Thursday, April 17, 2025

Book Blast: SMOKE AND MIRRORS by Joanie Olson



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Joanie Olson will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Searching for an answer to a question you haven't asked yet? You are not alone. One small realization and a whole world unravels.

Woven through these pages are a series of my most significant life events relating to narcissistic victim/survivor syndrome. Inside are keys unlocking mysteries of complex PTSD, compounded through various forms of abuse.

A journey of highs, like the Freedom Convoy, and the lows of a failed longtime marriage. With spiritual forces at work behind the scenes, could a Christian home have so many secrets? The smoke will clear to reveal our true mirrored self.


Read an Excerpt

Oh, how I love to fly. One of my four older brothers, Ferg, loved it too. So much so our mother arranged for a private plane ride when we were little kids. He earned his pilot’s license as a young man, flying over our farm every chance he could. With those experiences growing up, everything about planes was fascinating to me and I was determined to enjoy this flight. As I’d told Michael, I could hardly believe I was leaving the country. It felt like an absolute miracle. I thought it was possible I would never see outside Canada again. Enduring over two years of isolation, confinement, ridicule and regulations mandating people like myself not be allowed to do the same as others. But none of that mattered right now. I was on my way to the place I’d dreamed of many nights. God really does answer prayer countless times.

Norway called to me like a long-lost friend, like a father telling me it was time to come home. I’d been there once before and every day since my return I’ve missed it, doing what I could to make my way back.

The thought of my last trip to the homeland four years prior, sent my head in motion, amazed at how much had changed since then. I was wondering how I’d gotten here. From being a financial advisor with three agencies, married, a son in high school, a daughter with a son of her own, a step-daughter and step grandchildren, a bi-level home on forty acres, the Challenger, dirt bikes, hot tub and camper…so blessed. And now? Well, life was unrecognizable.

When the plane’s landing gear securely retracted back into the plane, I could hear the clunk as I was thinking how light I felt. I’d literally left everything behind at this point. My luggage was in the cargo hold and my backpack I’d used while touring the Norwegian mountains years before was tucked safely beneath my seat.

I’d gone from all that four years ago until now? All alone, literally homeless, a few dollars in my bank account and kids that were fully independent. They didn’t seem to be concerned for much other than trying hard to keep up with their own daily struggles.

About the Author: Joanie was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. Life revolved around chores, school and church. Six older siblings and all the nieces and nephews added up to a large family.

Strong in doctrine and armed with a passion for truth, she's walked the walk of faith, facing challenges to overcome. She was married at 19, became a mother to a stepdaughter, and later birthed two children. Following years of turmoil in her marriage, she hit the inevitable breaking point.

Starting life over, she attended broadcasting college, going on to anchor morning news for the airwaves. Feeling isolated and rejected, her drive to help others who have gone through similar circumstances inspired this book. Through the Refiners fire, she's ready to share tools required to escape the fake and embrace the truth.

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1779624719
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/54144406.Joanie_Olson

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Blog Tour: HALL OF SHADOWS by Mariah Stillbrook

 

HALL OF SHADOWS

Mariah Stillbrook

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GENRE
:  Horror

 

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BLURB:

 

 

In the quiet life of Tess Moreau lies a remarkable power-her touch revives ashes, defying nature's laws. When she uncovers a mysterious book linked to her grandmother and a witch's coven, her journey begins. Guided by a cursed deck of oracle cards, Tess delves into The Hall of Shadows, a realm crafted by her ancestors. With each dimension traversed, she uncovers her true lineage-a descendant of mythical beings. As Tess's humanity wanes, her destiny beckons. At journey's end, she faces a choice: preserve or destroy the hall. In a tale of magic and identity, Tess's odyssey may end, but her legacy is just beginning-a testament to the power within us all.

 

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Excerpt Two:

 

The woman didn’t seem to breathe or blink as she faced me, and as I took one hesitant step and then another towards the front of the stage, it became clear that this entity wasn’t going to budge an inch.

    

“Who are you?” I asked.

 

“You already know that.” In fact, I did. She held out a long, pale hand before her and inspected her nails. “I am the goddess of the witches, and I would assume that if someone summoned me, they very well might understand who they were calling on.” She lifted her eyes to match my somewhat terrified gaze. “However, this is a unique transaction.”

 

Transaction?

 

The goddess’s attention shifted to the part of the stage occupying the oracle cards. “You’re on a journey.”

 

My voice cracked as I replied, “I think I am.”

 

“You are.” She leaned down into a chair, then folded her hands together and sat them over her lap. “I am here to answer your question; in exchange, I have been given permission to take whatever I want from you.”

 

I inhaled sharply.

 

The goddess seemed to be speculating over my entire existence. “You have the eyes of someone kissed by the ghost of a recently deceased star.”

 

What?

 

She smiled, but not in the way adults usually smile at kids my age. This was more of a sneer laced with enough sugar to coax her prey into believing she could be trusted.

 

My spine was rigid—I could tell she was about to pounce, to give me an answer then suck the marrow from my bones as payment. “Wait!” She tilted her head to the side, and I slowly came down from where I’d been balancing over the tips of my toes. “What exactly are you going to require of me after this?”

 

“I’m afraid I don’t offer previews.”

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Mariah Stillbrook is the witchy author of In the Pines, Hall of Shadows, and The Lost Erwain. Originally from Iowa, she lives in Colorado with her white German shepherd, husband, and little girl. She spends most of her days writing, reading, and enjoying the occasional hike. In her late twenties she realized that her writing was missing something, magic. She now focuses her writing on urban fantasy and horror in both adult and young adult genres.

 

 

Social Media:

 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mariahstillbrook

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahstillbrook/

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079061712302

 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahstillbrook

 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mariahstillbrook

 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mariahstillbrook.bsky.social

 

Twitter: https://x.com/MStillbrook

 

Website: https://mariahstillbrook.com/

 

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hall-Shadows-Mariah-Stillbrook-ebook/dp/B0DFX7S8T7/ref=sr_1_1

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY 

Mariah Stillbook will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.


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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Blog Tour: FOSTER'S LEASH by Sarah Sommer


 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Foster's Leash by Sarah Sommer
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Kids
Release date:  April 2025
Content Rating:  G - Picture book intended for children. No mature language or themes.



Book Description:

Fostering animals isn't easy. Suddenly, you're living with a strange dog that needs your help. And once you’ve finally bonded, it’s time to say goodbye. But hard things are worth doing, especially when they change lives.

Follow along to see rescue dog Pepper and her foster family navigate the foster process, the feelings that come with it, and how one leash makes all the difference.



Review: Meet Pepper, a lovable dog that has just been fostered by a little girl until they find a home for her. When it came time to let Pepper go, the girl had a mixture of happiness, sadness, and nervousness. But mostly the girl felt happiness for Pepper had found a good home.

A wonderful story about fostering pets. As a strong advocate for animals, this story is a winner! I loved the adorable and colorful illustrations! A highly recommended read!

Rating: 5 stars




Meet the Author:

Sarah Sommer is an award-winning children’s picture book author who aims to tell stories that evoke emotion. As a former professional musician, Sarah values the way words, art, and stories come together in picture books. Having fostered many German shepherds, Sarah is passionate about animal advocacy and helping others. Sarah wrote this book to showcase the foster process and inspire others to open their hearts and homes.

connect with the author:  website facebook  ~ instagram ~ goodreads




Enter the Giveaway:

FOSTER'S LEASH Book Tour Giveaway



Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Blog Tour: A CODE OF KNIGHTS AND DECEPTION by Eliza Hampstead

 

A CODE OF KNIGHTS AND DECEPTION

Eliza Hampstead

 

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GENRE
:  Historical Time Travel Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Outlander meets Black Mirror in this sizzling dark time travel romance.

 

She thought it was real. She was wrong.

 

When Sophia wakes up in 15th-century England, she expects hardship—but nothing prepares her for this brutal, unforgiving world. Lost, alone, and desperate to return to her husband and son, she vows to find a way home. But as the days turn into months, Sophia begins to build a new life, finding unexpected kinship and purpose in this strange land.

 

After a violent attack, she takes fate into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to train under Henry, the castle’s enigmatic master-at-arms. As steel clashes and their connection deepens, forbidden desire ignites.

 

Yet Henry is not who he claims to be. His real name is Ethan, and this is the least of the lies he tells her. Falling for Sophia was never part of the plan—but the closer they become, the more he realises how wrong it is to keep her in the dark.

 

As danger closes in and the lines between reality and deception blur, Sophia must uncover the truth about Henry—and herself—before she runs out of time.

 

*Warning: strong language, steamy scenes, and graphic violence inside. Mention/Description of, but not limited to, abduction, blood, death, amputation, childbirth, death, sexual assault, suicide, violence against children, rape, and torture.*

 

The book is the first in a duology and ends with a cliffhanger.

 

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Excerpt Three:

 

I tensed up, unsure of what would happen next. Would they really go through with it? Beating someone up for a believable story was one thing, but they wouldn't kill an actor, would they? No, they wouldn't go that far; I was sure of it.

 

Before I could process the thought, two soldiers brought forth a rope, swinging it over the tall branch of an oak in the square. They couldn't possibly stage this, could they? Hanging someone without harm wasn't possible. Using the fake hand and stage blood was one thing, but hanging someone? That could go wrong very quickly! Surely, any moment now, a rider would burst through the crowd, interrupting the execution. But no such intervention came. The dreadful scene continued.

 

Helpless and sick, my stomach churned as the farmer was led to the tree, and the noose was placed around his neck. A priest stepped forward, reciting a brief Latin prayer, his voice audible amidst the oppressive silence. Was this really happening? They couldn't just sentence him one minute and hang him the next! There had to be some sort of protocol or waiting period, right?

 

As time ticked by and nothing happened, it became clear that this was not a show or a performance. This was a real execution, taking place right before our eyes in a matter of minutes.

 

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 What was your favorite scene to write for this book and why?

Thanks for having me! I’d like to talk about my favourite scene to write in A Code of Knights and Deception, and that would definitely be the battle scene.

Writing battle scenes is always a challenge, but this one was particularly special for me because it was a chance to bring everything I’d learned from my sword fighting lessons into the book. I’ve always had a fascination with medieval combat, and being able to combine that knowledge with the emotions and stakes of the characters made this scene feel really alive on the page.

What made this scene so much fun to write wasn’t just the action—though, trust me, I loved weaving in the swordplay and strategy—it was the emotional charge that came with it. For Sophia, it was her first real taste of the dangers of the medieval world she’s found herself in, and her survival instincts kicked into overdrive. It’s also a pivotal moment where she gets to put everything she’s learned about sword fighting into practice—everything she’s trained for earlier in the book—so she can protect the people she’s come to love, her new family at the castle.

At the same time, it was a moment for Ethan to show his true side, and for their relationship to evolve. You get to see them both at their best and their most vulnerable in this scene, and that balance of action with emotional depth is what made it a joy to write.

Plus, I’ll admit—there’s something immensely satisfying about getting to describe all the choreography and movements of a sword fight. It’s like I got to live out my own fantasy of being a medieval knight, even if only through Sophia’s eyes!

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It’s one of those scenes where the energy from the characters really jumped off the page for me, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.





AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Award-winning author Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she's not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of medieval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she’s always planning her next adventure.

 

https://linktr.ee/elizahampstead

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214547589-a-code-of-knights-and-deception

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22627172.Eliza_Hampstead

https://www.amazon.com/Eliza-Hampstead/e/B0B7FJW2VQ/

https://www.instagram.com/authorelizahampstead/

https://www.pinterest.de/elizahampstead/

https://www.tiktok.com/@elizahampstead

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizaHampstead

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza-hampstead

 

Newsletter:

 

https://subscribepage.io/Jsj7Dt

https://elizahampstead.mailerpage.io/

 

Purchase Links:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6VGNQ41

Universal link: relinks.me/B0D6VGNQ41

 

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GIVEAWAY 

Eliza Hampstead will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.


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Blog Tour: THE SCHOOLMASTER'S DAUGHTER by Naomi Laeuchli

 

THE SCHOOLMASTER'S DAUGHTER

Naomi Laeuchli

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GENRE
:  Regency Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Deep in debt and desperate for a solution, Julius Claydon knows that marrying a wealthy woman is his only hope. When he meets the beautiful and rich Clara Haughton in Bath, he believes she could be his salvation, but there's one obstacle in his path: Lydia Cray, Clara's sharp-witted and penniless companion.

 

When Lydia quickly sees through his fortune-hunting motives, Julius proposes an alliance. He will help secure her future if she helps him secure Clara's heart.

 

But Lydia is not all she appears to be, and she has a plan of her own: to teach him a lesson he won't soon forget. But her scheming soon leads to unforeseen consequences for them both.

 

Can love spring from deception?

 

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Excerpt Three:

 

He had reached them now and was smiling down at her. “Miss Cray. You look lovely tonight.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

She was dimly aware that he was bowing to Clara and greeting her as well. But while he must, in the interests of politeness, have looked away from herself at some point, it didn’t feel like it. It felt as if his eyes never truly left hers. Which made it unmistakable who he was addressing when he asked, “Might I have the pleasure of this dance?”

 

Later that night she would look back and think it strange that he had asked her to dance before Clara, that he had barely paid Clara more attention than what was demanded by common civility. But now she simply held out her hand to him, beaming at him and nodded, finding words curiously difficult to form.

 

The music had changed to a waltz as he led her out onto the dance floor. She felt a curious sensation somewhere north of her stomach as his arm wrapped around her waist and he began to lead her.

 

He truly was graceful, as he smiled down at her and the pair twirled through the steps and the music.

 

This close, she could see the individual flecks of grey hairs in amongst the dark, which she found strangely endearing. The lines on his face seemed a little deeper under the candlelight and she felt a strange impulse to reach up and run her fingers across them.

 

His eyes, though, were a clear deep blue, and she suspected they held the exact same youthfulness and brightness that they had had on the day he was born. In some mysterious way, her instincts told her they always would. Those same eyes were smiling down warmly into her own, and she blushed a little but held the gaze steady.

 

 

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 How Do Your Characters Evolve in Your Story?

 

I’ve always loved moments in books where the reader can tell a character is changing or evolving, based on the emotions that character is experiencing, and before the character recognizes it or can really put a definite name on those emotions themselves. I think in real life, we often lead with our emotions first, and then later we sort through them and see how far we’ve come.

With The Schoolmaster’s Daughter, I tried to lean into that and take advantage of the fact that the story is told from the point of view of both characters. Both Lydia and Julius have a lot to learn about each other but also about themselves.

Lydia starts out having some preconceived notions about who Julius is as a person and quickly makes judgements about him and his flaws. It’s through learning how he reached this point in his life, and seeing him in different situations, that she’s able to see new layers to who he really is and why he has made the mistakes that he has. We’re very quick to shut down once we’ve seen the worst parts of people, but the more you see someone’s vulnerabilities, the more we let go of our judgements. No one is just their bad qualities. Through understanding Julius, she in turn learns about herself and some of her own flaws.

Julius meanwhile is the opposite. He needs to learn about himself, and who he is before he can really understand and appreciate Lydia. It’s possible to be so harsh on yourself, you leave no room to really see others or let them into your life.




AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Naomi Laeuchli has lived overseas in nine different countries on three different continents where her family was posted with the American Foreign Service. In November 2012 she moved from the Democratic Republic of the Congo back to the states and currently lives in Arizona with five horses. She works as a freelance writer and part time at the local library. She has written several interactive stories for Choice of Games, Tales, and Dorian.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Schoolmasters-Daughter-Naomi-Laeuchli/dp/B0D9SKC3D7 FREE TO LIVE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

https://nplwrites.wordpress.com/

 

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GIVEAWAY 

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.


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