Word Up! by Raven Howell

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Raven Howell 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.

What books were your favorite as a youth and why?

A big incentive for writing my new children’s book, WORD UP! was because of my favorite Richard Scarry books as a preschooler. I’ve always considered his illustrations endearing, and it was particularly Richard Scarry’s THE BEST WORD BOOK EVER I returned to read over and over again.

Most Richard Scarry books are concise on words and whimsical in illustration, a combination that appeals to me to this day. Not only did those books teach me words, but the sound of language.

Although more sophisticated in text and artwork than most of Scarry’s work, my hope is WORD UP! contributes the joyful expression of words- some common, some uncommon, some silly, some serious – but all in a way to entice children to think about what they say, to embrace the sound, the meaning, and energy and “music” of each spoken syllable.

What candy do you give out at Halloween?

You know what I do a couple of weeks before Halloween every year? I look up the most popular candies that kids enjoy in the most recent polls. Is that a weird thing to do? I don’t know. Maybe. But I’ve had so much fun celebrating Halloween for many, many years now, and my thinking is: why not offer kids what they most likely will happily want to munch on? Last year it was Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and M&M’s, Kit Kat and Snickers.

Leftover candy? I (and my family members) eat little of the leftovers because I put most of them, crushed, into cookie bar recipes I like to bake. I highly recommend this dessert alternative for left over Halloween stash!

I’ve also given my children’s books for underserved communities for Halloween in lieu of candy. As a contributing author for Reading is Fundamental, I work with the organization to make sure we get reading material into as many young hands as possible.

What book is on your nightstand currently?

As a kid lit journalist, I usually have several children’s books on my nightstand. I always enjoy receiving a new batch of books from publishers for my consideration to feature in my column, The Book Bug (Story Monsters Ink magazine). The children’s literary community is truly blessed with many talented authors and illustrators, and I’m inspired just about every day.

At the moment, I have 3 books out: Wild About Capybaras! by Kevin McCloskey, A Bear, A Man, and a Donut Van by the hilarious team of Daniel Bernstrom and Brandon James Scott, and hope to dig into Little Press’ Good Luck, Puck by Donna Marx.

Favorite TV show from your childhood?

A TV show I loved watching while I was growing up was Charlie’s Angels. That was one of the first TV series portraying women in a more modern way, taking them out of the kitchen and onto the work force in a commanding format. There was something about the three women working together, forming a powerhouse of wisdom, athletic agility, and beauty - Goddess characteristics!

For the tom-girl in me, the show offered some vindication to express my tree climbing skills as being perfectly cool, and to embrace my natural ease with the ability to go readily from ripped jeans to a sundress in one afternoon’s time. If the girls in Charlie’s Angels could solve mysteries, jump huge gates and outmaneuver masterminds and still get dressed up for a cocktail party – then we all could! Ha! I also found my writing reflected that confidence, both within myself, as well as in the female characters I’d write about.

Favorite hot beverage. Why?

In the morning I enjoy a cup of coffee and later in the afternoon, a cup of hot tea. I’ve been a tea drinker all my life, probably because growing up, my parents always had tea in the cupboards. There were peppermint teas for colds, chamomile teas for calming down and various herbal loose leaves for ailments. I still keep a stocked tea cabinet, but I discovered green teas several decades ago and rarely deviate from some type of green tea, jasmine green being a favorite.

For me, teas definitely stoke my imagination and bring to mind elves, sprites, and nature elementals. When I’m drinking Milk Thistle tea, I can picture a Thistle fairy in the meadow, or a brown bunny, Orange Clove, in the brush. Earl Grey? Probably a gnome in a gray top hat, sitting on a mushroom.

I can’t help but bring up the names of coffee flavors I drink, too. I love words and always stop to read the names of the different types. These names, these words usually evoke feelings, sensations, and conjure visions. Stop for a moment and think about words such as Blueberry Cake, Mustachio flavor, Birthday Swirl, Bananas Foster, or Happy Camper. What do they resonate for you?

Maybe my book title, Word Up! would work as a coffee flavor name? Word Up! – perhaps a spunky morning greeting.

Words are the windows through which children view the world. Familiar, uncommon, short and sweet, long and quirky; words make all the difference.

In Word Up, discover how a word packs a punch and possesses the power to heal, hurt, help, and humble. Watch children learn how to choose words wisely, and to recognize that sometimes, the simplicity of kindness itself is expressed in gentle silence.

Read an Excerpt

Words are mighty!
Words are strong!
We write them,
Speak them,
Sing our song.

I hope you learn new words today,
And think about the ones you say.

About the Author:

Raven Howell is the author of over 25 picture books for children. She’s a writer for several children’s magazines. Raven contributes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine, is the Arts & Crafts Director of Kids Corner, and Publishing & Creative Director with Red Clover Reader. She is a contributing author for Reading is Fundamental SoCal and I Am a Promise Books, and a story book writer for world-wide educational programs.

Website: https://www.ravenhowell.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raven.howell.75
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pickward
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ravenhowell.bsky.social
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Word-Up-Raven-Howell/dp/B0F46RF32V/ref=sr_1_1

God's Surprising Way: The Path to Lasting Joy, Healing, and Love by S. Jeyran Main

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. S. Jeyran Main 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.

God's Surprising Way: The Path to Lasting Joy, Healing, and Love guides readers into the upside-down kingdom of God, where human expectations are consistently overturned. In this transformative journey, the humble are exalted, the last are lifted, and true greatness is found through servanthood, surrender, and sacrificial love. Through Scripture, theological insights, and historical reflections-from Augustine and Luther to Bonhoeffer and Nouwen-readers discover how God's surprising ways cultivate lasting joy, deep healing, and authentic love.

Each chapter explores a distinct paradox of the gospel, demonstrating how humility, generosity, and obedience can transform relationships, communities, and personal faith. Practical reflections and prompts invite readers to integrate these principles into daily life-choosing forgiveness over resentment, service over recognition, and trust over control.

With accessible scholarship, devotional insight, and concrete application, this book reveals the practical power of God's reversals. It challenges conventional assumptions about success, power, and happiness, inviting believers to live counterculturally in alignment with Christ's teachings. God's Surprising Way is both an invitation and a roadmap: to encounter God's transformative presence, embody the values of the Kingdom, and experience joy, healing, and love that endure.

Read an Excerpt

Christianity begins with surprise! From the moment the Word became flesh, God has been showing us that His ways are not our ways. He made incarnate the Savior, not in a palace but in a stable. He was welcomed by shepherds first, the lowly, marginalized outcasts of society (Luke 2:8–12). Jesus continued to reverse our expectations throughout his life. He taught everyone that the last would be first, and the first last (Matthew 20:16), that the meek would inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5), and that greatness was about servanthood, not privilege or authority (Matthew 20:26–27). Everywhere he went, the crowds were astonished—they were forced to recalibrate their understanding of power, privilege, and God’s blessing.

This reversibility, what some have called the upside-down kingdom, is key to understanding the surprising way of God. Where we see strength, control, and recognition, He delights in lifting the humble, exalting the meek, and blessing the poor in spirit. This is what Augustine means when he observes, “In the wisdom of God, they are overturned, and what seemed to be less is more weighty than it seemed in the world” (Augustine 1998, 54). This is often the counterfactual logic of the kingdom: surrender as a means of power, weakness as a source of strength, and service as a path to greatness.

The scriptures are replete with examples of reversibility. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, and ultimately rules nations and saves them from famine (Genesis 50:20). David, the youngest and least regarded son of Jesse, becomes the greatest king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11–13). The disciples, though zealously devoted to Jesus, have to learn that glory comes through humility, self-denial, and love for others (Mark 10:42–45). Jesus Himself modelled the supreme example; the Son of God, made majesty incarnate, suffers and dies, allowing defeat to become eternal victory.

Inviting us into the upside-down kingdom is more than a theological concept; it also shapes how we perceive our lives today. Our human assumptions—about success, happiness, and significance—are misguided. While learning to honour God’s surprising way, we see that consideration for a fleeting bit of favour from others gives way to joy, that surrender to God’s will yields health, and that loving others sacrificially through humble service changes relationships.

The upside-down kingdom is an invitation to see the world through God’s eyes—a way to fulfill what Jesus says; a way where “the last are first,” the “lowly are received” and “the hidden thing of love and service” is of eternal weight. The Paradox of Joy, Healing, and Love

In the upside-down kingdom, joy, healing, and love often appear to be contrary to human expectations. True joy is not the product of achievement, recognition, or comfort; healing is not always immediate; and love is rarely transactional. Instead, the Christian life invites believers into a paradox: the more we surrender, serve, and humble ourselves, the more these blessings flow into our lives.

About the Author:

Jeyran Main has spent years immersed in the world of books as an editor and publisher. She is the author of The Radical Realism of Jesus: A Framework for Living in the 21st Century and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Living in the Light of the Cross magazine. Through her platform, HeavenlyHarmonyHub.com, she provides resources that encourage thoughtful engagement with faith. Guided by a passion for seeking truth, Jeyran explores how God’s counterintuitive Kingdom wisdom overturns human expectations and invites readers into a life marked by joy, healing, generosity, and love.

https://jeyranmain.com/gods-surprising-way/

Love, Life and Mother Nature by James C. Glassford

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. James C. Glassford 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.

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture in the lonely shore,
There is a society where none intrudes,
By the deep sea and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but nature more.
– Lord Byron

These poems reflect the healing powers of nature both without and within. It can amaze you and comfort you, rejuvenate and rehabilitate you— if you let it.

Discover its powers—read on!

Read an Excerpt

Summer Sunrise

Sunrise in the mountains is a majestic and moving sight

It undresses the cloak of darkness and brings the world light To the east a rosy blush begins as earth embraces the dawn Curtains of night are lifted and its shadows soon withdrawn

Tendrils of light steal down the cavernous canyons tall Like fingers of liquid lava running down a volcano wall

Caressing the cliffs and painting a sheen on their snowy faces An artist’s hand and a pastel palette touching many places

Tree by tree tree the forest takes on a new found tinge The seas too are painted from their centre to their fringe

A kaleidoscope of colour as you watch the masterpiece unfold With subtle grace and beauty like an alluring dream untold

Rays of sunlight kiss the soft belly of the fluffy clouds Brushing them with chameleon colours endlessly endowed The world awakens in the sun’s tender soft-hued glow, Each ray a promise, a new day of heartfelt hope to sow.

From darkness to light, there is a magical transition A celestial ballet in a splendid and stately exhibition The wind seems to whisper softly dispelling all fears As a chorus of songbirds add their comforting cheers

The sun ascends faster now as purples turn to gold Bringing its welcoming warmth and dispelling the cold The sky is suddenly ablaze with the early morning light Finally vanquishing the demons of the daunting night

Enjoy Nature’s peace and grandeur as it percolates within Let your heart be touched and feel a solemn serenity begin Cast aside your worries, your troubles and your woes
As renewal begins and a blissful energy soon flows

  About the Author: I am a retired physician who has been blessed with the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on earth: Vancouver Island. Throughout my life I have remained intimately connected to nature. I consider it an alternate classroom and a timeless and thought-provoking teacher. It has taught me many enduring life lessons.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240661898-love-life-and-mother-nature
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1834182123

Voices Beyond the Creek by Curt Richards

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Curt Richards 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.

Set in the foothills of the Appalachians, fourteen-year-old Caleb Austin and his friend Marlee (Mary Lee) Patterson face poverty and prejudice in their small rural town. Confronted with the "creek people" who live in the hollow and the wild child Annabelle Pruitt, their lives take an exciting turn.

Read an Excerpt

Marlee hurried to the edge of the creek and stopped before her shoes touched the water. Any other time, Caleb knew that she wouldn’t have hesitated to splash through the creek, but if she came home with wet shoes and a muddy dress today, her mother would have a few good words for her, to say the least.

“Hello!” Marlee called into the doghobble thicket on the opposite bank. Caleb stood, sheltered by a poplar tree, and watched, expecting Smoky Pruitt and his hounds to come crashing through the brush any minute.

“Annabelle. Are you there?” Marlee bent and studied the undergrowth. Suddenly, Annabelle appeared next to a large hickory tree. The girl stood motionless, like a rabbit spotted in a briar thicket. Her hair was shoulder-length and unkempt, and she wore a dirty dress that draped to mid-calf, ending a few inches above her leather shoes.

About the Author

Curt Richards is a retired public school teacher from Upstate South Carolina. He has taught various science courses for forty years, from middle school to college. He believes there is no higher calling than guiding young people and adults through their education. In his free time, Richards enjoys studying nature, gardening, hiking, reading, socializing with family and friends, and writing in multiple genres.

Books by Curt Richards:

Voices Beyond the Creek (2025, Young Adult Fiction)
Circle the Stones (scheduled for release in 2026, YA fiction)
Misguided Passions and the Lord’s Prayer (2024 Non-fiction)
30 Insights for New Teachers to Thrive (2023 Non-fiction)

Website: http://www.curtrichards.com
Instagram: http://http://www.instagram.com/curtrichards202
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-richards-159b63235

The Christmas Cardinal by Aïda Juodis

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Aïda Juodis 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.

The Christmas Cardinal, written by Aïda Juodis, is a soft and whimsical tale that was gently crafted to help provide children who have lost a loved one with comfort and warmth during the holiday season.

Read an Excerpt

Remember, the cardinal is always there. It’s your loved one who will always care.

From the North Pole and from close by they’ll watch over you with gentle eyes.

So, when you hear the cardinal sing…

remember you’re protected under your loved one’s wing.

About the Author: Aïda Darija Juodis is a storyteller who blends comfort, wonder, and gentle magic in her writing. The Christmas Cardinal reflects her belief that love endures, guiding us from near and far.

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1834185319
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61688402.A_da_Juodis

The Art of Human Connection by Adir Biniamini

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Adir Biniamini 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.

In an age of extreme technology and growing separation, we've lost our way. We've traded authentic human connection for a world of aggressive tactics, self-serving behaviors, and fleeting transactions that leave us feeling isolated and unfulfilled.

The Art of Human Connection offers a powerful and ethical alternative, a return to our shared humanity.

This educational book is your essential guide to mastering the simple yet profound skills that form the bedrock of true success. Through a series of practical insights and transformative principles, you will learn how to:

- Cultivate Self-Awareness: Understand your own emotional landscape and its impact on every interaction.

- Build Authentic Relationships: Master the art of empathy and genuine communication to forge instant rapport and build lasting trust.

- Navigate with Confidence: Learn to move through professional and personal challenges with less friction and more grace.

"The truest version of a person is never who they perform to be, it is who they become when they forget to perform!"

This is a powerful call to action, inviting you to reflect on your own experiences and visualize a clear path to improvement. By embracing this approach, you will discover a liberating truth: your greatest success and most profound connections begin the moment you stop performing and simply start being.

Read an Excerpt

How often have you caught yourself rehearsing a conversation, worried about sounding “too pushy” or “not professional enough”? That internal hesitation, the voice that whispers, “I shouldn’t share that anecdote” or “I can’t ask that question”, is a massive barrier to real connection. It’s called Waiting for Permission, and it keeps you locked into a rigid script, sacrificing genuine curiosity and spontaneity for safety. But here’s the game-changer: you don’t need external approval to create a powerful, human connection. The permission slip is self-written.

Here is your three-step guide to stop waiting for permission and start showing up as your most impactful self.

Write Your Own Permission Slip: Trust Your Gut

The key to unlocking connection is recognizing that your authentic impulse is valuable. Stop seeking external validation and start acting on your intuition.

Practice Proactive Empathy: Show genuine interest right away with a sincere opener like, “I know you’re busy; thanks for making time,” to establish a welcoming tone.

Share with Courage: If you feel an authentic impulse to ask a slightly more personal or relevant question, or share a relevant story, do it. That’s where real connection happens.

Not long ago, I was coaching a client who was preparing for a high-stakes networking event. She had rehearsed her “elevator pitch” dozens of times, but when she practiced with me, it felt stiff and distant. I asked her to set aside the script and instead share why she cared so deeply about her work. She hesitated, “That’s too personal, isn’t it?”, but then told a short story about how her project had helped a struggling family regain stability. The moment she spoke from that place of authenticity, her entire presence shifted. Her voice carried warmth, her eyes lit up, and suddenly, she wasn’t performing, she was connecting. At the event, she led with that story. Instead of polite nods, she received genuine engagement, follow-up questions, and even an unexpected partnership opportunity. The difference wasn’t in her words; it was in her willingness to stop waiting for permission and trust her authentic impulse.

About the Author:

Adir Biniamini is a visionary coach and the author of The Art of Human Connection. His journey into coaching began after a long and successful entrepreneurial career where he learned firsthand that genuine connection is the cornerstone of success.

From working at a flea market as a teenager to launching multiple businesses, Adir quickly discovered the power of authentic communication. A pivotal piece of advice, "Be exactly who you are . . . real, friendly, inviting," became his guiding light. Thirty years and successful businesses later, this commitment to genuine human connection remains the cornerstone of his success.

Adir's unique philosophy, forged from a lifetime of business and personal challenges, is built on the belief that a deep connection to ourselves is the key to creating meaningful relationships with others. Through his work, he helps clients master the essential skills of emotional intelligence and rapport, empowering them to navigate challenges and create lasting success in every facet of their lives.

Website: https://adirbiniamini.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60102851.Adir_Biniamini

Watch Things Grow by Jay L O'Callaghan

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jay L O'Callaghan 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.

Curious brothers Zack and Liam love healthy food—but they've never grown their own! With help from Mum and Dad, they learn how tiny seeds turn into fruits and vegetables. They discover the magic of plants, the power of patience, and why nature matters.

But will their plants really grow? And what surprises will the garden bring?

Watch Things Grow is a fun and engaging story that inspires young readers to connect with nature, get their hands dirty, and see the world in a new way. It's the first book in an exciting series that explores the wonders of nature, creativity, and the joy of learning through hands-on adventures!

Read an Excerpt

Shrubs, bushes and trees carry oxygen from their leaves, which is distributed through the breeze.

Fruits and vegetables contain fibre, vitamins and minerals, which sustain our bodies and help us grow for an active life on the go.

Brothers Zack and Liam love growing organic fresh food because it gives them heaps of energy and a balanced positive mood.

They live on a three-acre block with fruit from their trees available around the clock.

About the Author

Jay O'Callaghan has been crafting stories through writing, directing, and producing for over 15 years. With a Digital Media and Film & Television Production diploma he co-founded 4word Thought Entertainment in 2007, bringing narratives to life through music videos, corporate films, advertisements, and short films.

A career highlight was designing the graphic interface for the Kids B Safe smartphone application and directing its promotional campaign. Away from the screen, Jay spent 15 years as a chef in the aged-care industry, mastering the art of nourishing body and soul.

A storyteller at heart, Jay has transitioned from film to full-time writing, developing a captivating children's book series inspired by his own kids, and other books for young readers. His work blends imagination with rich storytelling, drawing from his deep interests in philosophy, history, and antiquities. Beyond writing, he is an illustrator, painter, and avid gardener, always exploring creativity in various forms. With a passion for promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle, he brings thoughtfulness and depth to every project he undertakes.

Website: https://jaylocallaghan.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1764140311