Review of The Weight of Mercy by N. Poh

Weight of Mercy is a tale of paladins—sworn knights who bear the sword in one hand and sacred vows in the other. Too often relegated to the margins of fantasy, these holy warriors stand here at the heart of the story, facing not only monstrous evils but the heavier burden of living faithfully by their oaths.

They battle demons and corrupted creatures, yet their greatest struggles are doubt, fear, and the cost of choosing mercy when justice would be easier. Bound by honor and faith, these paladins strive to remain true in a world that tests every virtue they hold dear. They are not perfect heroes, but steadfast ones—called to courage, sacrifice, and righteousness when failure would be simpler.

The story unfolds in a shattered alternate Europe, where ancient chasms scar the land, dark powers intrude upon the mortal realm, and the boundaries of history and time have been violently disturbed. Kingdoms stand where they should not, eras overlap, and familiar medieval lands endure beneath the weight of supernatural catastrophe.

Weight of Mercy is written for readers who long for classic heroic a world of chivalry and faith, clear evil and costly goodness, epic dangers, and heroes who strive—imperfectly but earnestly—to do what is right.

To Purchase

https://bit.ly/TheWeightofMercy

Stories from the Chasm Cycle - YouTube

My Thoughts on the Book

The Weight of Mercy reminded me of Tolkien's work. Written as Christian fantasy, it is set in 1305 A.D. The Holy Roman Empire and France fights demons. Clairval is the destination- Lord Stephen, Captain Dosh, Sir Bessian run across a caravan of starving people. He makes it his mission to save them even when the law is in question.

The story is allegorical in nature and a fight between good and evil. Lots of surprises, battles, and a test of faith. When they fail, is there mercy?

By the way the book ended, it suggests there is another to come. Overall, an interesting and exciting read. I look forward to reading the next one.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Fatal Past Blog Tour by Sarah Hamaker

 

About the Book

Book: Fatal Past

Author: Sarah Hamaker

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Dr. Eve Davenport has forged a life for herself far from the pain of her past. But when she foils the kidnapping attempt of Ethan Smith, she comes face-to-face with the boy’s father, Jefferson Smith—the high school sweetheart who broke her heart and left her with secrets she’s buried for nearly a decade. Jefferson can’t believe the woman who saved Ethan, his late twin brother’s son, is Eve—the girl he once loved and lost. But as the danger mounts, Jefferson and Eve must confront their tangled history and uncover who is behind the attacks targeting Ethan and Eve.

 

Click here to get you copy!

My Thoughts on the Book

Dr. Eve Davenport moves to Twin Oaks to start her pediatric clinic. She doesn't expect to run into her high school boyfriend and his eight-year-old son, Ethan. The story has lots of twist and turns, mystery, kidnapping, danger and a second chance romance.

The characters had me from the beginning with their many layers. The mystery is involved and intense. It kept me guessing. Great ending. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

 

About the Author

Multi-award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense, Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” She and her husband are therapeutic foster parents with UMFS. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and two cats.

 

 

 

 

More from Sarah

Life has a funny way of mirroring fiction at times, and that happened to me with Fatal Past—but not when I was writing it! I wanted my hero’s (and heroine’s) son to be school-age but not too old, so I picked second grade, which put him at age 7. This is such a fun age, as they are independent and inquisitive, and you start to really see their personalities develop.

Little did I know when I wrote this last fall that I would be teaching twenty-three second graders as a long-term substitute this current school year! I began in mid-September and will continue through early March while their regular teacher is out on maternity leave. It’s been challenging but rewarding as they expand their knowledge and build on their kindergarten and first-grade foundations.

Your turn—how has something you read resonated with you lately? Has a storyline mirrored something happening in your own life?

Sarah

                               Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 31

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 1

Books Less Travelled, February 2

Stories By Gina, February 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 6 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Artistic Nobody, February 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Bizwings Blog, February 11

Fiction Book Lover, February 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

                Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, an ebook copy of Fatal Past, a paperback copy of Truth, the limited collection of four short novels that includes Fatal Past, signed by all four authors, and Fatal Past-themed socks!!

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

https://gleam.io/k1w6L/fatal-past-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Doctor's Convenient Marriage Blog Tour by Lauralyn Keller

 

 

About the Book

Book: The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 20, 2026

She wants the freedom to practice medicine, and he needs a wife. But their bold escape from Boston’s high society rests on a marriage vow neither intended to make real.

Victoria Mountbatten has fought hard to earn her medical degree, but her powerful father uses his influence to block any doctor from hiring her. Faced with an ultimatum—marry a society gentleman or face disinheritance, Tori sees only one path to freedom. She makes a bold proposition to Dr. Harrison Blake, a colleague she’s worked alongside for years: a plan that will take them far from Boston’s stifling society.

Harrison Blake has always dreamed of building a hospital in the untamed West where he can truly help people. But his inheritance comes with a catch—he must marry before his thirtieth birthday. So even though Tori’s proposal is shocking, a marriage of convenience may be the perfect solution for both of them.

In the quiet moments of Harmony Springs, feelings grow and lines blur. Can their partnership blossom into true love, or will the walls around their hearts destroy the fragile trust they’ve built?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

Thoughts on the Book

A marriage of convenience helped both of them solve their pending issues. The story of Harrison's and Tori's journey touched my heart. Even though they had some rough situations to go through, they faced them together.

The characters are strong, determined, and still contained hope for the future, even when things were at their worst. The story is uplifting and inspirational. The town's ability to stand behind Tori and Harrison is heartwarming.

The ending wrapped everything up nicely, but what is sad, is that this is the final book in the series. I really enjoyed the setting of Harmony Springs.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Lauralyn

You might have noticed all three books in the Second Chances in Harmony Springs series feature a marriage of convenience. While that was partly for continuity, it also spoke to my own heart.

I love this trope. There’s something beautiful about the type of romance where two people agree to something practical and unemotional, only to slowly discover all the messy, tender, unexpected feelings they absolutely did not plan for. It’s a popular trope because beneath the external circumstances—inheritance rules, social expectations, survival needs—lies a universal truth: sometimes love grows in the unlikeliest places.

For me, the appeal isn’t just the forced proximity or the slow-burn tension, though I love both. It’s the way a practical arrangement forces two people to reveal their truest selves. A marriage of convenience strips away the excitement of courtship and goes straight to the heart of compatibility. The characters must ask: Can we build a life together? Can we rely on each other? Can we trust each other with our hopes, fears, and futures?

Those are deeply romantic questions, even when the relationship begins with a contract instead of a kiss.

In The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage, Tori and Harrison enter their agreement not out of despair, but from determination. Tori refuses to sacrifice her dream of practicing medicine, even as Boston society tries to conform her to their expectations. Harrison is more heart-driven, longing to build a hospital in the untamed West where he can serve those who need it most. Their marriage isn’t about survival. It’s about carving out the freedom to become who they were meant to be.

That mutual ambition changes the dynamic. Instead of one rescuing the other, they rescue each other, and in doing so, they learn to see beyond professional camaraderie into something far deeper and more vulnerable.

What I love most about their journey is the way real affection steals up on them quietly. They start as friends and coworkers, but then things begin to change. Little glances. Quiet confessions. Moments of care neither expected to give or receive.

A marriage forged for convenience becomes a partnership rooted in respect. And that becomes the foundation for love. That’s the irresistible beauty of this trope: the idea that love can flourish not in spite of practicality, but right alongside it.

I hope you love this story as much as I do. It’s a heartfelt conclusion to a series that’s been in the works for years. I’m deeply grateful to all who’ve come along on this journey, and I look forward to seeing where the road takes us from here.

             Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 4

Pause for Tales, February 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6

Simple Harvest Reads, February 7 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Jodie Wolfe, February 7

Bizwings Blog, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

Devoted To Hope, February 10

lakesidelivingsite, February 11

Lyssa Loves Books, February 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 12

Devoted Steps, February 13

Cover Lover Book Review, February 14

Vicky Sluiter, February 15

Holly’s Book Corner, February 15

Connie’s History Classroom, February 16

Mary Hake, February 16

                Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn 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/pX7ww/the-doctors-convenient-marriage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Plain Jane's Secret Admirer Blog Tour by Anne Blackburne

 

About the Book

Book: Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer (The Heart of the Amish Book 11)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: January, 2026

Secrets Surround Shy Jane Bontrager

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Sweet, shy, and devoted Amish woman, Jane Bontrager secretly hates her childhood nickname of Plain Jane. She doesn’t know who started the ugly name back in her school days, but she can never forget how it has long made her feel.

Jane has a huge crush on Amish buggy maker Samuel Mast, but they are both so shy they are more likely to turn old and gray alone than to ever get together—especially since Samuel holds a secret or two of his own.

What can bridge the gap between two young people who both deserve love and happiness?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Thoughts on the Book

Another good book in the Heart of the Amish series. I really enjoyed reading this one. There is a lot going on that will keep you interested.

Lizzie and John leave town after the wedding to visit family and leave Jane and Eliza to run the Plan Beignet bakery. While they are gone a lot transpires that eventually is wrapped around some hidden secrets.

The circumstances around Jane's secret admirer have her wondering, when gifts and notes start arriving. There are emotion's being tested and possible romances brewing. But things don't go as planned. There are a lot of surprises I didn't see coming.

The setting of the Amish community came alive as I read and the characters have plenty of layers. I loved the ending which wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC via Netgalley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

 

 

More from Anne

The amazing bloggers who work with Celebrate Lit are going to do a blog tour for my brand new book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”!

Jane’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel so blessed to have the help of the Celebrate Lit folks in launching this next tale from my made-up Amish community of Willow Creek, Ohio.

If you read any of my previous three Heart of the Amish books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise”, “Mary’s Calico Hope”, and “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”, you’ll remember Jane Bontrager, their good friend who lives and works with Lizzie in her New Orleans Style French/Amish bakery in Willow Creek. Jane was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Jane’s cat is a tabby named Secret, because she can tell her fluffy pal all of the wishes, hopes and dreams closest to her heart.

As the story opens, Jane is waving her brother John and Lizzie off on their wedding trip, promising to take good care of the bakery – and Lizzie’s precious cat, Little Mouse – while they are away.

But then Jane finds a mysterious note from someone claiming to be her secret admirer taped to the back door of the bakery, and her heart flutters, wondering if it could possibly be her long time crush, Samuel Mast, the buggy maker, who put it there, along with a whimsical little gift.

Between a water leak that damages ceilings in the bakery building and the sudden disappearance of both Secret and Little Mouse, Jane has no time to wonder who left the note and gift; she needs help!

And Samuel Mast, who is indeed her secret admirer, is ready to step up to the plate and do whatever it takes to help Jane find the cats, repair the bakery, and maybe even discover love along the way.

But Sam has a secret of his own. He’s the one who accidentally-on-purpose saddled her with the nickname “Plain Jane” when they were kids. He has no idea how to confess his mistake, or his love.

Will Jane and Sam be able to get past Sam’s terrible secret? And will they find the missing cats before Lizzie gets home? Don’t lose hope; with God, everything is possible!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Jane’s story! This book is my fourth in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele, Kelly Irvin and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my fifth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in some of my other stories, Miriam Zook. Miriam is a talented artist who paints stylized folk art paintings depicting scenes from Amish life.

Just like her friends, Miriam received a kitten from Lydia; a black and white fellow named Beauregard, or Beau for short. Her story, “Miriam’s Little Gentleman”, is due out in May, 2026.

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

As for me and mine, we are all well and enjoying a crisp winter in southeast Ohio.

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

                                   BLOG STOPS

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

lakesidelivingsite, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 4

Bizwings Blog, February 5

The Avid Reader, February 5

For Him and My Family, February 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts , February 7

Mary Hake, February 8

Holly’s Book Corner, February 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Book Holds and Jello Molds, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/Gzisa/plain-janes-secret-admirer-celebration-tour-giveaway