BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Book Tour and Review: For She Had Eyes by Seth Margolis
Book Blast and Giveaway: What Remains After by Pauline J Grabia
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Pauline J. Grabia 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.
SOME STORIES DO NOT END WHEN THE DANGER PASSES.
Beth Clark has not returned to her hometown in decades, since the childhood she survived there nearly destroyed her.
When her estranged mother dies, Beth comes back to rural Alberta for a funeral that feels carefully rewritten. The eulogies are tidy. The past is sanitized. But inside the abandoned bungalow where she and her brother once lived, Beth finds objects that shatter the illusion—and awaken memories of abuse, neglect, and the systems that failed to protect her.
When Beth's younger brother is critically injured in a sudden accident, the present collides with the past. Keeping vigil at his hospital bedside, Beth is drawn back into the summer that changed everything: the violence in their home, the silence of those who should have intervened, and the foster family whose quiet faith offered the first real safety either child had known.
Told across dual timelines, What Remains After is a literary psychological suspense novel about trauma and memory, belief and betrayal, and the long, unfinished work of survival. It asks what it truly means to forgive—and what remains when the truth is finally spoken.
Read an Excerpt:
Coverville Baptist Church smelled musty and old, like the memories trying to escape the recesses of Beth’s mind. That’s all that remained now of her mother. Like her life, nothing at the church had changed in over forty years. It had simply aged, with splintered oak pews and grubby carpets that had been there when she was growing up.
It was unnaturally quiet in the church, which she remembered used to almost roar after a service with the lively voices of congregants discussing the sermon or what was coming up in their week. Children used to run around, shrieking and squealing in both joy and frustration. Now, it was still. Eerily so.
Beth ignored the stares from the other mourners who had arrived early for the service. When she tried to meet their gazes to say hello, they looked briefly, with pity, before looking away. She stopped looking at people. She had only arrived when she had to so she could find Otto and talk to him before it started. He wasn’t in the lobby. Maybe he was in the sanctuary.
She waited in line at the guest registry, attended to by one of the funeral directors. When it was Beth’s turn, her hand trembled as she picked up the ridiculous feathered pen and hesitated before writing down her name. Should she use her married name or her maiden name? Her ex would have a conniption if she wrote down his, and she was changing her name back anyway, so she entered “Elizabeth Clark.”
When Beth had seen her mother’s obituary on Facebook, she’d realized that, despite her hesitation, she would go to the funeral. The only other attendees were townsfolk—mostly members of Virgie’s church—and family. She suspected that most came out of curiosity rather than grief. Beth’s reasons were less clear. Her hatred for her mother had lessened over the years, but had never completely gone; still, she felt an odd urge, almost a duty, to attend. She told herself it was just an excuse to see her brother, Otto, not the urn.
About the Author
Pauline J. Grabia is a Canadian novelist whose work explores trauma, memory, faith, and the moral consequences of silence. Writing under the Stories of Consequence banner, she is drawn to stories that face difficult truths without spectacle and seek light without sentimentality. What Remains After is a literary psychological suspense novel rooted in rural Alberta and shaped by questions of survival, forgiveness, and what endures.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinejgrabia/
Website: https://paulinejgrabia.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/70032333.Pauline_J_Grabia
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1834384516
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Spotlight and Giveaway: Lipstick and Gunpowder by Jane Daly
About the Book
Book: Lipstick and Gunpowder
Author: Jane Daly
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Dale Hardy, a disgraced
FBI agent, goes undercover at the Double-Bar-G Ranch in Ione, California to
gather intel on a suspected opioid-growing operation.
Mark Goodson, who hired Dale to help run the ranch while his brother recovers
from an injury, is initially skeptical of her abilities. But when they are both
targeted in escalating violence, they must join forces to uncover the truth and
save Mark’s niece who has been kidnapped for ransom.
Their past betrayals and broken relationships are put aside as they fight
against enemies that threaten their lives and Mark’s ranch.
Click here
to get your copy!
About the Author
Jane Daly is the
author of sixteen books, including two nonfiction works. When she isn’t hunched
over her computer, she is on the move – literally. She and her husband of 48
years make their home in Rigsby, their 37-foot motor home. Together they chase
sunsets, discover quirky roadside attractions, and take the Gospel to fellow
travelers.
More from Jane
Do you like stories with
strong female characters?
Dale Hardy, a disgraced
FBI agent, goes undercover at the Double-Bar-G Ranch in Ione, California to
gather intel on a suspected opioid-growing operation.
Mark Goodson, who hired
Dale to help run the ranch while his brother recovers from an injury, is
initially skeptical of her abilities. But when they are both targeted in
escalating violence, they must join forces to uncover the truth and save Mark’s
niece who has been kidnapped for ransom.
Their past betrayals and
broken relationships are put aside as they fight against enemies that threaten
their lives and Mark’s ranch.
Blog Stops
Book
Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 23
Simple
Harvest Reads, May 24 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, May 25
Artistic
Nobody, May 26 (Author Interview)
Happily
Managing a Household of Boys , May 26
Texas
Book-aholic, May 27
Guild Master,
May 28 (Author Interview)
For Him
and My Family, May 29
Fiction
Book Lover, May 30 (Author Interview)
Blogging
With Carol , May 31
Paula’s
Pad of Inspiration, June 1 (Author Interview)
Because I
said So, June 2
Vicky Sluiter,
June 3 (Author Interview)
Pause for
Tales, June 3
Holly’s
Book Corner, June 4
For
the Love of Literature, June 5 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour,
Jane 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/hoPfh/lipstick-and-gunpowder-celebration-tour-giveaway
Review and Giveaway: NKJV New Testament, Tracing Edition: Engaging the Scripture Word by Word
verse-by-verse through the New Testament.
anxiety, spiritual gifts, community, heaven, Holy Spirit, and faith
Disclosure:
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Bibles/HCCP for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Giveaway:
$10 Amazon giftcard AND 1 copy of the NKJV New Testament, Tracing Edition (Gray version)
Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be US residents who have not won via another blogger’s giveaway for this campaign.
Giveaway Rules:
Giveaway is limited to US winners only.
Three or less word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.
Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you.
Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours.
If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.
Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner.
Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified.
Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.
Monday, June 1, 2026
Book Blast and Giveaway: Love Across Time by Beth Ford
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddes Fish Promotions. Beth Ford will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Ashley and Thomas, a medieval knight, are in 1377 England, escaping from present-day immigration authorities intent on capturing Thomas. Having fled to the past to ensure their togetherness, Ashley is faced with adapting to fourteenth-century life, while Thomas, new to his title as Baron after his older brother’s death, is called to Parliament, encountering enemies there and at court as he struggles to build his own alliances.
Ashley's work at a monastic hospital is deemed “miraculous” but draws unwanted attention as potential witchcraft. Meanwhile, becoming embroiled in a political movement, she realizes too late it’s a plot against the King.
How can Ashley conform to social expectations, counter the plot, and still keep her relationship with Thomas, in all the turmoil?
Read an Excerpt
The scene at Newgate was much different than when they had left only a couple of hours before. The crowd of everyday travelers had dispersed, and de Landys’s men had been reinforced, though a few of them lay on the ground with arrows through their chests. Most of them stood with their backs to Ashley and her group, intent on countering the King’s men, who were heaving against the gate to break it down.
The two knights who had agreed to accompany her paused. Ashley glanced up at de la Garde. “This is your moment, Sir Matthew. Your future reputation will depend on what you choose to do now.”
Sir Matthew set his mouth in a grim line. He glanced at his fellow, who nodded at him. They roared past her and attacked the men from behind, slashing swords into backs and necks. Ashley used the distraction to dash into the gatehouse, where she paused only to slide the torch into a handy sconce on the wall. The King’s men were still tied up. She would have to trust that their loyalty to the King held true. Ashley knelt and used her dagger to cut through the ropes, starting with de Mantel.
“What’s the situation?” he asked as soon as he was free of his gag.
“The King’s men are on the other side of the gate. We’ve reinforced them from inside.”
“You? Are there any fighting men in your reinforceme
nts?”
“Yes. Two.” The bloody body of one of the traitors fell into the gatehouse doorway. Ashley forced a smile even though the sight made her gag. “See?”
About the Author
Beth Ford writes historical and time travel stories that transport you in time. She is the author of the novels In the Times of Spirits, Love Between Times, Love Across, Time, and After the Spirits Come: A Continuation of Dickens's A Christmas Carol. She also writes the Cassie Woods, Reporter historical mystery romance novella series. Her work has also appeared in a variety of literary journals. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Website: http://bethfordauthor.com
X: https://x.com/BethFordAuthor
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bethfordauthor.bsky.social
Please use the following code on your post:
Spotlight and Giveaway: A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer
About the Book
Book: A Hundred Magical Reasons
Author: Laura DeNooyer
Genre: Biographical historical fiction, literary
fiction, book club fiction
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Most fairy tales have
happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose
Gordon, the disgruntled town recluse, is eighty-eight and has grown weary of
fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband’s
name of a 1918 crime.
Dragons of a different
kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.
During 1980, the summer of
her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café
dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.
As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the
story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to
encounter her own fears and soul-searching.
In this modern-day fairy
tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts
each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can
Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?
Click here
to get your copy!
About the Author
Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and an award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels are perfect for fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Erin Bartels, or Amanda Cox. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.
More from Laura
Smitten!
That was me—smitten—after
reading a biography about L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard
of Oz (1900). Baum was an innovative, larger-than-life personality—no
surprise there, given that he created the Land of Oz.
He was also a family man
with a keen understanding of children and a high regard for women. (His
mother-in-law was a suffragist!) His humor and creativity gave him the capacity
to bounce back from failure many times.
Having always wanted to
write a novel set in the turn of the century, Baum fit perfectly into my plans.
Fun fact: The Baum family
summered at the same lake where our family vacations yearly. Though we were at
opposite ends of Lake Macatawa near Holland, Michigan—and opposite ends of the
century—I felt a connection.
Unstoppable Imagination
meets Doubt & Fear
Imagination plays a huge
role in the story. My main character Janie is at odds with her rigid parents
who have no use for fiction, fantasy, or fairy tales. She is only allowed to
read The New England Primer, The Pilgrim’s Progress,
and the Bible. Then eight-year-old Janie meets the inimitable L. Frank
Baum who stretches her imagination in every way possible. This is a major
tension throughout the story.
This ties to 1980, where
my protagonist Carrie wants to run a literary-themed café against her
parents’ wishes. They have their own goals for her. As grown-up Janie (now
eighty-eight-year-old Mrs. Gordon) unveils her childhood troubles to Carrie, they
both make startling discoveries.
Bonded by stories and
baking Oz-inspired recipes, Carrie and Mrs. Gordon’s intergenerational
friendship gradually grows and deepens—one facing fears about her future, the
other living with regrets about her past.
Brains, Heart, &
Courage
Whether you’re an Oz fan
or not, I believe you’ll enjoy getting to know L. Frank Baum. Besides getting
the facts straight, I wanted to create his essence on the page so readers
experience what it was like to sit on the Baums’ Macatawa porch with him, whether
running a printing press or drinking lemonade.
Baum’s stories are all
about stirring the child’s imagination, and that’s a key element of my novel.
Since we’re all made in the Creator’s image, everybody is creative in their own
way. I hope this story inspires readers to use their own imagination to pursue
dreams.
But dreams only grow in
the soil of confidence. As Mrs. Gordon challenges Carrie, “Do you want to live
by your passions or by your fears?” One of those fears is being yourself vs.
wearing a mask.
Join the journey of two
women who are hugely impacted by the wisdom, heart, and courage of the creator
of Oz.
Blog Stops
Simple
Harvest Reads, May 22 (Author Interview)
Artistic
Nobody, May 23 (Author Interview)
Lights
in a Dark World, May 23
Guild Master,
May 24 (Author Interview)
Texas
Book-aholic, May 25
Fiction
Book Lover, May 26 (Author Interview)
The
Bookish Ledger, May 27 (Author Interview)
Paula’s
Pad of Inspiration, May 28 (Author Interview)
Cover
Lover Book Review, May 29
History,
Hope & Happily Ever After, May 30 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, May 30
Vicky Sluiter,
May 31 (Author Interview)
For
the Love of Literature, June 1 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day
Fairy Tale, June 2 (Author Interview)
For Him
and My Family, June 3
Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy, June 4
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour,
Laura is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback
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/fbEmw/a-hundred-magical-reasons-celebration-tour-giveaway
Friday, May 29, 2026
Book Blast and Giveaway: K-Pop The 4 Lights and The Sharded Lullably by Lotte Bluejay
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lotte Bluejay will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
An epic K-Pop fantasy adventure series for readers ages 8-12.
Music becomes magic. Friendship becomes power. And every concert could save the world.
When four freshly debuted K-pop idols discover that their songs awaken ancient magic, their rise to fame turns into something far greater than a world tour.
At their first sold-out concert, Hana, Daon, Mira, and Noah expect a night of lights and applause. Instead, they uncover a broken lullaby and fragments of an ancient prophecy. Soon strange things begin to follow them from city to city - whispers in the lights, shadows beneath the rhythm, and a dark force determined to silence their music forever.
Because somewhere in the shadows, a forgotten enemy has been waiting for the music to begin.
To protect their dreams, their fans, and each other, the four must learn to unlock the hidden power within their songs. Because harmony is strongest when no one stands alone. And some melodies were never meant to fade.
Perfect for readers who love:
• magical adventures and epic quests
• powerful friendships and teamwork
• modern fantasy with a pop-culture twist
• stories where music becomes magic
Begin the adventure with Book 1 of The Four Lights. The stage is set. The prophecy has begun. And the world is about to hear their song.
The Four Lights Series
A magical middle-grade adventure about friendship, courage, and the power of music.
Book 1 - The Sharded Lullaby
Book 2 - The Shadow Band
Book 3 - The Crimson Solace
Book 4 - The Syncopated Harmony
Book 5 - The Hollow Beat
Book 6 - The Blinding Crescendo
Book 7 - the epic finale
Read an Excerpt
Daon’s fingers twitched. Tap-tap … tap.
The pulse matched him.
Hana’s breath caught. “Daon,” she said, low.
“I know, I know,” he whispered, but he couldn’t help it. The beat slipped out of him like a hiccup. He added a heel-thump, tiny, a heartbeat on the floor.
The bobbing steadied. The little bumps turned into a slow roll, the kind you could ride if you knew when to lean.
Daon leaned with it, eyes wide. “Are you seeing this?”
“I’m seeing you stop,” Noah said.
Mira pressed a new chord, soft and bright. The roll faded. The seatbelt sign blinked off.
Silence fell between them, the kind that wasn’t empty at all.
Hana looked from Daon’s hands to Mira’s keyboard to Noah’s steady grip on the bass case. No one said the word magic. No one said powers. The cabin was full of people, full of cameras, full of ordinary. The last thing they needed was attention.
Daon tucked his hands under his thighs like a kid in time-out. “Okay,” he whispered. “Okay. But did you feel how the bumps synced to me? Like the plane caught the beat?”
“It synced to the pilot,” Noah said. “Like it’s supposed to.”
Mira’s mouth curved. “Maybe both.”
The cart came back with snacks. Crackers. Cups. The clink of ice. The very normal world.
They ate. They watched a cartoon on the seatback screens without hearing it. They tried to sleep.
Hana couldn't. She stared at the little screen map and watched their plane crawl toward Japan. A bright line traced their path, pixel by pixel. She thought of the glow that had raced up the mic stands, and of how her body had hummed like a string in tune.
She reached into her backpack and slid out a notebook. On the first blank page she wrote:
Seoul: power went out – we sang – stands glowed – crowd calmed. Backstage: stands still warm – felt watched – not sure. Plane: Daon’s beat = air bumps? Mira’s chord = calm?
She added a question mark and circled it twice.
About the Author
Lotte Bluejay creates magical middle-grade adventures where music becomes power and friendship saves the day. Her Four Lights series blends the sparkle of K-Pop with the wonder of fantasy, giving young readers stories filled with rhythm, courage, and hope. Every book is written to light up imaginations, celebrate teamwork, and remind kids that even in the darkest moments, their own voices can shine the brightest.
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the4lights.official
Website with all books of the series: https://www.gocrazyhappy.com/the4lights/
Soundtrack: https://thefourlights.hearnow.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the4lights.officialbr> YouTube: https://youtube.com/@the4lights.official
BookBub: https://youtube.com/@the4lights.official
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Review and Giveaway: The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids
Splash into Scripture this summer! Dive into God’s Word & soak
up truth with these Bible resources for curious & creative kids:
Explorer Bible for Kids
Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids
Scripture Memory Cards
Bring the Bible to life for kids with the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible
for kids & companion products! Explore the (yet) unknown with the NEW
dictionary & lock in key truths with these fun, NEW Scripture memory cards!
Summer Goal: Develop joyful Bible study habits as a family!
Get kids excited for consistent days in God’s Word with Bibles designed for them.
My Review:
Disclosure:
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Giveaway:
1 GRAND PRIZE giveaway of the Explorer Bible for Kids + Toddler Theology Series Bundle (retail value of approx. $149.99)
Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be a US resident.
To enter: Entrants must fill out THIS FORM (there’s no other way to enter) by 6/11)
Bundle contents: 2 copies of the Explorer Bible for Kids, 2 Explorer Bible for Kids Dictionaries, Explorer Bible Stickers, an Explorer Bible Tshirt, and the Toddler Theology Series set (6 books in set).
Giveaway Rules:
Giveaway is limited to US winners only.
Three or less word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.
Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you.
Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours.
If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.
Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner.
Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified.
Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.
Spotlight and Giveaway: Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats by Kayla E Green
About the Book
Book: Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats
Author: Kayla E. Green
Genre: Children’s Illustrated Book
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Hadley the Hippo is
hungry, and she won’t rest until she finds something to eat. But as she walks
through her jungle home, she finds that the snacks in the jungle have an odd
effect on her-they change her color! Still, Hadley munch, munch, munches her way
through the greens, blue, purples, oranges, reds, and yellows of the jungle,
hoping to finally satisfy the rumbling in her tummy. Along the way, she finds
that it really does matter what you consume.
Click here
to get your copy!
About the Author
Kayla E. Green is an
award-winning 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 YA debut fantasy novel is
titled The Goodness of Unicorns.
More from Kayla
I wrote Hadley the
Hippo is What She Eats to provide a fun story to engage small
learners. Through the hippo’s journey through the jungle where her color
changes based on what she eats, pre-K and primary students can learn about both
fruits and colors. But, what’s more, the back of the book contains a note to
parents/teachers with activities to discuss the importance of consumption—what
we listen to on the radio, watch on TV and online, and read impacts our minds
and hearts. Approaching this lesson in an age-appropriate way is important for
providing a foundational framework for discernment later in life.
As a former elementary
school librarian and classroom teacher turned full-time mother, I know
firsthand how play and learning go hand in hand. This principle applies to
foundational skills for understanding biblical teachings, character
development, math, literacy, and, well, a lot of things! Playing games with
your learners can help reinforce that learning is fun–not only is there a game
involved, but your learner will get to spend time with YOU!
As a part of the book
tour, I’m so excited to share 3 learning games with you! These games are
designed with minimal materials but maximum fun. PLUS, they can be modified for
various age groups. Find these 3 learning games to play with littles at home here
in this online slideshow:
Blog Stops
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, May 19
Simple
Harvest Reads, May 20 (Author Interview)
The
Bookish Ledger, May 21 (Author Interview)
Mary
Hake, May 21
Guild Master,
May 22 (Author Interview)
Texas
Book-aholic, May 23
Fiction
Book Lover, May 24 (Author Interview)
History,
Hope & Happily Ever After, May 25 (Author Interview)
For
the Love of Literature, May 26 (Author Interview)
For Him
and My Family, May 27
Jodie Wolfe
– Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 28 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book
Reviews, May 29 (Author Interview)
Mrs. Ryan
Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, May 29
Blossoms
and Blessings, May 30 (Author Interview)
Vicky
Sluiter, May 31
Artistic
Nobody, June 1
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour,
Kayla is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book, the companion
coloring book, a special cookie mix from Story Crumbs inspired by Hadley, and a
$20 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the
blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://gleam.io/efZJQ/hadley-the-hippo-is-what-she-eats-celebration-tour-giveaway














