Blog Archives
From Worry to Wonder: Seeing God’s Goodness in Life’s Rearview Mirror
From Worry to Wonder by Amy Hagerup is a collection of personal stories about faith, resilience, and divine intervention. Structured into six sections, it covers themes like God’s provision, protection, spiritual formation, and purpose through life’s trials. Each chapter presents a real-life challenge and how faith played a role in overcoming it. Whether it’s financial struggles, childhood hardships, or unexpected turns in travel, the book focuses on transforming worry into wonder through trust in God.
What stands out is the honesty in Hagerup’s storytelling. She doesn’t sugarcoat struggles, which makes her experiences feel real and relatable. In Down to My Last Two Dollars, she describes the tough decision to give despite lacking money for food. Her raw reflections show both fear and faith, making this a moment of emotional tension that resonates deeply. This kind of vulnerability runs through the book, making it feel like a conversation with a trusted friend.
Another powerful chapter, Doctor’s Prediction I’d Go Insane, dives into a particularly gripping moment from her past. The way she lays out her fears and the disbelief she encountered from professionals adds an element of suspense. It’s not just about proving others wrong, it’s about leaning into faith when the world says otherwise. I found myself holding my breath as she revealed how the situation unfolded.
Some stories, like Lesson Learned from a Mule, have a touch of humor while still delivering deep wisdom. It’s a great balance, the book never feels too heavy, even when dealing with difficult topics. The writing style is simple and heartfelt, without sounding preachy.
From Worry to Wonder is a great read for those who need encouragement in their faith journey. It’s especially suited for readers who enjoy personal testimonies and practical reflections on trusting God. If you’ve ever faced uncertainty and wondered how faith plays into it, this book might be the reminder you need that wonder can follow even the hardest worries.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0D686D67R
Spiritual Warfare
Kalani: Shadows of Destiny follows two people living in a world of immortals with advanced technology on separate journeys of self-discovery that unravel and challenge their concepts of reality and faith. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup for Kalani: Shadows of Destiny was inspired by my own journey of navigating faith and personal resilience, and I wanted to explore these themes in a sci-fi fantasy setting. Imagine a Christian Star Wars where the battle to remain faithful to God’s will has become an action adventure that defies age boundaries. Through the eyes of Desiree and Zach, we experience how eternal struggles intertwine with the mortal experience, and I wanted readers to feel the gravity of spiritual warfare on an epic, cosmic scale. With this inspiration, the story aims to connect on an emotional level, evoking the timeless challenge of belief amid adversity.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The world of Kalani started with an image of a radiant, spiritual afterlife juxtaposed with dystopian elements, where immortals live with advanced technology yet face profound emotional and moral challenges. As I wrote, the setting evolved to represent an “eternal spring” on the surface, masking a world where characters constantly confront moral and spiritual darkness. Kalani grew into a realm where landscapes and tech reflect the inner spiritual states of the characters—a place both awe-inspiring and challenging, where destiny feels tangible.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes in Kalani reflect the emotional battles many of us face: resilience, faith, the tension between hope and despair, and finding purpose through sacrifice. Desiree’s journey, for instance, explores the sense of worthiness and self-discovery, reflecting my own experiences in foster care and growing up with complex feelings of unworthiness. There’s also the theme of spiritual warfare, where each character’s struggle represents the Biblical idea that our battles are not just physical but also spiritual. The Army of Magnar and the Army of Awry symbolize forces of good and evil in a tangible, cosmic conflict, and I wanted this to mirror how people today face unseen but profound battles for their souls.
What will your next novel be about, and what will the whole series encompass?
The Fostering Worlds series will span three books, each diving deeper into the cosmic struggle between Magnar and Awry’s armies. The next novel will see Desiree and Zach further develop their spiritual gifts and confront darker forces that test their faith to the limit. Over the series, I’m excited to explore how these battles shape their character and how each choice brings them closer to—or farther from—their divine purpose. Ultimately, the series is about hope, redemption, and learning to see one’s worth through a divine lens.
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As they set off on separate journeys, their stories become ones of self-discovery that unravels and challenges their concepts of realty and faith. Each torn between letting their past go, in order to accept an unknown destiny.
Kalani: Shadows of Destiny is the premiere novel in the science-fiction Fostering Worlds series. It is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Get ready to be transported to a world of breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding adventures, and emotionally driven characters that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Join Desiree and Zach as they embark on the ultimate test of faith.
The Overcomer: God’s Answers To Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges
The Overcomer by James Collins is a heartfelt, scripture-filled guide on how to rise above life’s toughest challenges through faith. Each chapter tackles a different struggle, from stress and fear to temptation and loss, all with the common thread of biblical wisdom and personal anecdotes from Collins’ own experiences as a chaplain. The central message is simple yet powerful: trust in God, even when life feels overwhelmingly bleak, because His strength will carry you through. If you’re looking for spiritual encouragement and practical biblical applications, this book is like a faith-based toolbox.
James Collins writes in a warm, conversational style that’s easy to connect with. He opens each section with relatable stories, often laced with humor, like the tale of a misinterpreted letter about a campground’s “BC” facilities, which stands out in the chapter on overcoming lies. It’s a memorable way to remind readers not to mistake man-made maxims for God’s truth. What I appreciated most were the personal anecdotes that brought authenticity to his teachings. Collins recounts gut-wrenching experiences, like witnessing the horrors of war or comforting grieving families, to illustrate that God’s strength is essential when we’re at our lowest. This vulnerability makes his advice more impactful because you see a man who has walked through fire and come out faithful, albeit scarred. Collins tends to repeat ideas, especially when emphasizing the importance of humility and reliance on God. While these are crucial themes, the reiteration sometimes slows the book’s momentum. This scripture-heavy approach will be a goldmine for those who seek solid biblical grounding in every piece of advice. Still, I craved a bit more balance between scripture and actionable steps in some chapters.
The Overcomer is a deeply moving and spiritually rich read, perfect for believers needing a boost of hope. It’s geared toward those facing hardship and who seek strength from a faith-based perspective. If you’re struggling with loss, stress, or just the day-to-day grind, this book will remind you that no burden is too heavy when shared with God.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0DGDMC6BZ
Kalani: Shadows of Destiny
Jolene Fine’s Kalani: Shadows of Destiny launches her Fostering Worlds series with remarkable flair. This ambitious fantasy debut delivers a rich tapestry of complex characters, high-stakes struggles, and deeply immersive world-building. Kalani, a planet ruled by god-like figures, brims with intrigue and conflict, with every corner of its beautifully mapped terrain promising readers a thrilling adventure. Fine’s storytelling will make you laugh, cry, and stay invested in each twist as you journey through this fascinating new world.
The novel centers on two main characters, Zach and Desiree, who navigate Kalani’s world of immortals. Kalani’s inhabitants are divided into two classes: the Lambients and the Watchers. Fine masterfully introduces readers to this world’s structure, where advanced technology meets a unique social order from the very first page.
The author’s emotional writing style makes it easy to connect with the characters as they grapple with belonging and identity in a complex and vividly imagined society. Zach, yearning for his girlfriend Gretchen back on his home planet Therma, petitions Kalani’s spiritual leaders, hoping for any chance to communicate with her. Meanwhile, Desiree, an outsider, finds herself pulled toward Kalani’s deeper mysteries, her drive for knowledge propelling her into powerful but dangerous territory.
Fine builds suspense masterfully, creating a world where every choice holds weight. Zach and Desiree encounter mystical barriers and god-like rulers, with each encounter steeped in high drama and tension. Their inner conflicts bring as much depth to the story as the fantastical elements, weaving a narrative that explores love, existential longing, and personal destiny. The world of Kalani feels simultaneously vast and intimate, with each page building anticipation and excitement.
I’d highly recommend Kalani: Shadows of Destiny to fans of character-driven fantasy and those who enjoy exploring dystopian worlds. For anyone new to fantasy, this novel is an excellent entry point, offering a story that balances rich world-building with genuine emotional resonance.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0CCZHY41R
By Design
After the death of her mother as a young teen, Anne Boyd has gone through life using her mother’s three-step plan to evaluate every decision to reach her goals. By using this three-step plan, Anne has her dream career as an interior designer and recently accepted a new and prestigious position at a high-end design firm in Atlanta. Her life seems to be on her planned trajectory until she meets handsome Dr. Brad Young, Jr., a client-turned-love interest. Then, Anne must decide what she truly values as she navigates burgeoning feelings while staying true to her convictions.
Author J Boykin Baker hits the mark for the religious romance genre with her release of By Design by weaving an engaging story of southern love. From the love of a mother for a daughter to a father for a son, readers will see the impact that relationships can have on life choices. Anne values her faith and uses that as a compass to guide her relationships and career; however, her values are tested after meeting Brad. Brad is handsome and has a steady and lucrative career but seems to flounder when it comes to committed relationships. Boykin succeeds in establishing a mutual attraction between the two characters and hooks the reader into being invested in the outcome of the relationship. Boykin also excels in vivid descriptions of different settings and her interior design knowledge.
Readers will appreciate the heartfelt message of the book and the emphasis on the importance of choices and relationships. By Design checks all the boxes for a captivating religious romance novel. The wholesome and idealistic storyline was as enjoyable to read as a Hallmark romance movie, leaving me feeling satisfied and entertained.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0B7CLNZ5B
My Mom has Superpowers
Lillian is a young girl that has a big secret; her Mom is a superhero. Or at least that is what she thinks. Her Mom seems to help her ace her test and help a neighbor find his lost dog without even leaving the house, and a patient at the hospital where she works gets well enough to go home! Lillian thinks this is some supernatural ability, but her Mom confides in her about her superpower. Lillian’s Mom prays. The power of prayer is what brings about the amazing things that happen around her.
My Mom has Superpowers by author Vera Harris is an inspirational picture book for kids and families to recognize the fantastic power prayer can have when people believe. This children’s book explains in simple terms that kids will be able to understand that prayer plays a vital role in self-confidence and helping those in need. It also highlights the need to serve others; Lillian’s Mom does not pray for things for herself; instead, she prays to help the people around her, which, in turn, brings her joy. Lillian’s Mom shows a true servant’s heart that Christian readers will recognize and appreciate.
This heartwarming story is illustrated by Ishika Sharma, the artwork is bright and engaging, and children will love following along page by page. Each illustration has depth and details that bring them to life, especially the praying hands; you can just envision the angels in the clouds receiving the prayers from below.
An additional resource at the end of this book is the included pages to write your own prayers on. This is the only thing I did not love about the book. Not all children that read this will have a mom, dad, or siblings, and having pages dedicated to those titles may be off-putting to some kids. Nevertheless, I love the idea of having a place to write your prayers; I just wish it had been generic.
My Mom has Superpowers is a beautifully written story about learning to pray and passing that superpower on to the next generation. This would make an excellent book for families and religious education classrooms to have to show the power of prayer in a way that kids can understand and appreciate.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0B5BD1WCJ
LITERARY TITAN 