About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Friday, January 16, 2026

Titus and the Christian Coin by Dennis Conrad with Derinda Babcock: Review & Book Tour


 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom by Dennis Conrad 
Category:  Teen and Young Adult Fiction (Ages 12-18),  132 pages
Genre:  Christian Teen and Young Adult Ancient Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Write4Christ Publishing
Release date:   November 3, 2025
Format available for review:  print-softback (USA only), ebook (EPUB), audiobook (audible-download)
Tour dates: Jan 6 to Feb 2, 2025
Content Rating:  G. This Christian book is for teens and young adult.

Real. Raw. Riveting. A true story of redemption.

​Dennis does an excellent job stirring up the heart and imagination of his reader. A must read for all Christians, both young and old. 
— Derek Singer, Pastor, Canyon Lake Community Church, Canyon Lake, California
Dennis Conrad crafts an entertaining and enduring tale in Titus and the Christian Coin. He does not sidestep the difficult, real-life questions that Christians still ask today, but rather masterfully interweaves the context of an ancient setting with relatable and timeless struggles. A great read for anyone, especially in the young adult genre. — David Finnern, award-winning novelist/journalist and author of the Lost Tales and Sunken Mysteries series.
Titus and the Christian Coin, by Dennis Conrad is a wonderful story of faith and God’s sovereignty. The story is gripping and inspiring while telling the story of Christian history during the time of Constantine. It also shows the importance of hope, hard work, and forgiveness. This book should be on every middle young adult’s reading list. — Terrie Hellard-Brown, award-winning author and podcaster

Book Description:

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.
Buy the Book
Amazon ~ Audible
add to goodreads

MY THOUGHTS.....

Titus and the Christian Coin adds another feather to Dennis Conrad's writing cap! I've enjoyed his books for younger children, but this book has been written for young adult/teen readers. Titus and the Christian Coin is the touching story of a young boy living in Rome during the Great Persecution. Titus endures pain working in the copper mines after losing his parents but suffering and grief aren't the primary focus. Titus's courage, faith, and determination as he endures these hardships become a testament to the power of faith and trust.

This book is rich in historical details surrounding the Roman Empire, the Great Persecution, and the reign of Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, but it's more than just a history lesson. It has engaging characters and a thrilling plot filled with danger, adventure, and a reminder that God strengthens us when we are at our weakest point. I recommend Titus and the Christian Coin to all who enjoy clean historical fiction, and especially to young readers who may need encouragement and motivation!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher via iRead Book Tours. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Guest Post
I was recently asked, “Why did you write Titus and the Christian Coin?” 
My answer was simple. “I wanted to write a story that I would have wanted to read when I was young.” 
As a child, I struggled as a slow reader for years. I finally got glasses in the fifth grade, and that is when everything changed. I started reading stories that put me in the middle of the action. I liked adventure and survival-against-all-odds types of stories. 
As an author, I wanted to allow readers to experience what Christian persecution was like in 312 A.D. without the gore. I wanted to reinforce how faith, friendship, and courage influenced Titus as he met challenge after challenge.  
If you know a person struggling with reading, I always say, “Be wise, check their eyes.” One woman I know did not learn she needed glasses until she was an adult. 
Blessings to you and yours,
Dennis Conrad

Meet the Authors:

Dennis Conrad began writing stories for children in 2007. Over the years, he and his wife, Diane, have enterained their 11 nieces and nephews. He has taught high school through univeristy and around the world. He's helped many to see God in their lives.
As a former coin collector of fifty years, Dennis combines his love of Jesus, the Bible, children’s literature, and writing stories about coins.
He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.
connect with the authors: website facebook ~ goodreads

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.

​connect with author: website ~ facebook ~ linkedin ~ goodreads







Enter the Giveaway:


TITUS AND THE EMPERORS COIN Series Book Tour Giveaway






Thursday, January 15, 2026

Plain Jane's Secret Admirer (The Heart of the Amish, #11) by Anne Blackburne

Plain Jane's Secret Admirer: Volume 11 (The Heart of the Amish)
ABOUT THE BOOK
 
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?


MY THOUGHTS.....

Have you ever discovered a place that keeps calling you back because it's so inviting? Author Anne Blackburne takes readers to such a place in her stories set in Willow Creek, a small community in the heart of Ohio's Amish country. Her newest book is a heartwarming nod to two longtime friends who secretly wish they were more. Misunderstandings and a little deceit have plagued Jane and Sam's childhood friendship, but there have always been deeper feelings between them. Will Jane's new secret admirer be another roadblock in their relationship?

Plain Jane's Secret Admirer has endearing characters and a second-chance romance sweetened by faith and forgiveness. I loved the reunion with several characters from Blackburne's previous books and the continued bonds of friendship between them. There's also a suggestion that another romance may be brewing in Willow Creek. Blackburne gives readers another must-read for all who enjoy Amish fiction and sweet romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


When she isn't writing or working at her day job as the managing editor of a weekly newspaper in Southeast Ohio, Anne enjoys traveling to exciting new and beloved old places; visiting with friends, preferably on her front deck on a warm summer afternoon; swimming, kayaking, reading (she admits to three hours a day), and participating in community theater. She sings in her church choir and loves coffee and donut time after services, when she gets to see people she only sees at church. If Anne could live anywhere at all, it would be by water, where she would spend a lot of time walking in the sand, communing with God, through the wonder of His nature, and searching for sea glass.


Learn more at Anne's Website

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