Sons of Day & Nigh by Mariposa Aristeo (Chronicles of Twinsbane Book 1)

 

About the Book

Book: Sons of Day & Night

Author: Mariposa Aristeo

Genre: YA Fantasy – Retelling of The Prince and the Pauper

Release Date: November 18, 2025

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

One of the first things I liked about this book is that it has the POV of two characters. I love hearing more than one strong voice in a story! This story is based on the fairytale The Prince and the Pauper, but it goes far deeper than that original tale ever did. 

Here, in the land of Twinbane, every single person has a twin. This twin is with them forever, even after death. It's the balance, the Yin and Yang of things, but this is the surface. Waruu and Daccias are both very interesting, and the sass dialogue was excellent. I liked that the world-building, action, and drama were in perfect rhythm. The other twins in this series are fun as well. I found this book to be a very good read. I can't wait to read more of this series. 

5 Stars 

About the Author

Mariposa Aristeo is a writer of fantastical adventures filled with heart, humor, hope, and sometimes dinosaurs. But, most importantly, she’s a creative who seeks to glorify God on every page of her life. Besides writing snarky characters who sass everybody, Mariposa loves bringing stories to life in full color as an illustrator. She also enjoys inspiring other creatives as the Public Relations Director at Story Embers and the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.

 

More from Mariposa

How could I refuse to write a retelling of The Prince & the Pauper?

(Kudos to all the zillennial girls who get that reference.)

Ever since I watched the Barbie rendition of this classic tale when I was just a little girl, this story has been on my heart. As I grew older, other more adventurous tales influenced me, such as Dreamwork’s How to Train Your Dragon, Jennifer Nielsen’s The False Prince, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, and more recently, Star Wars’ The Bad Batch.

But no matter the story, one aspect stayed the same—finding people just like me in the unlikeliest of places.

Growing up, I had a different childhood than most. I was pretty isolated with little to no friends, and not much extended family. It wasn’t until my twenties that I met the people who would later become my true family. They weren’t blood relations, and we didn’t interact in person until years later (yay for internet friends!). We are different in all the best ways but the same in the ways that matter and weird in the way that makes life interesting.

The Prince & the Pauper is a story about many things. Empathy, compassion, and learning what it’s like to live in another person’s shoes. When I set out to write Sons of Day & Night, I wanted to pay homage to this underrated tale while deepening the bond between the two very different (but also very alike) heroes. It’s not just a story about switched identities, it’s a story about the family we find even when our world is falling apart.

When my mom passed away from cancer in 2022, I felt like my world truly was falling to pieces. Besides losing a parent, I also lost what little I had of a normal family. But my found family came together to be there for me and be the family I never had.

We don’t share the same genetics, but they are every bit as much my brothers and sisters. As Stitch once said, “This is my family. I found it all on my own.”

Fast forward a few years, and I now live within 60 miles of my found family and see them almost every week. It’s funny to think how a few internet strangers became such a huge part of my life, but sometimes God sends us family in the places we least expect it.

And my hope is that Sons of Day & Night will remind you that there’s always someone out there just like you.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Inspired by Fiction, November 21

The Lofty Pages, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, November 24

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 24

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 26

Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, November 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 29

Simple Harvest Reads, November 30 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Labor Not in Vain, December 2

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mariposa 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/3dc7e/sons-of-day

The Cross at Morioka Castle by Kathleen J. Robison

About the Book

Book: The Cross at Morioka Castle

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Within this ancient land of shoji screens and tatami mats, Ariko finds that the stone ruins of Morioka Castle hide a mysterious secret that holds the keys to a Christian faith extending far deeper than she ever imagined.

Ariko returns to Japan, riddled with guild. Engulfed with grief, she must tidy up her deceased father’s affairs, and she faces the shattering of a dream. Her father’s small soba shop, a haven where he shared his faith, stands silent, and his wealthy family has long since turned their back on his legacy of faith. Ariko struggles with whether to return to the United States when her great-grandmother demands that she stay in Japan and join the family business, a legacy her father abandoned years ago.

Seeking escape, Ariko ventures to the enigmatic ruins of Morioka Castle, where the air hums with murmurs of the forgotten past. Amid the crumbling stones and ancient shadows, providence brings a striking stranger, and he captivates her with a tale woven into the very fabric of the castle – a legend that flickers with the promise of hope, just in time for a fateful Christmas Eve.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Japan, it's a place I've seen on TV, but not read as much about. This book takes me there. It has so many details that were just amazing. Ariko has gone home, to Japan, because her father has passed. She is torn between the States and staying in the land of her ancestors, to pick up the family business and carry it forward. I felt it so deeply when Ariko was pulled to the ruins of Morioka Castle. There she meets Kai, and with this "chance" encounter, she starts to learn secrets and how faith could be woven into the shattered remains of this grand castle. Ariko has some very heavy decisions to make: what faith she will follow, what's worth doing, where to live, even what to do as a job, and all of them are happening to her simultaneously, it would seem. I found this story to be beautiful, with a lot of depth, and I loved the Christmas theme worked into the Japanese setting. Now, I just need some hot tea while I reflect. 

5 Big Stars

About the Author

Kathleen J. Robison weaves tales that inspire a walk of faith and a reliance on God’s guidance through life’s trials. With endearing characters, her stories are a testament to the resilience of broken lives, revived through hope and renewed through God’s grace. Kathleen and her husband call Southern California home, where they find joy in the company of their twenty-one and counting grandchildren.

More from Kathleen

Who doesn’t love castles, right? I fell in love with the ruins of Morioka Castle Park long before I wrote this novella. Both my sons and their families lived in Morioka when they first became missionaries, so we made trips to see the grandkids and a few trips to the castle ruins as well.

Morioka Castle in Northern Japan is a park of ruins, but what glorious ruins they are.  In 1632, after twenty years of construction, the castle was completed by the Nanbu, a well-known Samurai clan. The castle stood from 1598 until 1874. Sadly, after serving feudal lords for two-hundred and fifty years, the age of the Samurai came to a close, and the magnificent structure was demolished. After the Boshin War, the Meiji government consolidated its power by abolishing domains and removing castles in lands that had opposed the government.

Thankfully, in 1906 a park was established around what was left of the granite walls and grounds of Morioka Castle. It’s where my character Ariko meets a handsome stranger and while touring the castle, learns of the legend of the cross.

“He explained the castle kitchen history, but his emphasis was on the cross. “The Castle Kitchen Cross, as I call it on my blog, is where an ex-samurai and his wife practiced their faith and shared it secretly with those who came to the kitchen. The cross carved in the stone, although obscured, was hidden behind pots and pans hanging on the wall.”

Ariko’s ears perked when he mentioned ex-samurai.” 

The legend in the story is completely fictional. Although in my research, I discovered that there was a Christian Samurai who … well, if you read the book, perhaps you’ll discover what’s fact and what’s fiction! Just imagine walking the castle grounds with Ariko as she discovers the cross in the kitchen. What conflicts may it have caused in her ancestral Japanese family?  Let The Cross at Morioka Castle whisk you away. Take the journey to Japan, where the ethereal land of the ancient is not so far away.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

Guild Master, November 9 (Author Interview)

capturingluminous, November 9

Lily’s Corner, November 10

Texas Book-aholic, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

Guild Master, November 13 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, November 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15

For Him and My Family, November 16

Fiction Book Lover, November 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 17

Blogging With Carol, November 18

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 19

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen 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://promosimple.com/ps/3d011/the-cross-at-morioka-castle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Defending You: The Bodyguard and His Former Crush Escape to Shadow Cove by Robin Patchen (The Wright Heroes of Maine Book 7)

About the Book

Book: Defending You

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

She stumbled onto a deadly secret. The man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive. 

Cecilia “Cici” Wright has built a life she loves as a jewelry appraiser. But when her latest find—a priceless ruby necklace—links to decades-old murders in her hometown of Shadow Cove, Cici becomes the target of ruthless killers. Forced to flee for her life, she must rely on the man she humiliated in the most shameful moment of her life.

Asher Rhodes puts his Navy SEAL training to good use as a bodyguard for high-paying clients. Keeping his emotions locked away is the secret to his strength. But Cici Wright isn’t just a client—she’s the girl who scorned him, the last woman in the world he ever wanted to see again. Having her close churns up all the reasons he once loved her. Protecting her means facing not just the killers chasing them but the wounds she left behind.

Cici and Asher find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where trust is their only weapon and attraction their greatest vulnerability. With time running out, they must overcome their painful history and work together to defeat their enemies—before it’s too late.

Don’t miss Defending You, book 7 in Robin Patchen’s Wright Heroes of Maine series. Packed with heart-pounding suspense, sizzling romance, and unforgettable characters, you won’t be able to put this one down.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

Cici is a jewelry assessor, and she's been tasked with a job when she finds something major. She witnesses a murder, and then everything changes. There's a good bit of chasing and being cool about it, but it's a lot of good romance and tension. I love that this, like all the author's stories, is a clean read. I liked Asher, the Navy SEAL turned bodyguard. This series is a lot of fun, and it doesn't overlook faith. Their relationship is remarkably realistic and features a range of ups and downs, which only adds to the richness of this story. This book can stand alone, but I love this series, and this is a wonderful installment in it. 

5 Stars 

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

Meet Cici Wright: The Relatable Heroine of Defending You

There’s nothing I love more than crafting a heroine who feels like a friend—someone to root for, cry with, and cheer on as she faces impossible odds. In Defending You, the seventh book in my Wright Heroes of Maine series, that heroine is Cici Wright. She’s a jewelry appraiser with a sharp eye for gems, a heart full of courage, and a quiet struggle that I think many of us can relate to: the need to prove she matters.

A Woman on a Mission

Cici Wright is the middle daughter of five girls, and if you’ve read the earlier books in the series, you know her older sisters, Alyssa and Brooklynn, have come through some difficult times—and proved themselves not just capable but heroic.

When we meet Cici in Defending You, she’s doing what she loves: traveling from city to city and gazing into some of the world’s most precious gems. But beneath her confident exterior lies a woman who feels the weight of her sisters’ accomplishments and wonders if she’ll ever measure up.

Who hasn’t felt the pressure to prove themselves—whether to family, friends, or even their own inner critic? Cici’s journey begins when she discovers a long-lost necklace tied to a decades-old crime. Her decision to protect it sets off a chain of events that thrusts her into danger, forcing her to confront not just external threats but her own insecurities.

Strength in Vulnerability

What I love most about Cici is how her strength shines through her vulnerability. She’s a woman who loves beauty, who finds joy in the sparkle of a well-cut diamond, and who’s suddenly caught in a deadly game with rules she’s never learned. Despite her lack of training, Cici manages to keep herself alive long enough to get help.

Cici’s resourcefulness proves that heroism doesn’t always come from training or experience; sometimes, it’s born from sheer determination and a refusal to give up.

Enter Asher Rhodes, the bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe. Their history—his high school crush was crushed by the most humiliating moment of his life—adds layers to their dynamic. I loved writing their reunion, which is filled with tension, a little humor, and a slow-burn romance that I hope will leave you swooning.

Cici’s not afraid to call Asher out when he’s being overbearing—which she thinks is pretty much all the time. But she learns to trust him…for the most part.

A Journey We All Understand

For Cici, the story is about more than surviving danger; it’s about discovering her own worth. She starts desperate to distinguish herself, to be seen as more than the other Wright sister. By the end, she’s learned that her value doesn’t come from outshining others but from embracing who she is—flaws, fears, and all. It’s a journey I think many of us can relate to, whether we’re chasing a career goal, navigating family expectations, or simply trying to find our place in the world.

As I wrote Cici’s story, I thought about the readers who’ve told me they see themselves in my heroines. Cici’s not perfect—she’s stubborn, a little impulsive, and sometimes lets her pride get in the way. But she’s also fiercely loyal, quick-thinking, and willing to risk everything for what’s right. She’s the kind of heroine who reminds us that courage doesn’t mean being fearless but acting despite the fear.

Join Cici’s Adventure

Defending You is a story of heart-pounding suspense, a romance that sparks amidst danger, and a heroine who discovers her own strength when it matters most. If you’ve ever felt the need to prove yourself or wondered if you’re enough, Cici Wright’s journey will resonate with you. And if you love a good mix of action, mystery, and a love story that grows through trust and second chances, I think you’ll fall for Cici and Asher as much as I did.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

The Mommies Reviews, November 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5

Stories By Gina, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Blogging With Carol, November 7

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Book Looks by Lisa, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 9

Blossoms and Blessings, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 12

Bizwings Blog, November 12

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://promosimple.com/ps/3d28b/defending-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Glass Across the Sea by Sara Ella.Realms of Allumeria Book 1)

About the Book

Book: Glass Across the Sea

Author: Sara Ella

Genre: YA Cinderella Retelling (Fantasy)

Release Date: October 21, 2025

Light always finds a way to break free . . .

Noelle Perrault has felt drawn to the tales her glassmaker father told of the four Firefly artisans since she was a child. But when her mother falls under a curse, Noelle suspects the stories are more than mere fables. Their last hope is for her father to embark on a desperate journey to another realm, where he must seek a miracle. Alone but not defenseless, Noelle is forced to navigate battles that rise against her beloved home, while her dearest friend, the prince, vows to help her father.

Dante Marin is a prince prepared to bear the crown. But the king offers an ultimatum: find the fabled Firefly Vestiges, believed to hold the Lamplighter’s ancient power, or forfeit the crown. Only then will Dante be considered worthy of his birthright and given the freedom to choose his bride. But how does one hunt down a legend?

Connected by the past, but forced apart in the present, Noelle and Dante must discover the truth about the Firefly and Vestiges before they lose all hope—and each other—for good. But breaking a curse comes at a great sacrifice—one neither of them predicted. With a mysterious foe rising to power, will they survive, let alone succeed? Or will darkness shroud their future, shattering the light they’ve striven to restore?

 

Click here to get your cooy!

 My Review:

This is a beautiful story. The feel from classic stories, The Count of Monto Cristo, is rolled up into Cinderella, with a dash of Beauty and the Beast. It’s absolutely charming, and well written. Themes are courage and kindness, faith and love. The Lamplighter, the ways that light effects the darkeness were aspects that I liked   The characters are lovely and easy to like and they are easy to connect to. I also liked the manic system and the way this world works. From glass, to water, to romance this tale did my heart good. 

5 Stars 

About the Author

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away.

More from Sara

Whenever I start writing a new story, I always comb the internet for the perfect images to represent my characters. Sometimes it’s an actress or actor who fits the character description. Other times, I’ll find some artwork or a painting that fits the picture I have in my mind.

But when it came to finding the right image to represent Noelle Perrault, the protagonist of Glass Across the Sea, I could not for the life of me find what I was looking for. Partly because the heroine is heavily based on my oldest daughter, who shares the same name. No image online was good enough to represent a character and novel dedicated to her.

And then I found this painting titled “Cinderella’s New Day” by artist Heather Edwards back in 2023.

And that was it! “So This is Love” from Disney’s animated classic began playing in my head, and I knew I’d found the image I would keep in my mind for the duration of writing my Cinderella retelling.

This depiction is soft and sweet and felt personal in a way a photo of an actress didn’t. I also felt this painting captured the character and personality of my heroine in a way that would keep me going, even on my most difficult writing days.

Fast forward to 2024. I was behind on my book deadline and life’s interruptions kept getting in the way of my writing. I felt depleted and almost asked my publisher to cancel my contract. But then I attended an event where this same artist had her work on display, and there it was. The real-life, in-person canvas of this very same painting.

That moment felt like God was reminding me He had called me to write this book in the first place. That He had a plan for it and wanted me to keep going. This very painting is the reason I added this line to Glass Across the Sea:

“Art, in her view, was never a laughing matter. A piece might evoke hope in one while it produced sorrow in the heart of another. It was the same for music. For dance.”

And then came 2025. A year of grief and loss in many ways for our family. Once again, everything was getting in the way of this story ever making it to print. And, once again, I considered maybe it was not meant to be published after all. Through many tears and long nights, I revised, pushing to meet deadlines. I questioned if it was worth it. I questioned my own strength and writing abilities, only to be reminded that it is only through God’s grace and Christ’s strength I can do anything at all.

I came across this painting in person again this year at that same event. And, just as it had done in the past, this painting reminded me there was a “new day” just around the corner. My best friend, Nadine Brandes (she knows me so well), surprised me with a signed and personalized canvas print that day. The timing could not have been more perfect.

This painting is more than just a reminder to “have courage and be kind.” It’s a testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness, even amidst darkness and pain. My prayer for Glass Across the Sea is that it blesses readers in the same way this painting has blessed me. Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you keep going and trust the Lord to give you what you need in the moment you need it. In my experience, He often reveals Himself in the unexpected corners and small moments I least suspect.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 25

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 25

Inspired by Fiction, October 26

Wishful Endings, October 27

The Lofty Pages, October 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29 (Spotlight)

Devoted Steps, October 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 31

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 1

Blogging With Carol, November 1

Inklings and Notions, November 2

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, November 2

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, November 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 3

Labor Not in Vain, November 4

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 4

Holly’s Book Corner, November 5

To Everything There Is A Season, November 6

Min Reads and Reviews, November 7

Giveaway

 To celebrate her tour Sara is giving away the grand prize of a signed hardcover of Glass Across the Sea with Painted Edges designed by @hilltop_art, Glass Across the Sea themed candle from @lamplighterliterary, and a $25 Disney Gift Card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d286/glass-across-the-sea-celebration-tour-giveaway