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






Friday, January 9, 2026

CSB Women's Study Bible (CSB Bibles) by Holman


ABOUT THE BIBLE


The CSB Women’s Study Bible is designed to help women of all ages know and be transformed by God’s Word, keeping the beauty and majesty of Scripture primary on every page. This robust, full-color study Bible, created for women and by women, features helpful study notes paired with carefully placed articles, profiles, word studies, photographs, charts, timelines, maps, and more presented on the same page as the biblical text they refer to. For both deep study and daily reading, this Bible is uniquely crafted to equip women to dig deeper into Scripture themselves and disciple other women in their life to do the same.  



Learn more about the CSB Women's Study Bible by visiting csbwomensstudybible.com 

Purchase your own copy HERE

Also available at Amazon & ChristianBook.com



MY THOUGHTS.....

I'm always eager to preview new Bibles, and this is one that I can highly recommend. The CSB Women's Study Bible was created by a team of women who love Scripture and want to share that experience with others. It is a hardcover Bible with a beautiful floral design, but the real attraction lies in the amazing content inside! I love that it is packed with verse-by-verse study notes, word studies, profiles of women in the Bible, devotional content, and tools to help you live out what you're learning. Some of my favorite features are the 96 profiles of important Christians throughout church history, the Book introductions with book-specific outlines and timelines, and the extensive Concordance. My only reservation is that the words of Christ aren't printed in red, but this has apparently become a trend in the Bibles that I've seen recently!

This CSB Women's Study Bible is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to dig deeper into God's Word in 2026.  It's perfect for personal Bible study, but it would also be a valuable resource for a group study. It would also be a wonderful gift for the special women in your life!

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


#CSBWomensStudyBibleMIN #csbwomensstudybible  #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 
@CSBible



GIVEAWAY




Lifeway, the publisher of this gorgeous bible, has generously provided a copy to give to one of you. The beautiful floral version pictured above is a wonderful way to wrap yourself in God's Word in 2026, but it would also be a fantastic gift for a friend or loved one. You must be a US resident to win, and you cannot have won this Bible at another blogger's giveaway. 

You can enter by choosing one of these actions, or you can do all of them for more chances!
  • Please leave a comment below to let me know if you would keep this Bible for yourself or give it to someone else as a gift. You may not see your comment appear immediately, so please comment again. 
  • Visit my Facebook page, "like" or comment on my post about this Bible, and then come back here to tell me the name you used to do these things.
  • Follow me on Instagram; comment here with your Instagram name.

 Please leave your comment below, along with your first name and email address in a non-spam format. 

Example: Your Name(AT)Domain(DOT)com.

Your Email address MUST BE included with your comment so that I can contact you!

NOTE: This giveaway is limited to US winners who are 18 years or older. It closes at  11:59 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026


View all my reviews