Thursday, January 1, 2026

The Goodness of Unicorns by Kayla E. Green (The Tritonia Chronicles Book 1)


About the Book

Book: The Goodness of Unicorns

Author: Kayla E. Green

Genre: YA Noblebright Fantasy

Release Date: October 21, 2025

One girl determined to heal her sister and another looking for purpose in a nation on the brink of war. And unicorns—with a twist you’ve never seen before.

It’s Rowan Tritonia’s sixteenth Naming Anniversary. Her plans for the day never included a headache that causes her to almost faint on a day meant for celebration. When the world comes back into focus, her brown eyes have changed to magenta. But what scares her more is that everything around her is now black and white coupled with a mysterious ability to see the light and shadows in a person’s soul. Then a local cleric implies that Rowan could have the power of Sight, a gift which has only been seen in the stories of unicorns in the Book of Verimor, an ancient text. Rowan is perplexed. Why would Verimor give her something she never asked for instead of answering her greatest prayer to help her younger sister, Blythe?

News of the girl with Sight quickly travels beyond Rowan’s local village. When the King of Wisteria learns of her gift from a letter, he summons her to the castle. With growing political tensions from neighboring nations, Rowan may be able to provide the aid they desperately need. Linnea, the king’s sister and his primary advisor, prays that Rowan has truly been blessed by a unicorn and can save the nation and its people from encroaching darkness.

Meanwhile, back at home, Blythe, sets out on her own journey. She feels helpless, tied down by the pain that keeps her homebound most of the time. Although she wears a smile to comfort those around her—especially her family—Blythe wonders if her life will ever amount to anything more than fading into the background. Is she truly too broken for any greater purpose, or can Verimor still use her?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

This book is filled with faith. I was amazed by this author's story. I'm so excited it's the first book in this series. I fell in love with this story! Rowen has been given a gift by a unicorn; now she has the gift of sight. God's name in this series is Verimor. Blythe is equally amazing. Bane is a must-read, and the whole tale is charming, deep, filled to the brim with faith and how we handle God answering us. How we handle suffering, and so many other deep topics. I love this story so much. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series! 

5 Unicorn Horned Stars

About the Author

Kayla E. Green is an author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. When she isn’t writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio and pretending she’s a unicorn. Fittingly, her debut novel is The Goodness of Unicorns. Kayla has also written an award-winning YA fantasy novella, Aivan: The One Truth, and an inspirational poetry collection, Metamorphosis. Kayla also has stories, poems, and devotionals featured in various anthologies, and she has several flash fiction stories available through Havok Publishing

 

 

More from Kayla

Do you enjoy reading book dedications? The Goodness of Unicorns’ dedication reads: 

For my twin sister and first friend, Kari:

My world, and the world at large, is brighter with you in it. 

May everyone who reads this find the strength in their own journeys to embrace the beacon of hope God has placed in their hearts for both themselves and those around them. 

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15, NIV

It will come as no surprise to those who read the book’s dedication that TGOU is a story about two sisters who are best friends; but, like any relationship, conflict happens. And, sometimes, it arises from the best of intentions.

Sisters, navigating chronic pain, finding purpose and learning that bravery doesn’t always look like charging into battle are all elements you will find in The Goodness of Unicorns. Join sisters Rowan and Blythe in the world of Wisteria where they each have important choices to make for the sake of light, goodness, and one another.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 20 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, December 21

Artistic Nobody, December 22 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, December 22

Stories By Gina, December 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 23

Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, December 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 26

The Lofty Pages, December 27

For the Love of Literature, December 28 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 29

Blossoms and Blessings, December 30 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 31

Guild Master, January 1

Blogging With Carol, January 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, journal, pen, and unicorn themed item!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3f287/the-goodness-of-unicorns-celebration-tour-giveaway


Monday, December 22, 2025

Scent of Sabotage by Dana Mentink (Security Hounds Investigations Book 6)

About the Book

Book: Scent of Sabotage

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 30, 2025

Detective Beth Wolfe’s reunion with investigative journalist Jack St. James is a matter of life or death—and when a masked assailant attacks them, a severe blow leaves Jack with amnesia. Beth and her K-9, Arthur, are determined to keep Jack safe while he regains his lost memories. Was he targeted due to a case he was working on…or does it have something to do with the son they placed for adoption decades ago? When their investigations lead them inside a booby-trapped amusement park, it’s a race against the clock to put all the pieces together and uncover the park owners’ nefarious plot…or die trying.

 


My Review:

Do yourself a favor and pick up this series. I can't help it -  I'm sad that this is the last book in the series. That said, this book is fantastic. I love reading about the woman who started it all, the founder/matriarch of the Wolfe family. Beth was outstanding. I like reading about an older, established, and well-centered woman who still has much to give and a life ahead of her, if they can solve these issues. The family secrets, drama, mystery, second chance romance, faith, this book has a lot to offer, and never least on my list, the dogs. Arthur was heart-stealing as well! I liked this book and can highly recommend this series. 

5 HUGE stars and some dog snacks.

An amazing read! 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

How could we be at the end of a series? I’ve been having a wonderful time with the Wolfe family and their house full of hounds. The last book is finally Beth’s story. She’s the matriarch of the family who has experienced the loss of a spouse. In this story, she will meet the son she never knew and explore the idea of learning to love again. I feel especially fond of this book because Beth is an older heroine who has some living under her belt. She’s learned how to carry on, with her old dog Arthur, and stand faithfully in the face of adversity. Now that’s a heroine I can root for! I hope you enjoy this final installment of the Security Hounds series!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 16

The Avid Reader, December 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 18

EmpowerMoms, December 18

Bizwings Blog, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Alyssa Amey, December 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 22

Devoted To Hope, December 23

Blogging With Carol, December 23

Because I said so, December 24

Artistic Nobody, December 25 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lily’s Corner, December 26

Mary Hake, December 26

Labor Not in Vain, December 27

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27

Holly’s Book Corner, December 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 28

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 29

Lights in a Dark World, December 29

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Dana 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/T2I2F/scent-of-sabotage-celebration-tour-giveaway


The Search for the Shadow Cat by Kurt Mähler (Book 3 of the Jaguar Oracle Series)


About the Book

Book: The Search for the Shadow Cat: Book 3 of the Jaguar Oracle Series

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Magical Realism Fantasy

Release Date: October 26, 2025

Venture into a lush, mystically supercharged natural world where the fate of an entire animal kingdom hangs in the balance in The Search for the Shadow Cat, the captivating third installment of the Jaguar Oracle series.

After a long absence from the Rio Grande Valley, the majestic jaguar named Oracle returns for a perilous quest to restore the three feline tribes—bobcat, ocelot, and long-lost jaguarundi: the “shadow cat.”

With Patch the raccoon, Plod the horse, Bog the toad, and the child named Miracle, Oracle navigates a richly-drawn landscape, pressing through pain and perplexity to rediscover ancient wisdom that will awaken creation, from a jabber of green jays to secretive turtles to trees holding on to treasured knowledge. Along the way, Oracle finds an unexpected ally in a conflicted young entrepreneur, while a hermit holds the key to unlocking the jaguar’s destiny.

Blending magical realism, mythology, and environmental advocacy, this pulse-pounding adventure will captivate readers with its tale of courage, honor, and the power of reclaiming our forgotten roots.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

This author writes books that I really vibe with. It's not just his voice, or the voices of all the animals, it's the depth of the stories. This is the third book in the series. This story takes us deeper into the lives of Oracle and Patch, Plod, Bog, and a child. A child named Miracle. This story has lots of plots happening, which is laying the groundwork for the next book. Ties back to Oracle's youth are happening in this book. We have wildlife preserves, ranches/farms, and environmental ponderings. We have people and animals dealing with their pasts, and fighting or facing their futures. I don't find this book to be missing faith, but more that it's flowing in the background. It's woven into actions and reactions, just like it is in reality. It's allegorical and present, and I deeply appreciate the stories and this series. So far, I would definitely recommend this unique series. 

4 Big Spotted Stars  

About the Author

Kurt helps those who built someone else’s dream finally build their own.

As a speaker, advisor, and award-winning poet, he draws from twenty years of lived experience in forty nations.

He is a sought-after voice on five continents, advising expats in places as challenging as Cuba, Persia, and North Korea. He has published multiple books , hundreds of articles, and well-respected poetry.

Kurt and his wife Karen have been married since 1993 and raised their family in Afghanistan, where they founded a community development agency. They are Americans living in the Emirates with ties to the Gulf Coast, the Rio Grande Valley, Central Texas, Louisiana, and New England.

He writes in the poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation, the mysteries of the Ancient Faith, and the drama of the nations. Guiding sources for his work include the Hebrew prophets, the Desert Fathers, Dante, Milton, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, and Tolkien.

Why? Because thought leaders go back to the beginning to find the way forward.

The key to the future begins with a memory. Our calling comes from the original self the Creator had in mind when He said, “Let there be you.”

More from Kurt

How do you begin again? How do you take the first step alone?

Sometimes we don’t need a how-to manual to answer these questions. We need an encounter.  We need a story.

That’s why I wrote this epic tale.

Saturated with poetry, proverbs, parables, and prayers, this book is in the tradition of the Christian poets and the Hebrew prophets. It is an immersion in a mystically supercharged natural world alongside a very real human drama.

Why? Because poetic storytelling, when done well, gives prophetic insight for the decisions we face. Then we can begin again. Then we can take the first step alone. Then we can do the thing that is in our heart to do. The thing the Creator placed there. Your calling: the original self He had in mind before the Fall when He said, “Let there be you.”

That’s what this story is about.

An epic quest for redemption and self-discovery

Venture into a lush, mystically supercharged natural world where the fate of an entire animal kingdom hangs in the balance in The Search for the Shadow Cat, the captivating third installment of the Jaguar Oracle series.

A long, mysterious absence and the fulfillment of a legacy

The majestic jaguar named Oracle has returned to the Rio Grande Valley to pick up the trail left by the last guardian of this endangered realm, Kahoo the Grave. Awakening  a dormant legend, Oracle embarks on a perilous quest to restore the three feline tribes—bobcat, ocelot, and long-lost jaguarundi: the “shadow cat”—to their rightful place as stewards of the animal kingdom.

With Patch the raccoon, Plod the horse, Bog the toad, and the child named Miracle, the jaguar navigates a richly-drawn landscape where created things have a voice. Oracle  must press through pain and wrestle perplexity to rediscover the wisdom of the Days of First Things and restore the fragmented animal realm. As he does, creation awakens, from a jabber of green jays to secretive turtles to trees holding on to ancient knowledge.

Reclaiming lost wisdom and honoring our connection to nature

But Oracle is not alone in his quest. He finds an unexpected ally in Tripp Menefee, the ambitious and conflicted young entrepreneur who runs the Eden’s Bend preserve and high-tech ranch, where a rhino, zebras, and other exotic beasts dwell alongside native ones.

Tripp and Oracle forge an invisible partnership as both seek to restore the animal kingdom while Tripp grapples with his own motivations—and the growing affection he has for the woman confronting him on the toll his development plans are taking on the delicate ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the hermit Brazos Ben, who had once nursed Oracle back to health, holds the key to unlocking the jaguar’s past and the secrets of the Lonely Tree at the heart of this landscape. As Ben is forced to confront his own painful history, he must decide whether to help Oracle complete his legacy or remain trapped in the shadows of the past.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, December 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 20

Fiction Book Lover, December 21 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Vicky Sluiter, December 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 24

For the Love of Literature, December 25 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 28

Stories By Gina, December 29 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 30 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card; a high-resolution digital map of the entire series, a high-resolution cover, and the audiobook version featuring Nashville actor Zach Lazar Hoffman when it is released!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3faa0/the-search-for-the-shadow-cat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 19, 2025

Maxine Justice: Public Offender by Daniel Schwabauer (Book 2)


About the Book

Book: Maxine Justice: Public Offender

Author: Daniel Schwabauer

Genre: Science Fiction

Release Date: November 4, 2025

The case she didn’t need. The client she didn’t want. The trial she couldn’t win.

Fresh off her single-handed defense against alien adversaries in a galactic courtroom, Maxine Justice discovers that saving the Earth is not enough to earn a hero’s welcome back home. Once again broke and now looking for revenge, her return to night court as a public defender takes an immediate detour when she’s tasked with defending a Therapod murder suspect.

The case drags her into the quirky theories of her new client, Father Gilbert Barthes, and the corrupt underbelly of corporate robotics. As her defense takes on global significance, Maxine lands squarely in the crosshairs of new enemies determined to conceal their plans for acquiring the planet. Worse, her probably guilty client may be the only one who can expose what’s really happening.

Stripped of all credibility and most of her friends, can Maxine find some way to save humanity when the world is bent on self-destruction? Or will Earth finally succumb to the most unlikely deception?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

I read the first book in this series when it came out. I was very excited to see what would happen with this book. I haven't been let down. The author has done a brilliant job of weaving AI and things that make you think into the story, in addition to giving us a character I really like and can root for. I didn't want to put this story down. Defining what makes us human has been a long-standing issue and a topic of thought in people's minds for centuries. I liked how this story approached that. I'm always happy for the faith-based approach to matters at hand. The pages flew by, too fast, almost. The themes are all deep, thoughtful, and thought-provoking. I love Maxine and will be looking forward to more in this series and from this author. 

5 Giant Futuristic Space-Like Stars

About the Author

Daniel Schwabauer, ThD, teaches English at MidAmerica Nazarene University and writes award-winning fantasy and science fiction novels. His professional work includes textbooks, stage plays, radio scripts, short stories, newspaper columns, comic books, scripting for the PBS animated series Auto-B-Good, and theology. He earned an MA in creative writing under science fiction legend James Gunn and completed his doctoral work in semiotic theology with Leonard Sweet. He lives in Olathe, Kansas, with his wife and dogs.

More from Daniel

I tend to get three questions from people who only know me from the Night Court Channel or watching my defense of planet Earth on the global broadcast that made me famous. To the first, no, I haven’t seen a penny of the money I’m owed because the feds froze ALL of my bank accounts, even my personal savings. Second, traveling in a space-egg with a pastoroid was not as terrifying as it sounds—except that I had no way to escape Counselor Singh’s dad jokes. And third, no, even though my cat is still missing, I do not want one of your kittens, thank you very much.

Maxine Justice, LLC is your only source for first-hand legal advice pertaining to extraterrestrial medical malpractice, predatory off-world time-sharing contracts, and “surprise implants” experiences at the Coliseum.

We’re also the only law firm committed to exposing what’s really happening in the world of artificial humans.

Ever wondered how Counselor Singh could be targeted on the steps of the UN building during a heavily-covered press conference, yet six months later law enforcement still claims they have no idea who the shooter was? Doesn’t it seem odd that they turned the forensic evidence over to Singh’s manufacturer instead of using a neutral third party?

If I were an artificial person, I’d be screaming these questions from the rooftop. Yet we haven’t heard a peep from that community since it happened.

That’s not some wild conspiracy. That’s fear.

Which is where I come in.

If you’re a TheraPod concerned about your future in a world spiraling out of control— if you’re a pastoroid, a rabbot, a podre, an e-mam, a surgicon EZ Doc, or any other model of artificial person and you face a legal dilemma involving your own termination and/or the fate of biological humans, give me a call.

If you’re a regular human and you’ve been railroaded by York City’s legal system, targeted by ruthless corporate bullies, or victimized by inhuman—and I do mean not-at-all-human—business practices, talk to me.

I’m not in it for the money.

I don’t have any!

I’m in it for my name—for Justice.

And I promise you this: I won’t smile until you do.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, December 15 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, December 15

Blossoms and Blessings, December 16 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, December 17

Fiction Book Lover, December 18 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, December 19 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, December 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 20

For the Love of Literature, December 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 23 (Spotlight)

Stories By Gina, December 24 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, December 25 (Spotlight)

Books Less Travelled, December 26 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel 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://promosimple.com/ps/3ede8/maxine-justice-public-offender-celebration-tour-giveaway


Saturday, December 13, 2025

Vengeance in Vienna by Sara L. Jameson (Troubled Waters Book 3)

About the Book

Book: Vengeance in Vienna (Troubled Waters Book 3)

Author: Sara L. Jameson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 16, 2024

A moonlight sail. A sniper on the shore. A terrorist financier determined to kill Jacob and all he holds dear.

Interpol Special Agent Jacob Coulter and his fiancée Riley Williams set out on a moonlight sail, but a sniper turns their idyllic Austrin vacation into a deadly nightmare.

On temporary assignment to the Vienna Interpol office, Jacob must apprehend a notorious terrorist financier and uncover his operations in Austria. But the financier is determined to destroy all Jacob holds dear. And that includes his kid sister and his fiancée, Riley Williams.

Opera singer Riley Williams is tired of dodging terrorist attempts on her life. When she insists on helping Jacob catch the financier and his henchmen, she gets into more trouble than she bargained for.

But the financier’s tentacles of evil reach far deeper into the Austrian economy than Jacob and Riley suspected. What they uncover appalls them. The clock is ticking. Can Jacob find them before it’s too late?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review: 

I liked book two in this series, and I liked this book. It flows seamlessly into this story, but you could read it as a standalone. Our lovely opera singer, Riley, and her fiancée, Jacob, are having a romantic time. That moment was shattered by a potentially lethal bullet whooshing by. Not everyone is thrilled with their engagement, and that's adding layers of issues to their situation. This is a fast-paced, lots of action, tons of faith, and good things from God. I loved the balance of this story and the growth of these characters that I love. A great deal of spiritual insight in this book makes it a must-read. I am looking forward to more books in this series, and I think this book was excellent. 

5 Stars 

About the Author

Sara L. Jameson won Scrivenings Press’s grand prize publishing contract in January 2021. They released her debut romantic suspense novel, Cruise to Death, in June 2021. Death in High Places, (Book 2 in the Troubled Waters series), released February 2023, followed by Vengeance in Vienna, July 2024. She is currently working on books 4 and 5 of the Troubled Waters series for Scrivenings Press.

In real life, Sara is a multi-published former university professor who has also written non-fiction under her real name and edits book manuscripts for other authors. She also pens WWII historical novels. When not at her computer, she enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, and dog-sitting.

More from Sara

Ever since childhood, I’ve loved to travel. Memories of family cross-country car trips still make me smile. Breakfast and lunch prepped from goodies chilled in the ice chest. Kellogg’s single-serve cereals or cake doughnuts with milk and juice. (Rare treats in our household.) A sandwich prepared at a roadside picnic table for lunch. As an adult, their lack of nutrition makes me shudder.

These days, my tastes have grown more sophisticated. Scrumptious buffet breakfasts in European or Asian hotels make my mouth water. Local dishes creep into my books. And no trip to Antwerp, Belgium is complete without a serious stop at a delectable chocolate shop. Naturally, for the reader’s sake, Sampling these treats for authenticity in the novel is a must, right?

While tempting the palate with sumptuous Viennese pastries at Heiner’s, my favorite Konditorei (pastry shop), Vengeance in Vienna whisks readers through the stunning Austrian countryside with assassins at Jacob and Riley’s backs, and a terrorist financier determined to destroy them. Dehmel’s is another Konditorei readers might want to visit. Both Konditoreien are steeped in history, atmosphere, and Old-World charm. Are you salivating yet?

Better yet, grab a copy of Vengeance in Vienna and curl up for a nail-biting armchair trip to beautiful Austria filled with heart-pounding romantic suspense.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 3

Texas Book-aholic, December 4

Simple Harvest Reads, December 5 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Happily Managing a House of Boys, December 7

For Him and My Family, December 8

Artistic Nobody, December 9 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, December 10

Betti Mace, December 11

Lily’s Corner, December 12

Fiction Book Lover, December 13 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, December 13

Blogging With Carol, December 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!