An Ancient Worship Movement by Greg Gordon Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: An Ancient Worship Movement

Author: Greg Gordon, St. Thomas Church

Genre: Christianity

Release Date: December 1, 2024

Find an Ancient Faith that will Transform Your Life.

Beyond the noise of a busy western world lies the need to worship God for Himself alone. So many different denominational ideologies and techniques of Church growth exist but what did the early Apostles and believers do? There is a need for “An Ancient Worship Movement” where we rediscover and implement older Biblical Church practices that were pre-denominational.

This book will help you:

- Rediscover Ancient practices lost to many evangelicals

- Renew your intimate personal walk with God

- Renew A passion for lost souls

- Experience personal spiritual revival

- Be equipped to start an [Mission] House Church

”The Ancient Worship Movement is not just a book but literally an invitation to a vibrant movement of God’s Spirit in our day. This book is a clarion call to the Western Church to point back to Jesus as the centre of the gathering of His people.” – Steve M.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This movement calls believers back to their roots of the early church. Gordon does a good job of reviewing early heresies and suggests heresies abound today. Some of the particular features include encouraging readers to have a heart for the lost and to hold to the centrality of Jesus in worship. Some surprises for me were encouragement to observe the liturgical year, make the sign of the cross, understand the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and infant baptism. There are good lessons on prayer with several historical prayers included.

This is a good book for Christians who are interested in how the early church worshiped or are looking to evaluate their own worship.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Greg Gordon is the founder of SermonIndex.net, which was established in 2002. Millions of audio sermons have been distributed through this world-wide ministry. He is also the author of “The Following of Christ” and other books. Greg has traveled to many countries and across North America to thousands of churches and ministries bringing a message of radical Christian discipleship. He has also been involved in organizing over 12 international historic revival conference events where thousands of lives were impacted

 

More from the Authors

Why An Ancient Worship Movement? 10 Reasons from the Early Church Fathers

As the author of An Ancient Worship Movement, and founder of St. Thomas Church I’ve spent years reflecting on the wisdom of the early Church Fathers—those giants of faith like Ignatius, Justin Martyr, and Augustine who shaped Christianity in its purest days. Their writings reveal a worship so vibrant and real that it pierces through the noise of our modern age. Here are 10 reasons, drawn from their own words, why we desperately need a new ancient expression of worship today.

1. To Reclaim Worship as a Way of Life

Clement of Rome taught us, “Let us cleave to righteousness, for our whole life is a sacrifice to God.” The Fathers didn’t see worship as a Sunday event but as a constant offering. Today, we’ve boxed it into schedules and stages—don’t we need to live it again, every moment?

1. To Restore the Power of Prayer

Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “Pray without ceasing, for it is the breath of the Church.” Prayer wasn’t optional for the early believers; it was their lifeline to God. Our distracted, prayerless culture needs this ancient pattern to reconnect with the triune God.

1. To Center on the Eucharist’s Mystery

Justin Martyr said, “This food we call Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes.” The Fathers revered the Lord’s Supper as a sacred encounter, not a ritual. Shouldn’t we strip away our casualness and rediscover its awe?

1. To Embrace Simplicity Over Spectacle

Tertullian observed, “We assemble in homes.” The early church thrived without megachurches or light shows. Today’s obsession with production values begs for a return to that humble, uncluttered faith.

1. To Rekindle Evangelistic Zeal

Irenaeus declared, “We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to some, but to us the power of God.” For the Fathers, sharing the gospel was worship itself. In a world numb to truth, don’t we need their bold witness to awaken souls?

1. To Foster True Community

The Didache instructs, “Share all things with your brother, for you are one in Christ.” The Fathers lived as a family, not a crowd. Our isolated, individualistic churches need this ancient bond in the unity of the Church.

1. To Confront Modern Drift

Cyprian warned, “He who departs from the unity of the Church departs from Christ.” The Fathers fought heresy and complacency with fierce clarity. Today’s watered-down faith needs their courage to call us back to the real Jesus.

1. To Ignite Personal Revival

Basil the Great prayed, “Kindle in us the fire of Your love, O Lord.” The Fathers knew revival starts in one heart. In our spiritually tepid age, don’t we need their passion to set us ablaze again?

1. To Ground Us in Practical Faith

Polycarp urged, “Stand firm in the faith, doing all things in love.” The Fathers gave us hands-on ways to live worship—prayers, fasting, service. Shouldn’t we trade theory for their tangible practices to anchor our restless lives?

1. To Dream of a Renewed Church

Augustine envisioned, “A people praising You, O God, from every corner of the earth.” The Fathers saw worship as a movement that could transform the world. Today, with faith fading, don’t we need their ancient hope to spark a new awakening?

These voices from the past aren’t relics—they’re a roadmap. The early Church Fathers show us worship that’s raw, relational, and rooted in Christ. As you consider to explore the book, An Ancient Worship Movement, I pray something of the genuine early faith of the Apostles illuminates your heart afresh to truth and reality. Jesus the Son of God is coming back soon may we be found doing His will, working with His Church and loving Him with First Love devotion.

Here are some summarized points from current reviews from the book:

”Thoughtfully explores Christian theology, delving into worship’s multifaceted nature—actions, evangelism, prayer, and communion.”

”Guides readers toward emulating the authentic roots of early Christian faith with a balanced, constructive critique.”

”Sets a spiritual tone from the start with an opening prayer that centers on Christ, not the author.”

”Offers fascinating insights into early church communion practices, making history vivid and relevant.”

”Strikes a compelling balance between theological depth and accessibility, especially in its practical prayer section.”

”Inspires personal spiritual revival with actionable guidance for deepening faith.”

”Critiques modern church drift thoughtfully, avoiding harsh judgment, and invites reflection.”

”Valuable for house church enthusiasts and believers seeking intimate worship renewal.”

”Provides a profound invitation to rediscover authentic worship through early church lenses.”

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, August 6 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, August 6

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 7

Stories By Gina, August 8 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, August 9 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

A Reader’s Brain, August 10 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 12 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13

Simple Harvest Reads, August 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 15

Guild Master, August 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 17

Fiction Book Lover, August 18 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 19 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Greg and St. Thomas Church are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of An Ancient Worship Movement and An Ancient Move of God: Book of Acts!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54269

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Lake Escape by Jamie Day Book Review

About the Book:

Julia, David, and Erika grew up together spending summers at their idyllic Vermont lake homes for as long as they can remember. Now adults― with their own sullen teens, endless mortgages, and low-voltage sex lives― the three friends have amassed secrets over the years.

This summer, David is eager to show off his newly renovated home―which now blocks his friends’ cherished lake views―and his much-younger girlfriend. He also, unwittingly, brings a nanny with a hidden agenda. What could possibly go wrong?

When David’s girlfriend mysteriously vanishes after a shouting match, Julia and Erika wonder just how well they know their lifelong friend. The lake harbors a harrowing past: two young women, with no known connection, vanished without a trace thirty years ago. Did the lake take another?

As a search is mounted, an intricate web of lies, deceits, and betrayals spanning generations starts to surface, and everyone finds themselves in danger of becoming the next victim. Of the lake, or something darker.

My Review:

I had trouble making it through this novel. I did not particularly like the characters involved and there were many of them. Having different points of view is not a favorite narrative style for me. Some of the events seemed beyond belief such as having mob characters involved. And everyone has secrets that they have managed to keep hidden from each other all these years. That yields a complicated mystery plot, one that I would have liked to have been more focused.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

About the Author:

Jamie Day lives in one of those picture-perfect, coastal New England towns you see in the movies. And just like the movies, Jamie has two children and an adorable dog to fawn over. When not writing or reading, Jamie enjoys yoga, the ocean, cooking, and long walks on the beach with the dog, or the kids, or sometimes both.

St Martin's Press, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Living the Good Life by Celia Anderson Book Review

About the Book:

The peaceful village of Willowbrook seems to be the ideal place for a new lease of life – at least according to Nell’s husband, Barney. With an empty nest and coming towards retirement, he’s persuaded her to try country living. Their cottage even has an annex that’s perfect for Barney’s widowed father, Frank.

Nell is less sure about this fresh start… and it’s not long before cracks in her thirty-year marriage begin to appear. Instead of spending more time together, she and Barney seem to be drifting apart. Frank, too, is unsettled.

A weekly community group exploring the secret of happiness provides a way for Nell and her father-in-law to navigate their new surroundings. Nell finds some friends, and Frank is quickly taken in hand by the neighborhood matriarchs – the self-styled ‘Saga Louts’!

But will questioning what makes her happy push Nell even further away from Barney, especially when she discovers the secrets her husband has been keeping? Or can opening up to others help old wounds heal and bring them back together once more? What really is the secret to happiness?

My Review:

This is an entertaining novel for older readers. When a couple moves, new opportunities present themselves and new relationships are made. I was a bit nervous as these new opportunities seemed to draw the couple away from each other. There are a number of support characters who help flesh out the couple's transition and resulting activities. Some, like the “Saga Louts” are quite the characters.

Anderson does a good job of exploring the changes that come with life for older people and what might result. Friendships are made and the importance of events in life leading to happiness are explored. Readers have opportunities to think about their own lives and what really makes for happiness. It is not a page turner. The action is slow and steady but it is a heartwarming novel in the end.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Celia Anderson enjoys writing contemporary fiction featuring older protagonists, although a wide age range of characters can always be found in her books. Previously a teacher and assistant head, Celia writes full time these days but loves to chat to other authors and readers, and often spends far too much time browsing social media. She is an enthusiastic member of the Romantic Novelists Association, having proudly graduated from their New Writers' Scheme in 2013. Born and bred in the Midlands, Celia has long been tempted by the idea of living near the sea, and her dream at last became a reality in 2023 when she moved to the south coast. 

Boldwood Books, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Murder on an Italian Island by T A Williams Book Review

About the Book:

A holiday island…

When private investigator, Dan Armstrong, and his girlfriend, Anna, are invited to the gorgeous island of Elba for a much-needed break, he jumps at the chance. The thought of sun-drenched shores makes Dan promise Anna he won't “play detective” for a whole week…

A luxury hotel…

Their luxurious hotel, with its wonderful food and picturesque seaside views, seems the perfect escape, especially with Dan's best friend Virgilio and his wife joining them. But the calm shatters with a sinister encounter and a sudden, suspicious death...

A decades old case…

Virgilio’s past connection to the victim casts a long shadow, pulling Dan into a decades-old case. But beneath Elba’s beauty lie secrets and resentments. The victim was universally hated, but was his death the result of foul play or just a tragic accident?

With his faithful canine companion, Oscar, Dan must unravel the island's mysteries, a task that soon takes a decidedly personal and unsettling turn.

My Review:

This is a very low key mystery. There is practically no suspense unless you figure in the spills Armstrong takes as he is learning to wind surf. His female traveling partner does experience some threat but that happens off stage. The plot moves at a steady if slow pace. The strength of the novel is the setting so this mystery is for readers who like an emphasis on the setting more than the action of solving the mystery.

This novel is part of a series and quite a ways down the line. I thought it read well as a stand alone. Williams is good at describing the setting of an Italian island and that was the best part of the book.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

About the Author:

I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely writing romance and whodunnits. I'm having a lot of fun writing the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series set in sunny Italy. I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. 

Boldwood Books, 232 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

How to Sell 1000 Books a Month by Susan U Neal Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: How to Sell 1000 Books a Month

Author: Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS

Genre: Book Marketing

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Do you dream of being a bestselling author?

Have you written a book but have no idea how to sell it?

Can you envision your message in the hands of thousands of readers?

Unlock the secrets to epic book sales with Susan Neal’s book How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. Whether you’re a new writer or an experienced author looking to elevate your marketing tactics, this book offers a treasure of insights to significantly boost your sales and increase the effective outreach of your unique message.

Susan Neal, an award-winning author and seasoned marketer, condenses years of successful sales and marketing strategies into practical steps that can turn your book into an award-winning bestseller. Learn how to:

• create a focused and polished manuscript
• captivate and grow your audience
• master the art of online marketing
• leverage the power of social media to create a compelling author brand
• discover the potential of keywords to increase your book’s visibility
• use the influence of reviews and blogs to increase sales

This guide doesn’t just tell you what to do—it shows you how to do it, with detailed action plans tailored for both new and veteran authors. From building a robust marketing plan to planning a book launch to navigating the complexities of Amazon ads, Susan covers everything you need to know to reach—and surpass—your book sales goals.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Self-publishing is popular but the market is so crowded an author needs much help to produce a book that sells well. Neal has come to the rescue. This book has a wealth of information and practical suggestions on topics ranging from writing to publishing to marketing. It really contains everything an aspiring author needs. She includes many of her own newbie experiences to illustrate her insights.

This book has much information to take in. Neal provides a summary of the material at the end of each chapter as well as specific action steps related to the chapter's subject. She also provides a downloadable marketing plan one can review while reading the book.

Having been a bookseller and currently a book reviewer and blogger, I am impressed with the information contained in this book. I found the section on the importance of getting reviews to be the most interesting. I know it takes a great deal of knowledge about the trade and a great deal of work to make one's book successful. Neal's information will get you well on the way to that success.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Susan Neal is an award-winning, bestselling author and certified writer coach with an MBA and MHS. She empowers Christian authors to publish and market their God-given messages. She has authored nine healthy living books. As the CEO of the Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA), Christian Authors Network (CAN), Christian Indie Awards, and director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference, Susan’s leadership extends across multiple platforms.

 

More from Susan

Why I Wrote How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month
By Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS

When I first became an author, I had no idea how much marketing it would take to get my book into readers’ hands. Like many writers, I thought my job ended when I typed “The End.” But I quickly realized that if I truly wanted to reach people with the message God gave me, I needed to learn how to market that message effectively.

Over the years, I discovered what actually works. My book 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates has sold over 30,000 copies. In 2022, I reached a personal milestone: my overall Amazon author rank was 4,400. That placed me in the top 1 percent of all Amazon authors. As an award-winning, best-selling author and certified writer coach, I’ve gained a great deal of insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to book marketing. And I wanted to share those marketing secrets with you.

That’s why I wrote How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. I want to equip Christian authors with the tools and strategies they need—not only to sell more books but to fulfill their divine calling. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about spreading the message God gave you and watching Him multiply its impact.

Blog Stops

Madi’s Musings, July 29

Girls in White Dresses, July 30

It’s Mama Safe, July 31

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 1

Stories By Gina, August 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 5

Texas Book-aholic, August 6

Simple Harvest Reads, August 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 9

Jodie Wolfe, August 10

Guild Master, August 11 (Author Interview)

Lights in a Dark World, August 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54267

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Blue Horse by Bruce Borgos Book Review

About the Book:

A helicopter driving a controversial round-up of wild horses suddenly crashes and the pilot is found to have been shot. Then the person coordinating the round-up for the Bureau of Land Management is savagely murdered, buried up to her neck and then trampled to death by the very same wild horses. And there's no lack of suspects―with the wild horse advocacy group having sworn to protect the horse At Any Cost! Now the state and federal agencies are showing up looking for answers or at least a scapegoat.

Sheriff Porter Beck has had better days.

Porter Beck's new girlfriend, Detective Charlie Blue Horse, arrives to help with the investigation, which leads them to Canadian Lithium mining operation near the round-up area that sets off Beck's mental alarm bells. Brinley, Beck's sister, is leading a group of troubled kids in a wilderness program, when one of them, Rafa, bolts one night. When Brinley catches up to him, they're just outside the mine―in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

With his personal life in turmoil, too many suspects and too many secrets, the feds pushing for a quick resolution, and his impetuous (if skilled) sister in the mix, one wrong step could be deadly for Porter Beck.

My Review:

This historical mystery is set in the early stages of COVID. It brought back many of the uncertainties we experienced at the time. The location of the novel in Nevada and centering around wild horses was informative. I liked Porter as the hero. He is a dedicated law man while juggling other responsibilities. It was interesting to learn about night blindness.

This is the first book I have read in the series. The existing relationships had less of an impact than if I had read the previous novels. I felt the novel read quite well on its own, however. It has a good amount of action and twists. Those who enjoy contemporary mysteries in a western setting will enjoy this one.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Bruce Borgos lives and writes from the Nevada desert where he works hard every day to prove his high school guidance counselor had good instincts when he said “You’ll never be an astronaut.” He has a degree in political science which mostly served to dissuade him from a career in law while at the same time tormenting his wife with endless questions about how telephones work. When not writing, you can usually find him at the local wine store. He is the author of The Bitter Past. Photo credit: Pam Borgos

Minotaur Books, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. Mine is an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

I Choose Joy by Chip Ingram Book Review

About the Book:

C.S. Lewis said, "Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” Too often, however, joy is missing from our lives. When we look to Scripture, we see examples of early Christians thriving even amid hardship and persecution. How do we recapture that deep and stubborn joy?

Pastor and author Chip Ingram takes us to God’s Word, helping us shift away from self-centered happiness and toward lasting joy found in God’s goodness.

“Choosing joy in the midst of difficulties goes against all our instincts. When you look at life through the lens of your circumstances, what happens? You’re happy when circumstances are good and sad or angry when they aren’t, right? But if you look at your circumstances through the lens of God’s goodness—his power and promises—that’s a higher perspective. You can experience joy because you know a good God is going to take even the worst and most difficult things in life and use them for your good. Living above our circumstances occurs when our perspective interprets our circumstances rather than our circumstances determining our perspective.”

You cannot choose your life’s circumstances, but you can choose how to respond. Join esteemed Bible teacher, Chip Ingram, on this journey to restore the essential Christian virtue of JOY!

My Review:

Ingram takes readers through Philippians, helping readers understand how we can choose joy. “Choosing joy is a mindset and a lifestyle,” Ingram writes. “It isn't just a matter of willpower and perseverance; it's a new way of thinking and seeing.” (176)

He helps readers to live above circumstances, seeing them through God's lens. He teaches us to focus through praying for others. Self-pity will vanish. That is a powerful section in the book. He helps us discern our purpose, recognizing that God may achieve that purpose though events that make no sense to us. He helps us anchor our souls through hope and encourages us to evaluate our expectations and our understanding of God's promises. He ends with a powerful section on what it means to live worthy of the gospel.

This is a good book for Christians desiring to know how to live with joy. Ingram's teaching is clear and well presented. He includes questions at the end of each chapter suitable for personal reflection or group discussion.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Chip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for more than thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Holy Ambition and The Invisible War. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.

Moody Publishers, 192 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: The Puzzle Within

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 13, 2025

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who’s been receiving threats signed: Enigma.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as “Nick of Time” turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette’s security detail, his biggest concern isn’t the threats—it’s the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is an interesting mystery where the sleuths must solve a riddle to find the next clue. Readers may have difficulty following the riddles as they are centered on locations near a particular town. I am not familiar with the area so the riddles meant nothing to me. We do get the idea the killer is after revenge from actions some time ago. 

Ari is a flawed heroine as she has deep emotions and is unable to separate her feelings from her work. She has the opportunity to grow through the experiences of this case. Nick is a good counterpart. As one who assesses risks, he encourages thoughtful action. Both characters are developed well. The mystery plot moves along well and there is a twist half way through. There is also a clear presentation of the gospel included.

This is the first novel in a new series from Holder. I enjoyed it so will be watching for the next one.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

 

More from Gina

The story of The Puzzle Within began four years ago with the seed of an idea based on my enjoyment of Escape Rooms. I imagined a villain that moved an escape room into the “real world” and an FBI agent with nightmares that no one could or would explain.

In 2023, I entered the first five chapters into Scrivening Press’s “NovelStarts” contest and won first place in the Mystery/Suspense category. In the last three months of 2023, I wrote the entire novel, then spent the next couple of months in editing mode. My beta readers gave me feedback, and I incorporated their thoughts. In June of 2024, I entered The Puzzle Within into Scrivening Press’s “GetPubbed” contest and won the grand prize, a publishing contract.

It’s been my dream since a young age to be a traditionally published author, but it’s God who gets all the glory. I write for Him and His glory, and it’s my prayer that The Puzzle Within will touch lives as well as entertain readers.

A large focus in The Puzzle Within are the riddles, puzzles, and ciphers Enigma leaves for Arizona and Nick in their pursuit of a kidnapped teenager and the truth behind Arizona’s nightmares.

This message below is coded in Caesar Cipher. To solve, take each letter and shift it by four letters, wrapping around from Z to A. So, A=D, B=E, C=F… and so on. (Traditionally, the Caesar Cipher shifts by thirteen letters, but I didn’t want to make it that difficult.)

Once you solve the code, leave a comment below with an emoji if you’ve figured it out—but no spoilers!

Somewhere in the story, a truth waits to be uncovered.
It’s simple. It’s powerful. It’s hidden.
Can you crack the code?

Ksh mw Ksh—erh xlex’w kssh irrsxl jsv qi.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 3

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

Cover Lover Book Review, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 8

Life, Love, Writing,, August 9

Bizwings Book Blog, August 10

Holly’s Book Corner, August 11

Pause for Tales, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 13

For the Love of Literature, August 14 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 14

 

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)