64:8, My Maker & Me helps Christian women discover God as their potter and understand His continual presence in their lives.

Through the unique perspective of viewing God and themselves through Scripture and the art of pottery, Christian women will learn how God intimately works to shape them into the beautiful vessels He created them to become, much like a potter shapes clay.

Many Christian women struggle with trusting God because they don’t know Him from the intimate perspective of their potter. My Maker & Me helps women grow in understanding God’s love and care for them especially when they face difficult seasons or walk through fiery trials. As their trust grows, they will also find security, purpose, and meaning even in the most difficult seasons of life. If they are struggling with who they are and discovering their purpose, they will gain a greater sense of their true identity and purpose, setting them up to embrace God’s plan for their life. Women committed to completing this six-week study will experience spiritual growth and personal transformation.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

A resident of West Monroe, Louisiana, Pat Domangue has spent the past twenty years in women’s ministry inspiring and igniting a passion for Jesus through writing and teaching Bible studies for women. Pat has an advanced certification in Women’s Ministry, a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. She has published four Bible studies for women: Quest for Wholeness: Healing The Broken; Equipped & Empowered: Preparing Women for Spiritual Battle; DIG: Digging Into God’s Word, a how-to guide for studying the Bible; and her latest, My Maker and Me: A Six-Week Bible Study of Becoming God’s Beautiful Vessel. Pat has also produced and hosted a Christian women’s television program and radio shows, and she currently hosts H.E.R. Podcast, bringing healing and encouragement to women in real life.

More from Pat

My Maker and Me: A Six-Week Bible Study of Becoming God’s Beautiful Vessel

Have you ever watched a potter at work? Strong hands caress and move the clay, shaping it as it spins on the wheel. The potter leans close, eyes focused, applying just the right pressure to bring something beautiful to life.

That’s where my writing journey began — watching my first pottery demonstration and hearing the potter share the treasures he had discovered about God at that wheel. God had revealed Himself through the art and process of pottery, opening the potter’s eyes to see His intimate work in his life and the great value God saw in him.

As I listened, something stirred deep inside me. I wanted to know God like that — intimately, personally, as the Potter who shapes and molds my life. Within days, I was sitting in the potter’s class, craving to experience God in that same way. The potter guided us through every stage of creating pottery — from dry clay, to shaping damp clay on the wheel, to firing and glazing.

Each week, I carried what I learned from class into prayer, asking God to reveal Himself and show me how Scripture mirrors the process. Just as the potter shapes the clay, God shapes us into His beautiful vessels — molding us through seasons of pressure, waiting, and refining.

My Maker and Me was born from the revelation of Isaiah 64:8:

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand.”

Through this study, women will discover the heart of the Master Potter who is intimately at work in their lives—shaping, refining, and transforming them into the vessels He created them to be.

A Season of Waiting and Shaping

One of my favorite sections of the study is Week 4: The Master’s Design. It explores how God uses waiting seasons not as wasted time, but as sacred shaping time. Even in the waiting, God is still working—molding and strengthening us to become His beautiful vessels.

Much like a potter allows the clay to rest before the next stage of forming, God allows us moments of stillness to prepare us for His next move. In those seasons, even when we can’t see or feel His presence, He is working—always with intention and love.

Writing this study wasn’t easy. God allowed me to live many of the lessons He was teaching me. I had my own moments of testing, trial, and surrender. Yet in every challenge, He revealed His faithfulness and assured me of His nearness.

An Invitation to the Journey

My prayer for My Maker and Me is that women everywhere will experience what I did—a deeper awareness of God’s hand at work in their lives. Whether you’re in a season of stretching, refining, or resting, I believe this study will help you see how the Potter is crafting something beautiful in you.

Come join me on this journey of becoming God’s beautiful vessel.

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this Bible Study that is nicely written and easy to follow. We are encouraged to read each day and answer questions that I found were helpful. It does reference pottery and clay which gives a vivid picture to me of God molding us as He prepares us for His plan.

The study felt like a gentle breeze as I committed to time with God each day. A fresh sense of hunger for Him came over me as the study delivers wisdom and illustrations from the Bible. My husband and I have been doing a study on water and what do I find waiting for me. In week three Day One begins a journey into living water. I like what the study says about water such as, “The water Jesus brings us is meant to bring complete joy because it brings complete nourishment.” When we are weary, come to God for refreshing and soak in His presence.

The book is very well written and covers several topics . It has many scriptures that I liked reading which had me digging deeper into the Bible. One word really stood out to me. Wait. Oh how that word can be difficult to do. We live in a world where everything is fast paced and impatient. God sometimes wants us to be still and wait. He has a plan and we need to listen to His direction. “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.” (James 1:4)

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

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, January 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Artistic Nobody, January 18 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 19

Guild Master, January 20 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 21

Fiction Book Lover, January 22 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 23

Blossoms and Blessings, January 24 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Stories By Gina, January 26 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 27 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

A Reader’s Brain , January 29 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

Giveaway

My Maker And Me Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pat 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.

https://gleam.io/Ft6nd/my-maker-and-me-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

The Making of a BraveHearted Woman Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife

Author: Dawn Damon

Genre: Non-Fiction

Release Date: November 8, 2023

This time, it’s YOUR time.
Boldly voice a resounding YES to YOU. Embark on a midlife path that leads to a life brimming with BRAVE CONFIDENCE and a BOLD Vision.
In this ultimate guide to living midlife full-out you’ll find the courage to step out of the shadows of self-doubt and insecurity, and seize the unfolding opportunities before you.
So, with determination in your heart, shed your faintheart, and step into the brilliance that awaits. Say YES to your dreams, your growth, and your exceptional potential. Now is your time BraveHeart. The transformational quest to a future filled with fulfillment beyond measure has begun

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

For over 25 years, Dawn Damon has inspired audiences as a speaker, author, podcaster, and teacher. Her greatest joy is equipping others to reach their goals and God-given purpose—whether in their personal lives or the platform of public ministry. With contagious passion and wisdom, Dawn says, “The purpose of my life is to help others fulfill the purpose of their life!”

Dawn is founder / CEO of The BraveHearted Woman, and BraveHearted YOUniveristy, a growth and development coaching enterprise for women, awakening their God-given vision and equipping them to live an extraordinary life.

Dawn is a Conference Speaker, Podcaster, and Author, 6 award-winning books including “When a Woman You Love Was Abused, by Kregel Publications and “The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, Redemption Press,” and most recent, Selah Award finalist, and CIPA 1st Place Award, “The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife.”

The Podcast and YouTube Channel, called “The BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Mindset Mastery,” echoes Dawn’s calling, offering solo episodes and meaningful interviews, coaching women to live as the vibrant “leading lady” of their life.

More from Dawn

One of my favorite movies as a kid was The Wizard of Oz. It aired on network TV once a year, and watching the movie with my two sisters, popcorn, blankets, (to hide my eyes during the scary flying monkeys scene) and staying up late, was a big deal.

One of my favorite parts is when the cowardly Lion makes his speech about Courage.

“What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage. What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage. What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage”.

Years later, I found myself in a place where like Cowardly Lion, I needed courage. I had to do some brave things in my life, but I was stuck in fear. I asked myself, “What would I do if the drag of fear wasn’t tethered to my soul; if scary stories and whispers of doom were replaced with curiosity and courage?

I would rise.

What would you do?

If fear was vanquished and lying voices silenced, would you catch the wind and rise to new challenges? Would you be curious enough to explore the new beginnings of an authentic life and brave enough to take important steps, even while afraid?

Sometimes we feel more like the cowardly lion. The dawn doesn’t come up like thunder, but, it does always come up! Can you do something today to move you toward living from your heart and not your fear? As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

If you’re being called to rise, if in areas of your life you need to become brave and step out of the comfort zone to reclaim the life you’re meant to live, I believe my book will help you take those courageous steps! It’s time to Rise.

MY REVIEW

This book came at a good time in my life. As I face getting older or as some people think,”the elderly ” I began to wonder if my calling was fading. Oh that I never have that thought again. As the book illustrates to be a BraveHearted woman I became more attentive to the words I was reading. “Bravery is the courage to face yourself in the mirror and tell yourself the truth.” Honestly look at yourself and allow God to show you the next step.

We need to be authentic and not afraid to be ourselves. Remember your past does not define you. We have been healed and now walk in freedom. I’ve learned that age should not stop you from following your dreams. Disapproval, rejection and insecurity tries to stop us but we are brave! God has given us a heart to share with others His Word. We are set free from shame. I kept thinking as I read this book about putting on the Armor of God.

If something is holding you back ask God to help. He will send people to you who will speak wisdom over you. We all need to have a vision. Start praying about your vision and see how God opens doors for you. He will equip those He has called. The book gives many examples of how we can be brave and overcome what the enemy has lied to us about. We are strong, free from shame, words that hurt and loneliness. Be sure to do the challenges in the book and remember the seven habits of a BraveHearted woman. “She lives by design. She sets goals for herself. She practices positive self-talk. She invests in herself. She never stops learning. She is grateful and lives generously. She has a morning routine.”

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

BLOG STOPS

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 4 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

For the Love of Literature, February 6 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting , February 7

Cover Lover Book Review, February 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 9 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 10

Giveaway

The Making of a BraveHearted Woman Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dawn is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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.

https://gleam.io/dSwy8/the-making-of-a-bravehearted-woman-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, January 26, 2026

Fighting for You Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Fighting for You

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: January 6, 2026

She’s running from her past. He’s protecting his future. Together, they must fight for what matters most.

Delaney Wright has always believed the best of everyone—even when she shouldn’t. After her ex-boyfriend’s shocking betrayal, Delaney flees Shadow Cove, determined to rebuild her shattered confidence. She lands a nanny position in Virginia, caring for precious four-year-old Charlotte. Her new employer is everything she should avoid—wealthy, worldly, and far too handsome for Delaney’s peace of mind. But this job is not the haven it seems.

Noah Aylett is desperate to hang onto his family’s legacy, despite a stalker who’s getting bolder every day. When his brother abandons his daughter, Noah takes in Charlotte, hiring a live-in nanny to give his niece stability. Though Delaney is young and attractive—the worst combination for a man trying to avoid scandal—her gentle touch breaks through Charlotte’s grief. But Noah needs more than just a nanny to secure his niece’s future. He must complete a business merger amidst compounding danger. Someone is determined to sabotage the deal…no matter what it takes.

When threats close in on all sides, Noah and Delaney must join forces to protect the little girl they both love. Trusting each other might be the only way to save Charlotte—and themselves.

A heart-pounding suspense and a swoon-worthy romance as Noah and Delaney discover that some battles can only be won with the right person at your side.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Coventry Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while homeschooling her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.

More from Robin

The Nanny Who Became a Hero: Why I Love Writing Ordinary Women in Extraordinary Circumstances

When I first introduce Delaney Wright to readers, she doesn’t look like much of a hero. She’s standing on the porch of a beautiful Victorian home in coastal Virginia, wearing a borrowed blouse that’s too big and reeking of cigarette smoke from the shelter where she’s been staying. She’s broke, far from home, and desperate to be hired for this nanny position because she has exactly forty-seven dollars in her wallet.

This is my heroine.

And I absolutely love her.

The “Ordinary” Woman

Delaney is the fourth of five sisters, and she doesn’t believe she measures up to any of them. Alyssa is brilliant. Brooklynn’s a gifted photographer. Cici owns a business, and Kenzie’s sailing the world. Meanwhile, Delaney’s one attempt to build a career was a spectacular failure.

Her ex-boyfriend turned out to be a criminal. Her own father expects her to fail. She’s terrible with adults, but at least she’s good with kids. That’s her one and only talent.

When the man seeking a nanny sees her, he takes one look and says, “It’s not going to work.” Too young. Too disheveled. Delaney is just not enough.

She doesn’t fight for the job because deep down, she believes it too.

What Makes Her Extraordinary

But Delaney’s superpower is fierce, protective love.

At sixteen, she was babysitting two boys during a tropical storm when the seven-year-old chased the family dog out into dangerous conditions. She had to secure the toddler before she could chase them. The 911 operator told her to stay put, but Delaney ran into the storm, found the terrified child and the dog, and brought them safely home.

When Delaney was praised for her bravery, she brushed it off. “I’d lost a kid and his dog,” she said. “Nothing brave about that.”

The Progressive Acts of Bravery

Delaney’s heroism isn’t a single dramatic moment but a series of choices, each one building on the last, each one requiring her to push past her own fears and insecurities.

When she encounters a little girl nearly wander into traffic because of an inattentive nanny, Delaney confronts the woman, even though conflict makes her uncomfortable. She puts that child’s safety above her own desire to avoid confrontation. (Her bravery ended up getting her a job.)

I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but Delaney proves, over and over, that she’ll do anything to protect the child in her care. She’ll put herself in danger. She’ll even step in front of a bullet.

Why This Character Archetype Matters to Me

I’m drawn to writing everyday heroines because I know so many of them, women who don’t believe they’re special. Women who work ordinary jobs—as nannies, teachers, nurses, caregivers—jobs that society often undervalues but that change lives. Women who doubt themselves, who’ve been hurt, who wonder if they’re enough.

Most of us have felt like Delaney at some point in our lives. We compare ourselves to others and come up short. We’ve made mistakes that haunt us. We’ve been betrayed by people we trusted, and it’s shaken our confidence in our own judgment. We wonder if we matter.

I think many of us women need the reminder, so just in case you do, I want you to know this: You matter. You’re gifted, you’re beautiful, and you matter.

Delaney’s journey isn’t about becoming a different person. She doesn’t suddenly gain superpowers or discover she’s secretly royalty or transform into someone unrecognizable. Her journey is about recognizing that she was always enough. That love—the kind of selfless, sacrificial love she’s capable of—is the most powerful force in the world.

Coming Full Circle

By the end of Fighting for You, Delaney has learned to trust her own judgment again. She’s proven to herself—and to everyone who ever doubted her—that she’s capable of far more than she believed. But she’s still the gentle, nurturing caregiver who reads bedtime stories and makes apple-peanut-butter sandwiches and knows exactly what a frightened child needs. Her heroism didn’t require her to become hard or cynical or tough. She saved the day by being exactly who she is—a woman who loves fiercely and protects those who can’t protect themselves.

At the end of the day, Delaney isn’t a superhero. She’s a nanny who became a hero because love compelled her to act.

And isn’t that the best kind of hero?

Who are the “ordinary heroes” in your life? The people who show up, who protect, who love without counting the cost?

Do you undervalue your own gifts and strengths? Maybe it’s time to remember you are who God created you to be, and that makes you beautiful.

MY REVIEW

This author has become one of my favorite when it comes to suspense. I love how the characters are dynamically featured. Coming from similar different places it was fun to watch Delaney and Noah interact. Delaney was who I gravitated to. She tries so hard to be accepted but feels rejected most of the time. I felt her struggle as she gets ready for an interview. Can you imagine what it would be like if you had to wear discarded, dirty and smelly clothes?

Delaney has a big heart and shows it over and over as she protects sweet little Charlotte. Children can sense when they are around someone safe. Without hesitation, Delaney rescues Charlotte from a near tragic accident. Their bond is instant and will prove to be important as the story continues.

Noah is fierce, rough around the edges and completely dedicated to his niece Charlotte. It doesn’t take him long to discover that Delaney is perfect for the job as a nanny. He is in high demand at his company but news has leaked out about him raising a child alone. Will the publicity harm his hard work at merging with another company ? The tension is high as danger starts to surface around him.

The story gives me shivers as the intensity heightens around our main characters. The attraction between Delaney and Noah is a slow build where they each must learn to trust each other. It is evident that someone is out to destroy Noah but why? The author shows readers how gifted she is as the adrenaline rush pushes the story deeper into intense action. Grab a place to get comfortable so you won’t be disturbed. This book needs to be read in one setting because it is hard to put down. Once again I am so happy to have my craving for a good mystery story delivered in this thriller.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 22

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 23

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, January 23

Betti Mace, January 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Mary Hake, January 25

Texas Book-aholic, January 26

lakesidelivingsite, January 27

Bizwings Blog, January 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Blogging With Carol, February 1

The Bookish Pilgrim, February 1

Holly’s Book Corner, February 2

Cover Lover Book Review, February 3

Blossoms and Blessings, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Capturing You!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/4YjqX/fighting-for-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Fatal Invitation Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Fatal Invitation

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Crime Thriller

Vanished women. A rising body count. A detective who won’t quit.

Detective Kylie “KC” Cassidy thought Major Crimes would be her big break. Instead, she’s chasing the brutal murders of young women—and the trail keeps circling back to Assistant State Attorney Gavin Watkins and his elusive ally, Kozlov.

Each lead vanishes before her eyes, every step forward dragging her deeper into danger. And when Kozlov’s men come after her, KC must rely on her instincts, and on the few people she can trust, to survive long enough to expose the truth.

But when KC gets too close to the truth, she becomes the target. Will KC survive the trap and bring down the predators or become their next victim?

If you like the relentless pursuit of justice in Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, the sharp investigative instincts of Lisa Gardner’s D.D. Warren, then you’ll be captivated by Fatal Invitation, a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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 and Forgotten Secret—Books 1 & 2 of her Mirror Estate series—named Top Picks in the thriller & suspense categories, respectively, at Killer Nashville, and Tangled Secrets—Book 3 of Mirror Estate series—won couple of awards in the Christian Indie Awards and the Incipere Awards. 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.

A New Adventure Begins: Introducing the Detective Kylie Cassidy Series

I’m thrilled to announce that Fatal Invitation, the first full-length novel in the Detective Kylie Cassidy series, is here!

If you’re new to Detective Kylie “KC” Cassidy, I recommend starting with Christmas Murdersto get acquainted with this compelling character. And here’s a treat: there’s a free storycalled Orlando Prime – Origins available under the Freebie tab on my website at sfbaumgartner.com. This story introduces you to the elite crime-fighting unit and the team members who work alongside KC. Both KC and Orlando Prime take center stage in Fatal Invitation.

Writing this book has been an absolute blast! Unlike my Mirror Estate series, the Detective Kylie Cassidy series features self-contained stories in each book—think of it like your favorite TV crime drama where each episode (or book) solves a complete case. While there may occasionally be an overarching storyline, you can jump in at any point and enjoy the mystery. And as always, my books are clean reads.

Since this is a spin-off of the Mirror Estate series, longtime readers will enjoy spotting familiar faces. A few beloved characters get mentioned, and some may even guest-star in future books!

I truly hope you’ll fall in love with this new series as much as I’ve loved creating it.

Happy Reading!

MY REVIEW

Excitement, danger, twists and a star cast makes this suspenseful story a must read. As KC gets close to solving the murder another body would be discovered. She is very smart and picks up subtle clues others miss. KC knows this case will take her into a world where danger will find her. On the edge of my seat I held my breath as each step she takes brings more death in her pathway. KC can be hard to understand at times when she is so focused on a case.

Get ready for an intense investigation that sends KC and her partner in a run for their lives. Twists and turns add intrigue to this story. Good character development and fascinating look at how evil works in the minds of others.

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