About the Book

Book: Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom

Author: Dennis Conrad with Co-Author Derinda Babcock

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Release Date: November 7, 2025

When Titus refuses to deny his Christian faith, Roman persecution destroys his family and condemns him to a brutal life in the copper mines of northern Italy.

Underground, surrounded by despair and danger, he must choose between hatred and hope, revenge and redemption.

From a mine collapse to an emperor’s audience hall, Titus’s journey spans the Roman Empire during Constantine’s transformative reign.  Alongside Tribune Felix, he discovers that true freedom comes through forgiveness, not force. Authentic historical details bring ancient Rome to life while timeless themes of faith, friendship, and courage inspire modern readers.

This gripping adventure combines accurate historical research with compelling storytelling. Readers will witness early Christian persecution, experience Roman culture, and walk through Constantine’s palace while following Titus’s transformation from broken slave to Roman citizen.

An unforgettable tale where archaeological accuracy meets heart-pounding adventure, proving that faith can triumph over the darkest circumstances and that God’s love never abandons His people.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

My daughter and I have enjoyed several of Dennis Conrad’s previous books. My daughter was delighted to see one of his books for older kids/young adults. This time around Dennis Conrad has teamed up with another author Derinda Babcock. My daughter is a coin collector and loves history. This was the perfect book for her. Having a daughter that is a struggling reader and finding a book that captivates her is a bonus.

The story centers on faith and freedom. The era is 312 AD during Roman rule. Titus a young boy refuses to deny his faith. Both his parents died in the arena for their faith and Titus is about to experience his own persecution for his faith.  Titus is taken from his home and family to work in the copper mines of Northern Italy. It’s a dangerous place working in the mines. Slavery is a hard and merciless life. Despite all of this Titus clings to his faith even when everything looks dark. Titus struggles and feels despair but he always finds strength to endure the hardship through his faith.

Titus shows grace and kindness to everyone in the mines. Through his courage and bravery he saves a Roman citizen. Most slaves would look the other way with his supervisor being a Roman citizen. He can’t look the other way and ends up saving his life in the mines. Now, Titus finds himself with an opportunity to be granted freedom. The road to getting his freedom isn’t an easy one. He has to rely on his faith to trust a man with his life.

The ended was very satisfying as it gave you a glimpse into the young boy becoming a man.

The book has maps of the journey and a glossary in the back of the book. There is information about coin collection along with some good resources.

This was a wonderful book that kept my daughter and I captivated to the last page.

I received a compl9imentary copy of this book in exchange of my honest review

About the Authors

DENNIS CONRAD is a retired Professor of Speech Communications. He’s taught in the U.K., Central Asia, and Asia. His picture book, Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin, won Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference First Place, Kudo’s Award, for best children’s book. He is a Fellow of the National Writing Project and an Amazon Bestselling Author. Dennis is a life member of the American Numismatic Association. His books are available on Audible.

 

DERINDA BABCOCK is an author and graphic designer. She lives in southwestern Colorado near the base of the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. In her previous career as an English as a Second Language teacher, she worked with students of all ages and many different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The richness of this experience lends flavor and voice to the stories she writes.

More from Dennis

The Dairy Cow: The Origin of My Life as a Writer

By the Author of Titus and the Christian Coin

There it was at my fingertips. It was the evidence I needed to prove I’ve been a writer since childhood.

Imagine my surprise when I found The Dairy Cow in my garage. Not just any cow. It was the one I had drawn a picture of and written about in the 1960’s.

I walked by the image and ten lines of writing every day growing up because my mother placed the famed picture in the hallway on the way into my bedroom.

Why would something like this be so important to a man who has written an award-winning children’s book, Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin, and The Two-Cent Piece about the first coins with the words “In God We Trust?”

From starting school until fifth grade, I was a slow reader. My teacher took me aside one day after class and asked, “Have you ever had your eyes checked?”

My response. “No, but my father wears glasses.” After an eye exam, and glasses were prescribed, I could see.

My grades started improving. By the time I was in high school, I was given a scholarship to the six-week University of Kansas Speech and Debate Institute. It changed my life. I earned a master’s degree in Speech Communication. One year, I became Speech Coach of the Year. I ended my career as a Professor of Speech Communications.

The picture of the cow and the little I wrote about the history of cows is an heirloom from a bygone era.

Writing the earliest manuscript of Titus and the Christian Coin, my current young adult novel, required skills I acquired over a lifetime of writing including my writing and illustrating The Dairy Cow.

May God bless you and your family,

Dennis Conrad

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 12

Simple Harvest Reads, March 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Guild Master, March 15 (Author Interview)

A Simple Texas Girl, March 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 16

Fiction Book Lover, March 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 18

Vicky Sluiter, March 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 20

For the Love of Literature, March 21 (Author Interview)

Capturing Luminous, March 21

Lily’s Corner, March 22

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 23

Artistic Nobody, March 24

The Bookish Pilgrim, March 25

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dennis is giving away the grand prize of a $100 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/Vpjph/titus-and-the-christian-coin-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

There are so many Bibles out on the market and you can find just about anything to fit your niche. I’ve reviewed quite a few over the years. I’ve seen many amazing features in Bibles throughout the years and some features that have made me cringe.

What it comes down to is that the Word of God isn’t watered down or changed for me. Unfortunately, I have seen some that are just that. I can look beyond the fads and the majority of translations and features as long as the Word of God’s hasn’t been altered drastically.

The New Living Translation is an easy translation for many to understand and I have found very appealing to many individuals.

I have the beautiful Grace & Bloom, LeatherLike cover. If you want more of a traditional elegant cover you can purchase that also. They have a beautiful Sage Green cover and others to choose from. I use to like simple covers but, now I lean towards something that catches my eyes.

Some features include the Wide Margin that is for journaling. You can write down sermon notes or scripture references. There are faint lines for writing notes. I have friends that doddle and add their own own art for portions of the scripture. The paper isn’t extremely thin but certain pens or markers may bleed through. I am not a journaling type of a gal or a doodler. I’ll write scriptures or notes in my Bible but, that is my extend of writing in my Bible. It’s just not my niche.

The Filament feature is very practical and you can scan the pages to access over 25,000 study notes, 1,500+ devotionals, over 350 videos, maps and infographics, topics, and much more.  There is also a decent library of worship music. You can dive in deeper study on topics. It’s a nice feature for those who like to access these types of features. The Filament App is free.

The Bible has a single margin. A few scripture references and a tad bit of notes. If you are looking for a Study Bible then this is were you will use The Filament App. This isn’t a study Bible in itself if that is what you are wanting. The words of Jesus are Red-lettered.

There is a Tyndale Verse Finder in the back for a word/topical study that will direct you to varies scripture verses.

Another feature I like is the Visual Overview of the Bible. It has several key events that are laid out in a visual format. Everything from maps, the plaques of Egypt, the Feast of the Lord, and several other visuals that put the scripture in a visual aspect. I thought this section was nicely done.

You can find out more about at  https://bit.ly/NLTWideMarginFG

If your interested in purchasing you can click on this link https://bit.ly/NLTWideMarginFG

@tyndalebibles and @nltbible @frontgatem #studybible #biblejournaling

Disclosure:  I received this complimentary product through FrontGate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts.

 

Biblical Encouragement for Everyday Motherhood

Have you ever whispered to yourself, I’ll be a better mom tomorrow…but tomorrow never comes? Maybe you’re comparing yourself to other moms and feel you aren’t measuring up. But don’t lose hope. Just as moms in Scripture learned from life’s ups and downs, with God’s help, you can become the mom you long to be.

Moms of the Bible explores timeless life lessons from Bible moms of all types, revealing how their stories of failure, faith, and hope can help you fulfill your own calling with confidence. From the redeemed Rehab to the horrible Herodias, each story unveils eye-opening insights and powerful applications that can help you as you seek to raise up children who impact their generation with fearless faith.

Author Rhonda Stoppe engages you with the warmth and wisdom of a trusted friend who’s been there herself. For mothers of all ages and stages―including step, adoptive, foster, and grandmothers raising their grandkids―this uplifting look at the moms of Scripture will empower you to influence the culture in profound ways through your sacred ministry of motherhood.

 My Thoughts:

 The most rewarding and difficult job is being a mom.  Everything we do has consequences one way or another with our children. I want my children to see Jesus in me and my prayer has always been to let me be a light in my words and actions to my children’s lives. Some days my actions and words aren’t showing Jesus’ light. While you may hear people joke about parenting doesn’t come with a manual. The good news is that there is a manual and the only one we need is in the Bible.

 

You can purchase this at https://bit.ly/momsofthebiblefg

In this book every chapter focuses on a woman from the Bible. Not every woman is perfect and has flaws and makes mistakes. There is not sugar coating it in the Bible nor does the author just show moms being perfect godly woman. So you can sigh in relief they weren’t all perfect!

The book is broken up in three parts: Fearless Moms, Flawed Moms, and Faithful moms. It touches on Rehab, Mary, Herodias, Lot’s wife, Eve, and other mothers.  I’ve dived into to varying studies of the Bible but I can honestly say I have never done one that looks at several of the mothers throughout the Bible.

This was a very easy and quick read. I liked that it links scriptures and you can also scan the QR code or use the address link to hear Rhonda teach on the chapter. It was a nice addition to the book. The chapter ends with “Life Lessons” which has some practical insight and other scriptures to look at.

The book points out very practical advice. Like letting us let out kids see how important our own relationship is with Jesus. That alone makes a huge impact on our kid’s lives.

This could be used by grandmothers, mom’s to be, or even foster moms too. This would also make a good book for a mom’s Bible study.

I enjoyed this book and thought it was inspiring read that I needed at this time. You can enter to win a copy of yourself here or click below.

Disclosure:  I received this complimentary product through FrontGate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts.

 

#momsofthebible #noregretswoman #biblestudy #christianmom

  @rhondastoppe FB @NoRegretsWoman @frontgatem

 

About the Book

Book: Ambush of the Heart

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: February 3, 2026

When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?

As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to temporarily seek hiding at a remote ranch.

After the attack leaves her brother seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing him and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

 I’m still in my funk with reading books that I normally don’t read. Mary Connealy is a new author for me.

 This is the first book in the “Rocky Mountain Marshals” series. The story starts out with a bang-literally into a gun fight.

The year is 1870; Owen Riley and several of his US Marshals are escorting the family of the new commander of Fort Riley.  The two grown children need their protection to get to their destination. Along with the family they have a prisoner. They leave Colorado to heading to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The prisoner’s family devises a plan to break him out. Many of the men are injured in the escape plans and the stakes are higher with getting everyone to Wyoming safely. They decide to take a more dangerous and rugged route after the ambush.

The characters are complex and delightful. Delaney is a spit fire and strong willed woman. All the women traveling are tough as nails and God fearing women. I love the faith of all the individuals.

This is a page turner and fast paced plot. The end was a tad of a cliff hanger with parts of the story. I suspect that it will fill in the blanks in the next book in the series. I’m glad I took a chance to explore a new author. I was pleased with the book and look forward to the next book in the series.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series A Western Light, Wyoming Sunrise, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 More from Mary

Two things drove my interest in The Rocky Mountain Marshals Series. In book #1, Ambush of the Heart, I got to begin that adventure.

The first thing: U.S. Marshals. I did a bit of research and just began discovering how much I didn’t know. I mean…what are U.S. Marshals? The only one I could think of was Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. But my research was confusing. Yes, there were lawmen out hunting for outlaws. But a lot of that was because Oklahoma Territory back then was Indian territory and thus, had no law beyond tribal law. And, because of that, outlaws had gotten to running into Oklahoma and treating it like they’d reached base in a game of tag.

Because it was federal, the government came up with a federal solution. The U.S. Marshals Service already existed. But chasing outlaws into a place with no law…that was new. I went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, known back in the past as the gateway to Indian territory. So many outlaws passed through there that, a part of my research led me to the brand-new U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith.

I could write an entire series about Bass Reeves alone, a former slave who became a U.S. Marshal. Some of my reading suggests he was in part the inspiration for the Lone Ranger and it’s said in his 32 year career as a marshal he arrested 3000 outlaws. He has a TV Series on Paramount+ TV. A network I don’t have.

I found so much of this out because I went on a research trip. (I don’t do that often) Very fun and I learned a LOT.

My second driving interest was…just how lost could someone get in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains? I’ve read so much about Pathfinders…Kit Carson, John Colter, James Beckwourth, John Mullen (a guy I’d never heard of who is so interesting he deserves his own book!). I definitely count Sacagawea among them. These bold, adventurous explorers who went out in the wilderness and found their way through. It was NOT easy.

One thing I found really interesting (all those pathfinders are interesting!) was talk about The Donner Party. That Donner Pass cut 400 miles off the trip to California on the California trail. That might sound ridiculous to us, but back then, in a wagon train, especially in rugged country, that 400 miles was a huge lure. Of course they tried it. People were always trying to find a shorter way through those treacherous mountains.

So, my hero Owen, is transporting a federal prisoner who escaped jail, from Denver to Fort Russell near Cheyenne, Wyoming—where he’s due to hang.

An attempt to break him free by his gang drives the escorts and those with them—including beautiful Delaney, into the Rockies and whoa…they didn’t know how to get out…especially one pair who got separated from the main party.

One other twist is, my three heroes…the guys (the women are heroes, too of course) but the men, Owen, Morgan and Tex, all appeared in the book Marshaling Her Heart, book three in my Wyoming Sunrise series. Writing that book awakened my interest in U.S. Marshals. And I loved those tough men and wanted to … ahem … well, maybe tame them just a little.

So come and join me as my travelers, including the bold and brave Owen Riley and the beautiful and trail savvy Delaney Bridger, are chased from behind and more lost with every step they take ahead. They fight the outlaws, the Rockies and their growing attraction, to find their way home.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Betti Mace, February 21

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

lakesidelivingsite, February 24

She Lives To Read, February 25

Labor Not in Vain, February 26

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 27

Lyssa Loves Books, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Cover Lover Book Review, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 2

Jodie Wolfe, March 2

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 2

Connie’s History Classroom, March 3

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Bookshop.org 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/3eYes/ambush-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Light To My Path

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined orphan caretaker and a wealthy mine owner—brought together by circumstance, tested by tragedy, and transformed by love.

Sam Mackenzie learned the hard way not to trust a beautiful face. After breaking his engagement to a fortune-hunting socialite, he’s focused solely on his family’s mining business. But when his aunt asks him to help escort three orphans and their caretaker across the country, he finds himself drawn to the selfless young woman tasked with the children’s care.

Eldora Carter has spent her life depending on no one but herself. As a former orphan now caring for three unwanted children, she knows better than to dream of a different future. When a journey by rail turns perilous, she must rely on Sam’s help to keep the children safe. Yet accepting his assistance means risking her heart to a man who could never want someone like her. As danger forces them to work together, Eldora discovers that sometimes the greatest risk is refusing to love at all.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

What a heartfelt story that I enjoyed reading. I’m not usually a western romance genre. I’m a huge fan of Erica Vetsch books and I knew it be a great story. This is the second book in the “Brides of the West” series. I have not read the first book in the series. Light to My Path was just as delightful without the first book which focuses on David.

Sam Mackenzie is an all around good guy. He is just days away from getting married. While he is waiting in the foyer for his future wife Sam over hears a conversation with his fiancé and mother-in-law. He was left stunned and upset by the conversation and confronts them. He leaves the home with no engagement and a different future set before him that he imagined.

Sam’s aunt works at an orphanage and has asked Sam if he would escort and assist a young woman Elle and three children as they are transported to a new orphanage in another state.

Eldora (Elle) spent many years in the orphanage and now just trying to survive. When she gets fired from her job she goes back to the orphanage to see if they can assist her. Instead she is given charge to three children Phin, Tick, and Celeste and takes them to Denver. She already knows the children and they are fond of Elle. Sam is not what she expects and he is unlike any wealthy person she has met. Elle is very guarded and doesn’t see herself as anything special.

Sam can’t help to not come to care for the children and even Elle. Elle doesn’t aspect anything from him and is grateful for everything.

The journey is nothing but simple as the plight ends up one adventure after another. There are many unexpected events along the way. The children will melt your heart. The characters are well developed in a short novel. My only disappointment was it ended so fast. I wanted more after they arrived at their destination.

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

Trains. I love trains. I got this love from my father, who is fascinated by all types of trains. When writing Light to My Path, I asked my dad lots of questions, and I relied heavily upon the things I learned at the train museums he took me to see.

One of our favorite train museums is in Duluth, MN. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, in what was the former depot of the Gilded Age boomtown, is home to one of the most beautiful trains I have ever seen.

It’s name is the William B. Crooks, and it is a steam locomotive.

The William Crooks, the first train engine of any kind in Minnesota belonging to the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad by railroad tycoon James J. Hill of St. Paul. The William Crooks pulled its first train cars full of passengers on June 28, 1862. The William Crooks retired from passenger service in 1897.

Isn’t it beautiful? When the train retired from passenger service, it became the personal train of James J. Hill, The Empire Builder and owner of The Great Northern Railroad.

James J. Hill dreamed of pushing a railroad from Minnesota to the West Coast, through the Rocky and Cascade Mountains. It was along the Great Northern Railroad in March of 1910 that one of the worst train disasters in US history occurred. An avalanche took out two trains, killing 96 people.

This historic event inspired part of the story in Light to My Path. A train, trapped by snow, unable to go forward or back, and with an avalanche imminent. It’s the kind of book that calls for a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea!

You can read more about both the William Crooks and the Cascade Avalanche Disaster at these websites:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Crooks_(locomotive)

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-1/trains-buried-by-avalanche

Blog Stops

Books Less Travelled, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 20

Sydney Schmied Books, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

For Him and My Family, February 22

Devoted To Hope, February 23

Lyssa Loves Books, February 23

She.lives.to.read, February 24

lakesidelivingsite, February 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 28

Devoted Steps, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 1

Book Looks by Lisa, March 2

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Holly’s Book Corner, March 3

Lock, Hooks and Books, March 4

Pause for Tales, March 4

To celebrate her tour, Erica 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.

https://gleam.io/IemaN/light-to-my-path-celebration-tour-giveaway