Do you know a child in the Summer Reading Program?

Have I got great news for you! This month’s A2A Featured Author is award-winning and bestselling children’s author, Dennis Conrad! And he has two books that will inspire and educate your young ones–oh, yes, and they will love the characters.

Have you ever collected coins? I did. Even had those little blue tri-fold books where you could insert pennies from various years.

But coins are more than things to collect, they are pieces of history. And with history, there will always be stories.

Let’s Meet Dennis Conrad

Dennis, a retired college professor, is an award-winning, Amazon bestselling author. His book Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin won First Place, Children’s Book Category, Kudos Awards, at the 2024 Carolina Christian Writers Conference.

Why write stories about coins? Dennis is a former coin collector for over fifty years. He combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

Dennis’s books are part of his In God We Trust series. Book one is The Two-Cent Piece and book two, his latest release, is Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin.

The Two-Cent Piece (Book 1)

This beautifully illustrated book features young Anne. Set in the year prior and during the Civil War, where Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin(Book 2)

Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is an exciting adventure in the ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ. Eight-year-old Marcus and his father are on a mission for the emperor and visit a mine and a mint where coins are made. Marcus himself makes a denarius, a coin with the emperor’s image.

Marcus goes to Jerusalem where he sees Jesus hold a denarius saying, “Give to the emperor the things are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What will seeing Jesus mean for Marcus, and will he ever be the same again?

Both of these books are delightful! Want to learn a little more about Dennis? Here’s a bit more insights into this kind and brilliant man of God.

Dennis, lately, your writing schedule changed. What prompted that?

After attending and promoting my books at the Great Homeschool Convention in June, I took a vacation and was praying about my next steps.

One friend looked at me. “You should relax and take it easy. Cut back on your writing.”

One afternoon, I wrote on my legal pad, “Could I do more?” The next morning, at 6:00 a.m., I was reading D.L Moody by Janet and Geoff Benge.

D.L. was trying to decide if he should quit his job as a shoe salesman and regional representative and devote himself full time to his Sunday School ministry and evangelism.

As I read the section, I read that D.L. asked, “Could I do more?” D.L. left his job and his ministry grew dramatically.

I took this as a sign that I could do more, so I have recently committed to writing three hours a day or fifteen hours a week and five extra hours a week reading, researching, and writing proposals.

Say, Dennis, I understand your books are also available on Audible. Tell us about them.

There was a girl whose mother had reviewed The Two-Cent Piece. When she also got the audiobook to review, she played it for her daughter who was struggling with her reading. The audiobook had chimes for the page turns. The mother reported her daughter memorized the book while listening to the audiobook. Jenn Pengelly was the narrator.

James L. Rubart narrated Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin on Audible. Rubart is the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame, CAROL, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award-winning author of sixteen novels. He uses multiple voices to bring the story to life.

What is the best writing tip you ever received? How was it helpful?

Jerry Jenkins, who wrote the Left Behind series, and has sold more 74 million books, says that a person should know their “why” or why they write?

Writing is hard work. A person who is clear about why they write will push on and see projects though to the end.

I was about to retire, sell my house, and move. Then, I went into my backyard and stood on a tree stump with my hands open. That is when I asked the Lord, “What would You have me do?”

I heard the Lord’s still small voice. “Write for me.”

Now, my purpose is to…Write for Jesus. Don’t delay. He is coming again soon.

Amen!

Now are you ready for an FANTASTIC giveaway from Dennis?

The July A2A Giveaway!

Yes! Thanks to Dennis, this month’s giveaway is the books one and two of the In God We Trust series. The series includes The Two Cent Piece and Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin!  That’s TWO BOOKS!

But that’s not all!

Dennis is also including a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Yes!

There’s one winner and it could be you! How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive a free gift from me — and an extra entry.

NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*

Check out my YouTube A2A interview with Dennis. Because, in the video interview Dennis will read two important scenes from Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin, and answer different fun questions–and we have some great discussions! By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.* 

The Deadline is July 25th!

Watch our interview

That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*

Coming up in August: So excited to interview Amanda Cox. A bestselling and multi-award-winning author whose latest release, Between the Sound and the Sea is a moody mystery and romance.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Dennis–I sure did! Until next month, God bless and KEEP READING!

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.