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Book Review: Unsolved Amish Abduction

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

The mystery of her sister’s disappearance
could reveal some deadly answers…

An anonymous letter containing her missing sister’s bracelet lures Anna Hartzler back to her Amish hometown—and into a trap set by the kidnapper she escaped years ago. She’s rescued from another abduction by Jaxson Thomas, her former neighbor turned police officer. Now Anna must depend on Jaxson to protect her and her little girl, who he doesn’t know is his child. But as the threats grow, can he keep them safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—before this enemy sets his sights on their daughter?

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Source: Mary Alford

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

Mary Alford turns Readers lives’ upside down once more with Unsolved Amish Abduction! Unsolved Amish Abduction takes Readers to the community of Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky where Anna Hartzler has returned home after moving to Canada 10 years earlier to avoid scandal and to seek healing from an abduction. The day Anna and her older sister Constance were abducted help set in motion decisions that impacted Anna’s Family’s future. Anna has grappled with that fateful day ever since she was able to escape and Constance did not, causing Constance to be kidnapped and become a missing person. After receiving suspicious letters saying that they know where Constance is and that they will return her if she comes home, Anna has no choice but to return to Rachel’s Crossing with her daughter Grace. Once home, Anna receives another letter that leads her to a trap that mimics the original kidnapping. Seeing something suspicious, Police Officer Jaxson “Jax” Thomas stops to check it out. Jax is shocked to come upon a scene eerie to the one described to him by his friend and love of his life, Anna. After escaping her captor 10 years earlier, Anna leaned on Englisher friend Jax, who deals with daily abuse from his father. As Anna and Jax got closer back then, the feelings they held back came to the surface. When Anna realizes she is pregnant with Jax’s child, Jax had just escaped his father and left Rachel’s Crossing. When Anna tells her parents that she’s pregnant, they escape to Canada where Anna’s mother is from. 10 years later Anna is shocked, but thankful when Jax shows up to the trap she stumbled into. Once rescued, Anna’s hopeful that Constance will finally be found. As Jax seeks to keep Anna and Grace safe, secrets are revealed that show a more sinister web of jealousy and deceit than anyone ever imagined.

I loved returning to Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky in Mary Alford’s Unsolved Amish Abduction! Unsolved Amish Abduction is packed with shock and suspense from page one that kept me on the edge of my seat, not putting it down in the process! I thought the premise of the plot was fascinating! I liked that Ms. Alford touched on the Amish Community in Canada–I’ve read about the Amish in Canada, but I haven’t come across it in Amish Fiction yet. (I wouldn’t mind if Ms. Alford created a Amish story set in Canada in the future!) I enjoyed meeting Anna and Jax. I appreciated the backstory on Jax and Anna that Ms. Alford put in the plot. I understood why Anna made the decisions she did, but I really wished she had involved law enforcement sooner when she started receiving the letters. (Though I respect and get why Ms. Alford wrote it that way.) I think I liked Jax’s character the best because of the growth he went through from the time he left Rachel’s Crossing and how he let Jesus transform his life when he returned. The way Jax showed Grace and Sacrifice to others stuck with me as well. I felt for Anna more and more as events transpired, holding out Hope that Constance would be found too but wondering as well, what was really going on. When that happened, I saw growth in Anna. At the same time, it gave Unsolved Amish Abduction a psychological feel, which I loved! I’m always in awe as to how much gritty suspense Ms. Alford packs in every book she writes and Ms. Alford delivers with each layer in Unsolved Amish Abduction! I loved returning to Rachel’s Crossing and seeing what some of its neighbors have been up to since my last visit! If you are looking for a gritty escape that shows unending Hope and Grace regardless of circumstances, then I highly recommend Unsolved Amish Abduction by Mary Alford! I’m looking forward to seeing what Mary Alford creates next!

Have you read Unsolved Amish Abduction? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Mary Alford for letting me be a part of the Mary Alford’s Influencer Team, and giving me a copy of Unsolved Amish Abduction to review, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Mary Alford

Image & Bio Courtesy of Mary Alford

Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. She is a USA TODAY, Parable, and Publishers Weekly best-selling author. Her titles have won the Holt Medallion, The Kiss of Death, and Golden Scroll Novel of the Year, and have been finalists in the Selah and the Maggie Awards. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of seventy acres with two cats and one dog. Learn more at www.maryalford.net.

More Reviews of Mary Alford’s Books:

Tangled Past: Hope Island Securities Series Book Seven

Shattered Amish Identity

Framed in Amish Country

Amish Country Killer

Seeking Evil: Book Three of Hallowed Halls Series

Sins of the Past (via the Small Town Danger Collection)

Among the Innocent

Featured

Book Review: Zenith of Tea: Apron Strings Tea Tale #6

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

A cookbook, a glimmer of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.

In the early 1920s, accomplished martial artist Wang Mijen is haunted by her past and the red birthmark that she believes prompted her family to abandon her at six. She survives by robbing ancient tombs and living in a cave concealed from the soldiers. When she saves Joseph Cheung, a Chinese Christian educated in Canada, from bandits, her insecurities whisper that such a man could never love an “ugly” girl like her.

Growing up in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Joseph experienced anti-Chinese prejudice. Still, he helps Mijen move to Canada to avoid danger. In Vancouver, amidst anti-Asian riots and the looming Chinese Exclusion Act, Joseph helps Mijen open a teahouse. As they work together to rescue young women trafficked into brothels in North America, Joseph’s unwavering faith and fight for equality challenge Mijen’s hardened heart.

From China to Canada, can Mijen and Joseph overcome their challenges, rediscover their identities, and open their hearts to each other?

Publisher: Vidasym Publishing

Source: R. F. Whong

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

R. F. Whong’s contribution to the Apron Strings Tea Tales series, Zenith of Tea, is a delightful read for her fans! Zenith of Tea transports Readers to 1920, where they escape to China, Hong Kong, and Canada. Mijen was orphaned on the streets of China until she was rescued by Sifu Yue. Sifu Yue took Mijen under her wing, teaching Mijen martial arts skills and other skills in order to survive, such as how to cook and how to steal, with the promise to help Mijen locate her family. One day many years later, the two women come upon a man being mugged by a group of bandits with the intent to kill him. Sifu Yue and Mijen put their martial arts skills to good use, saving the man’s life. After the rescue, Mijen and Sifu Yue invite the man, whom they learn is named Joseph, to stay with them until it’s safe. They learn that Joseph was raised in America and lives in Canada. The reason Joseph is in China is for a missionary trip and to spend time connecting with his Chinese heritage. For safety, the trio flee to Hong Kong where plans are made for Mijen to go with Joseph to Canada, not only for safety, but in hopes of finding Mijen’s family. As Mijen gets settled in Canada, she opens a Tea Shop and utilizes her skills to help the Chinese Community around her. Mijen and Joseph become closer and feelings soon develop, but because of Joseph’s Christian Beliefs they can only be friends. Mijen sees no need for Jesus or Christianity. As upheaval and Chinese prejudice grows in Canada, Joseph takes a stand while Mijen’s eyes are opened to the world around her and truths are revealed.

I’m a big fan of the Apron Strings Series and a big fan of author R. F. Whong! When I found out the adventures of Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book were to continue with the Apron Strings Tea Tales series and that Ms. Whong was on board to contribute to the collection with Zenith of Tea, I was elated! I love how Ms. Whong transported me to 1920s China, Hong Kong, and Canada allowing me to learn more history from around the world! The history about Chinese prejudice in Canada brought back memories of history I have read about from the Dear Canada series and I appreciated being able to go deeper with it in Zenith of Tea. I loved meeting Joseph and Mijen! I marveled at Mijen’s martial arts skills and medicinal abilities. I especially loved the star weapon scenes! My mouth always waters when I read food scenes written by Ms. Whong, this especially happened when reading Mijen’s cooking scenes! The scene where Mijen hunted and prepared Squirrel Pie was interesting and fascinating! (Read Zenith of Tea—it’s awesome!) I appreciated the dynamic between Joseph and Mijen. I loved how Joseph stuck to his Christian convictions regardless of his feelings for Mijen. I really appreciated Mijen’s struggles with Christianity and could see where she came from regarding them. There is also this really unique thread in the story about Nightingale birds and what they mean, so make sure you read Zenith of Tea! If you are looking for a delightful escape that includes dashes of intrigue while standing up for Truth and Justice, I highly recommend Zenith of Tea by R. F. Whong!

Have you read Zenith of Tea? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank R. F. Whong for giving me a copy of Zenith of Tea to read and review as well as giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

R. F. Whong

From the Author:

Image Courtesy of R. F. Whong

Although I grew up in Hong Kong and Taiwan, my family members live in different parts of the world, a common phenomenon for most Chinese my age because of political conflicts.

I work for a small biotech company and have published 120+ scientific books and papers (under my legal name).

While I’m relatively new to the realm of creative writing, I’ve already completed several books.

I currently live in the Midwest with my husband, a retired pastor. We served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Our grown son works in a nearby city.

Check out my other books.

Love at the Garden Tomb (Contemporary romance): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8MK77WK

The Way We Forgive (Women’s fiction): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ5LNLNB

Blazing China (family saga): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P49HW

Detour to Agape (sequel to Blazing China; contemporary romance): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P29GJ

Prestige of Hearts (Contemporary Christian): https://www.amazon.com/Prestige-Hearts-R-F-Whong-ebook/dp/B0CV4FL3CH?ref_=ast_author_dp

Center of Enigma (Amish Mystery): https://www.amazon.com/Center-Enigma-Paradise-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B0D9R2M134/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=eeWvB&content-id=amzn1.sym.bc3ba8d1-5076-4ab7-9ba8-a5c6211e002d&pf_rd_p=bc3ba8d1-5076-4ab7-9ba8-a5c6211e002d&pf_rd_r=142-7357450-7389124&pd_rd_wg=EySC2&pd_rd_r=1d78eb44-7d6d-4cfa-9ab8-6527fad82c1c&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Echoes Over Stormy Sea: Dual-Time Odyssey Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DPGQ6TZP?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1749423804&sr=8-1

Thunders Over Idle Land: Dual-time Odyssey Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/Thunders-over-Idle-Dual-time-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0F49GFHW6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24WYE81UWUXOD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7n39hED0NZ5bytQqW7DW3novTYpuvYX_q-UDEk3UnAVrggbXqAPH6bvDm8p_XgbwyXgmV4Du72KOlP36rmftvd74LjXSbgj18nr46L3p6PhUf3ouWBExiuj-Ky3pnl6VuRp80V1vGAbaVfB056p3uQ.8fjWs9QNW7qRb9blJKGftaie9TN0EaQYq2rzUqbn1PY&dib_tag=se&keywords=r.f.+whong&qid=1749423804&sprefix=r.f.+w%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1

Fire Between Two Skies: Dual-time Odyssey Book 3: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Between-Skies-Dual-time-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0G2YZZ8LG

Nonfiction (under Ruth Wuwong): Are your health and finances linked? A Christian Entrepreneur’s Quest: (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ5JXFYY).

To connect with me, please go to www.ruthforchrist.com.

More Reviews of R. F. Whong Books:

Fire Between Two Skies: Dual-time Odyssey Book 3

Thunders Over Idle Land: Dual-time Odyssey Book 2

Echoes Over Stormy Sea: Dual-Time Odyssey Book 1

Center of Enigma Paradise PA Mystery Book 1

Prestige of Hearts

More from the World of Apron Strings:

Kristen: Apron Strings Series Book Nine

Cassie: Apron Strings Series Book Eight

Renee: Apron Strings Series Book Seven

Cynthia: Apron Strings Book 6

Joann: Apron Strings Book 5

Beatrice: Apron Strings Series Book Four

Priscilla: Apron Strings Book 3

Nellie: Apron Strings Series Book Two

Polly: Apron Strings Series Book One

Featured

Book Review: Sung in the Shadows: The Art of Love and Danger #2

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?

In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother’s permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it’s one she can avoid fanning for only so long.

With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont’s soul is weary, but Nora’s presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike’s Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora’s ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He’s determined to find out.

Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she’s being watched, and her own paranoia blooms.

As the line between what’s real and false grows fainter, will Ezekiel’s and Nora’s faith and love overcome?

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Source: Book Lovers & Launchers via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

Crystal Caudill continues her magnificent The Art of Love and Danger series with the second installment, Sung in the Shadows! Ms. Caudill takes Readers on a wild ride of psychological proportions to Cincinnati in the 1880s by telling the story of Nora, a young woman who has been hiding in the city with her Parents after getting kidnapped as a child. Nora loved the opera lifestyle her Opera Singer Mother raised her in until Nora was kidnapped during a performance. Though Nora escaped, her Captors were never found. Escaping to Cincinnati to protect Nora, Nora and her Parents assume new identities, while constantly looking over their shoulders. This proves to be too much for Nora’s mother, who goes by Constanza Brisbane and causes Constanza to be committed to Longview Asylum. During weekly visits to Longview Asylum, Nora gets singing lessons from her Mother. Meanwhile, Ezekiel also visits his Mother at Longview Asylum and is mesmerized by the singing he hears as he passes by on the way to visit his mom. During one visit, both Mothers are in the same room when Nora and Ezekiel arrive. Instantly attracted, Ezekiel wants to strike up a friendship with Nora, but because of Nora’s past, she refuses to let Ezekiel close. But Ezekiel doesn’t give up. As Ezekiel tears down Nora’s walls, they see they have much in common—from their shared experiences with having a mother at Longview Asylum to both having a history with the opera world, and most importantly their Faith. As Nora lets her guard down, she senses someone is following her, seeing and hearing things from the past. Deciding to let Ezekiel fully into her world, Nora allows skeletons to be rattled while walking down a long, dark road that she hopes will lead to Freedom.

I love Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill! I love how Ms. Caudill swept me into Sung in the Shadows! The storyline of Sung in the Shadows reminded me of Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island by Grace Hitchcock and The Purple Nightgown by A. D. Lawrence, which I loved! I loved meeting Ezekiel and getting to know Nora better—and seeing Nora’s Guardian Friends was a hoot! I love how Ezekiel and Nora were opposites, but were a perfect fit on things that matter. I love how Nora was equal parts spit-fire to Ezekiel’s spice in their relationship. I love the Faith that both Nora and Ezekiel had in Jesus, but that they both approached it differently—causing them to learn from one another. I love how Ms. Caudill wrote Ezekiel to look at mental health through the Eyes of Jesus! What Ezekiel said about mental health made sense to me and I love how he backed it up with Scripture! I loved the theme of being yoked that became a major thread in the plot due to what Ezekiel spoke over Nora. (Make sure to read Sung in the Shadows!) I love how, through the character of Ezekiel, that Nora, Constanza, as well as Ezekiel’s Mom, were able to see that Jesus is in the midst of their struggles with mental health, reminding them regardless, that they do have a sound mind. I especially love how Ezekiel stood by Nora and his Mother, regardless of how things turned out. I love how realistically and historically accurate Ms. Caudill wrote some of the scenes that included mental health issues. I felt what Constanza and Ezekiel’s Mom went through at Longview Asylum and what Nora went through with her anxiety and panic attacks. I love the suspenseful ride that Sung in the Shadows took me on, showing that even through the dark roads of the story, Hope and True Freedom shined through, exemplifying that Jesus can meet us right where we’re at! I highly recommend Sung in the Shadows by Crystal Caudill! I can’t wait to see where Ms. Caudill takes The Art of Love and Danger series next!

Have you read Sung in the Shadows? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read Sung in the Shadows and for letting me be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Crystal Caudill

Image & Bio Courtesy of Crystal Caudill

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance.” Her debut novel, Counterfeit Love, was a 2023 Carol Award finalist, and her novella, “Star of Wonder,” won the 2024 Christy Award for short form. She loves history, hot tea, all things bookish, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She is a stay-at-home mom, caregiver, and chaos organizer. When she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found hanging with her family and playing board games at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com

More by Crystal Caudill:

Written in Secret: The Art of Love and Danger #1

.

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Book Review: All Booked Up

Image Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group

Synopsis from Baker Publishing Group:

When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined. 

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that’s been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can’t bring herself to leave decades of memories–and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books. 

When she pursues an alternative–opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent–Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own. 

Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love. 

Publisher: Revell

Source: Melody Carlson

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

Melody Carlson is an instant go-to author for me, and her latest release, All Booked Up is an instant hit! In All Booked Up, Readers meet Riva, a widow in her 60s who lives in a beautiful Victorian House full of books and memories. After a chance meeting at a Grief Group Meeting and a nudge from God, Riva decides to open up her house and rent some of its rooms to fellow widowed women or women around the same age who need a place to stay. This works twofold for Riva: 1.) Riva is not alone and 2.) The rent helps pay for the taxes on the home so Riva doesn’t have to move. Everything is going well with five unique women in the house. Until it isn’t, and personality clashes become too strong to ignore. Despite the drama, Riva learns a lot more about the journey of grief and how to live from her new housemates—and one of their older brothers, Marcus.

Melody Carlson brings her signature style that Readers have come to know and love to All Booked Up! I have been a big fan of Melody Carlson for years, and her books have always been a lovely escape for me. In All Booked Up, the essence of Ms. Carlson’s writing is all over the plot, but to me, you could tell that her writing journey took her even deeper than ever before in the process and added a unique depth to the story that I have never seen before from Ms. Carlson—-and I loved it! I loved the premise of the plot and the direction it headed. I loved meeting the characters and empathized with what they went through. I loved meeting Riva and I was slightly jealous of her house! I loved the journey that Riva went on through the book. I love how Riva learned and lived through her grief. I felt that Ms. Carlson wrote the scenes of grief authentically and realistically. The way the characters described grief—how it ebbs and flows and sneaks up on you—really stuck with me. I loved the whispers of Faith that were woven into the plot, and that it’s more about how Riva walks through her grief with her friends and the Lord and the lessons she learns. I also love how Riva learned not to be afraid to address certain issues and chose books at times to get her point across. I also love how things weren’t necessarily resolved in the book, but that the plot showed growth in its characters and left you with the sense that their journeys would continue off page. If you are looking for a powerful escape where Hope can be seen through the cracks of life, then I highly recommend All Booked Up by Melody Carlson!

Have you read All Booked Up? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank NetGalley, the Publisher, and Melody Carlson for giving me a copy of All Booked Up to review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Learn More About:

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her family live in central Oregon.

More From Melody Carlson:

A Christmas in the Alps

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Book Review & JustRead Publicity Tour: Eyewitness Sketch: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #1

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Eyewitness Sketch by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Eyewitness Sketch

Title: Eyewitness Sketch
Series: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #1
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: March 10, 2026
Genre: 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery

Finding love at Death’s Door might destroy them both.

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby’s rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Direct from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

Danielle Grandinetti’s Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency series is off to a great start with Eyewitness Sketch! Eyewitness Sketch transports you to the 1930s and tells the story of Gabriella “Gabby” Salatino, an illustrative journalist who works for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency and as a freelance illustrative journalist, helping fellow journalists make their stories come alive. Gabby’s brain comes alive like no other when she’s drawing, allowing her to immerse herself into the worlds that she draws and to see things no one else does. When Gabby’s latest assignment causes her to do a double take, she enlists her friend Billy for help—only to have Billy get murdered before they can meet. For Gabby’s safety, she runs to her hometown—and to the place of her Mother’s murder—the Wisconsin Island of Heima Island, and Deputy Andri Jóhannsson, her best friend’s brother and the man who rejected her heart. Andri’s heart has always belonged to Gabby, but he crushed her heart when he ran away because he wasn’t ready. When Gabby calls to let Andri know she’s returning to Heima Island and asks for protection, Andri sees it as a sign to make things right with Gabby. Keeping Gabby safe and his feelings at bay is just as difficult for Andri as it is for Gabby. As they both try to keep each other safe, mysteries from Gabby’s drawings start to make sense, making things more dangerous than ever before.

Danielle Grandinetti has been on my TBR List for a while now and I’m so excited to have the chance to read Eyewitness Sketch! Ms. Grandinetti’s vivid writing made Eyewitness Sketch come alive for me! I love getting into Gabby and Andri’s world of 1930s Heima Island, walking the streets and traipsing around the lighthouse! I thought the premise of the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency was fun and a great backdrop for a series—as well as having the story take place on an island near Wisconsin. I love how Ms. Grandinetti wrote Gabby’s creative process and how it drew me into Gabby’s world as a Reader. The way that Gabby drew things from memory and how she perceived her drawings fascinated me! I also thought Ms. Grandinetti balanced expressing what Gabby saw, without giving gory details, perfectly. I loved Andri. I thought Andri complemented Gabby in every way and thought the way he saw her was precious. I love Andri’s Testimony in the story and the lessons he learned about Justice and Revenge. (Make sure you read Eyewitness Sketch because that was a powerful moment in the book for me.) Eyewitness Sketch reminded me a lot of the feels I got from Rachel Scott McDaniel’s The Dreams We Knew and Walking on Hidden Wings, mainly because of the suspense factor and how crimes were solved in the 1920s-1940s. I love how past and present crimes transcended into Heima Island and how the Truth came to light, both metaphorically and realistically speaking! Having a Journalism degree, I’m really excited to see where Ms. Grandinetti takes the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency series—especially in terms of this point in history! If you are looking for a mystery read full of Truth and flair, then I highly recommend Eyewitness Sketch by Danielle Grandinetti!

Have you read Eyewitness Sketch? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for giving me a copy of Eyewitness Sketch to review, for letting me be a part of the Eyewitness Sketch JustRead Publicity Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

More in this Series

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romance filled with mystery, suspense, and hope. She is a second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions. Fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature, her stories explore love and belonging in hard times. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a paperback copy of the prequel novella Undercover Wish and swag!

Eyewitness Sketch blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 10, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 17, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for prize as described. Ebook available instead if winner is outside the US. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway
https://gleam.io/Z8vsk/eyewitness-sketch-blog-tour-giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Raging Waters: Elements of Danger #2

About the Book

Book: Raging Waters

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 3, 2026

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.


When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Dana Mentink has a hit on her hands with her latest release, Raging Waters, the second installment of Ms. Mentink’s Elements of Danger series! Mackenzie Bardine is on a mission to avenge her brother, Aaron’s death. After Aaron’s murder in a drug-deal-gone-wrong, Mackenzie starts a true crime podcast to help solve cold cases, while gathering clues about Aaron’s case along the way. The latest clues lead Mackenzie to hunt down a man named “Bullseye” deep in the wilderness of Washington State where she learns Aaron’s best friend, Air Force SERE instructor Gideon, works in the community. Surprised and upset to see Mackenzie, whom he lovingly refers to as “Zee”, doesn’t even begin to describe it for Gideon. The last time Zee and Gideon saw one another was at Aaron’s funeral where Zee basically blames him for letting Aaron get killed. Gideon is also against Mackenzie’s Crusade to avenge Aaron’s death because it has put her life in danger and turned her into someone he doesn’t even recognize. As torrential rains ascend on the wilderness of Washington, it puts both Gideon and Mackenzie’s lives in danger, especially as more clues become unearthed and the elusive “Bullseye” is on their tails.

I honestly love Raging Waters by Dana Mentink! In the Dana Mentink fashion that I have come to know and love, Ms. Mentink has packed the suspense from the get-go and has centered the plot on a central theme—this time it is the torrential rains and overflowing waters in the Washington wilderness. (Raging Waters is a very apt title for the book because of the events surrounding the plot!) I thought Ms. Mentink portrayed Mackenzie and Gideon beautifully in the book, making them equal parts oil and water personality-wise. I love the thread of revenge and how it corrupts those who seek it that was woven through the book. I love how Gideon saw right through Mackenzie and her reasoning for revenge and pointed her back to God. The way that Gideon explained what revenge does to a person was right on point! I love how Mackenzie was stubborn and hard hearted in the name of revenge! I loved the journey that Mackenzie went on and how she realized the truth about herself. The water and rain scenes were so vivid to me— I felt cold, heard the sound of the raging waters, and felt the weight of moving through them along with the characters. Like the raging waters that confounded Mackenzie and Gideon at every turn, Raging Waters had unexpected twists and turns at every bend in the story that Readers will enjoy! (Trust me, the suspenseful waves around “Bullseye” will shock you—they did me!) Raging Waters by Dana Mentink is a fast-paced read with a Powerful Message that I highly recommend!

Have you read Raging Waters? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Raging Waters to review, for letting me be a part of the Raging Waters Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

 

 

More from Dana

I’m afraid of deep water. There. I’ve said it. I live in California, famous for beaches sand and surf. If that’s not enough, there are swimming pools aplenty. I should be enjoying the surfing, boating, kayaking, sailing culture, but I’d much rather sit on a deck somewhere and watch others partake. So what’s a gal like me doing writing an adventure that takes place as a dam rupture overwhelms a town? I love to write that type of wilderness story, where stakes are high and the help is scarce. Similar to the previous book, Fire Mountain, the characters will have to dig deep of their strength and faith to survive. And you and I can enjoy it from the safety of our decks! Are you ready? Grab your book and your cuppa and let’s go!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 3

The Avid Reader, March 3

The Sacred Line, March 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4

She Lives To Read, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Lily’s Corner, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7

Devoted To Hope, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 9

EmpowerMoms, March 10

Blogging With Carol, March 10

Just Your Average reviews, March 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 11

Simple Harvest Reads, March 11 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lyssa Loves Books, March 12

Blossoms and Blessings, March 12

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 12

Cover Lover Book Review, March 13

Labor Not in Vain, March 13

Betti Mace, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 15

Lights in a Dark World, March 15

Holly’s Book Corner, March 15

Stories By Gina, March 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a signed 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/OQ5p4/raging-waters-celebration-tour-giveaway

More from Dana Mentink:

Scent of Sabotage

Hunted on the Trail

Jungle Fire

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Book Review: I Envy the Walls: Prequel to the House of Parr Series

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

In 1697, the ruinous Nine Years’ War has ended, the Treaty of Ryswick signed. As an emblem of peace, Alexander Parr, a British general, falls under the spell of the beautiful and fiery Diane de Plaisance, daughter of a French count. Once they marry, however, his love soon turns to hatred as he begins to believe that their firstborn child, Basil, is not his son. These suspicions unleash a torrent of passion and strife which will rock the Parr household for decades and echo down the generations, forever changing the lives of the Parr children, including tortured Basil, kindhearted Henry, and spirited Mary. An orphaned servant girl, Isabella Tremblay, is embroiled in this firestorm through her relationship with the two brothers, who spar for her love.

I Envy the Walls explores the darkest corners of human nature, where jealousy administers its poison, pride flashes its fatal allure, and a lust for power prevails. This explosive prequel to the acclaimed House of Parr family saga series hurdles toward a dramatic conclusion, where devastation is tempered by the hope of new beginnings—and victory born from the ashes of defeat.

Publisher:  Mary Beth Dearmon

Source:  Mary Beth Dearmon

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really Love It!

I Envy the Walls is the epic prequel to Mary Beth Dearmon’s House of Parr Series! In 1697, Alexander Parr and his wife Diane are expecting their first child. When a son arrives, they name him Basil. Shortly thereafter, Alexander finds out that Basil is not his child. Alexander cannot prove Basil’s parentage, and society being what it is, he cannot divorce Diane. Despite being an illegitimate son of the King of England himself, Alexander sets out to make Basil and Diane’s lives miserable. Diane and Alexander go on to have two more children, Henry and Mary, in spite of the great divide in their family. Basil and Henry develop a deep bond—until Basil discovers the truth and begins to sow seeds of revenge. Isabella Tremblay is a servant girl who grew up with Basil and Henry, often taking care of Henry when he was sick, and becoming close friends with Henry. One day, Basil decides that he wants Isabella for himself and goes after Isabella. Isabella runs to Henry for protection. Henry decides that in order to protect Isabella, they must get married. Henry and Isabella’s marriage sets off events in the Parr Family years in the making that no one saw coming.

I Envy the Walls by Mary Beth Dearmon was nothing like I expected, but I enjoyed getting swept into it (for the most part)! I will admit that, for me personally, there was more colorful language than I was comfortable with, and at times it made it hard to get around. Once I was able to get around the language, though, I enjoyed the plot. I liked how  I Envy the Walls covered generations of characters, giving the main characters’ points of view over the years. I thought that giving that many characters voices and views added depth to the plot. Every review I do, I view through a Christian lens. For me, this means that I look at the characters’ hearts and motives and how they relate to the plot—Christian or not. My heart broke for what the characters in I Envy the Walls went through. I couldn’t understand, why Alexander, given his parentage and how his father lavished on him regardless, could not do the same for Basil. No wonder Basil acted out the way that he did, though I was shocked by the extremes he went to exact revenge! I loved how Ms. Dearmon balanced Basil’s evil with the goodness of Henry, Isabella, and Mary. I love the theme of “I Envy the Walls” that was woven through the book—not to mention it’s a great play on the title! I thought Ms. Dearmon crafted a beautiful plot that illustrates what can happen when unforgiveness, bitterness, and revenge take root and fester (not to mention what happens when you don’t get the other person’s side of the story before forming an opinion!).  I Envy the Walls challenged me in a good way and I’m thankful that I had an opportunity to read it! Check out  I Envy the Walls by Mary Beth Dearmon!

Have you read I Envy the Walls? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Mary Beth Dearmon for giving me a copy of  I Envy the Walls to review and for providing me with the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Mary Beth Dearmon

Image Courtesy of Mary Beth Dearmon

Mary Beth Dearmon lives with her husband and children in Birmingham, Alabama.  She enjoys literature, art, travel, yoga, and history. 

More From Mary Beth Dearmon:

Masquerade of Destiny: House of Parr Book 3 

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Book Review: Tangled Past: Hope Island Securities Series Book Seven

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

A murdered police chief. A missing truth. A witness who can’t remember.

Twenty-five years after his father’s unsolved murder, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island determined to uncover the truth. His only lead is Maya Callahan—the little girl found hiding in the barn the night his father died.

Maya has no memory of that stormy night. But as fragments of her past resurface, so does danger. Someone is watching. Someone who will kill to keep the truth buried.

As Asa and Maya grow closer, the stakes turn deadly. Because remembering the past may be the only way to survive it.

Publisher:  Mary Alford

Source:  Mary Alford

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/Really, Really, Really Love It!!!!

Mary Alford definitely packs the thrill and the chill in Tangled Past, the seventh book in Ms. Alford’s Hope Island Securities Series! 25 years after his father’s death, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island, Maine to face some ghosts and chase down clues to avenge his father’s death. Asa enlists the expertise of Hope Island Securities and begins seeking out the one person who has the answers, Maya Callahan. Maya was just 4 years-old when Asa’s father, who was Police Chief at the time, was murdered in front of her. But Maya has no recollection of it. That is, until Asa walks into her life. Soon after meeting Asa, Maya’s entire world turns upside down when she learns the truth about her world before being adopted and the memories from that fateful night start flooding back. As more memories start resurfacing and the truth comes to light, Asa and Maya’s lives are put in danger until everything comes to a crashing halt.

Mary Alford keeps doing it over and over crafting books that share God’s Truth that keep you on the edge of your seat! This can definitely be said of Tangled Past! To me, Tangled Past was written in the vein of Nancy Mehl’s Kaely Quinn Series and books by Elle E. Kay. I loved visiting Hope Island, Maine again! I loved meeting Asa and Maya! I felt that the plot was uniquely gritty. I love the suspenseful roller coaster that Ms. Alford put me on! At the same time, my heart went out to Maya and Asa and what they both went through. I couldn’t put Tangled Past down because I was glued to its suspense and Message. I loved the thread of how the truth comes to light that was woven through the plot. I love the steadfast calm Asa had through the book that no matter what, the truth would come out and everything would be OK regardless. I love how Asa’s confidence helped Maya’s confidence. I also love what Asa said about being broken and falling apart—it was a major beautiful thread in the book to me (I even highlighted some of the quotes regarding that), so make sure you read Tangled Past! (I won’t ruin it for you, but the ending may cause your jaw to drop!) If you are looking for a reminder that despite the gritty parts of life, God will allow the Truth to shine, then I highly recommend Tangled Past by Mary Alford!

Have you read Tangled Past? What did you think of the book? Have you read any other books in the Hope Island Securities Series?

I would like to thank Mary Alford for letting me be a part of the Mary Alford’s Influencer Team, and giving me a copy of Tangled Past to review, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Mary Alford

Image & Bio Courtesy of Mary Alford

Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. She is a USA TODAY, Parable, and Publishers Weekly best-selling author. Her titles have won the Holt Medallion, The Kiss of Death, and Golden Scroll Novel of the Year, and have been finalists in the Selah and the Maggie Awards. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of seventy acres with two cats and one dog. Learn more at www.maryalford.net.

More Reviews of Mary Alford’s Books:

Shattered Amish Identity

Framed in Amish Country

Amish Country Killer

Seeking Evil: Book Three of Hallowed Halls Series

Sins of the Past (via the Small Town Danger Collection)

Among the Innocent

Featured

Book Review: An Amish Country Lullaby: An Amish Antiques Shop Romance Book 2

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

A friend from her past…
A new dream for their future?

Single dad Curtis Moore has returned to Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania, with a dream to revitalize the town—if only he can unite its Amish and English residents. When local businesswoman Hope Taylor offers to care for his spirited toddler, Lucy, he jumps at the chance. Hope figures this is exactly the experience she needs. Not only is she planning to open a day care, but she’s expecting her first baby—her late husband’s child. As tensions rise over his development plans, Curtis and Hope grow closer—and they must decide if the heart of the town’s future might just lie in the growing love between them.

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Source: Patricia Johns

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns is a sweet escape and the second book in Ms. Johns’ An Amish Antiques Shop Romance series! Hope Taylor is adjusting to life in the throes of widowhood and impending motherhood when her late husband’s friend, Curtis Moore, comes waltzing into her life and into her family’s store, Amish Antiques Shop, with his daughter, Lucy. Curtis travels to the town of Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania with his daughter Lucy because the town of Apfelkuchen holds a special place in Curtis’ heart. It’s the place where Curtis’ grandfather lived and where Curtis spent some of the best summers of his life on his grandfather’s farm with his sister Lynn, roaming Apfelkuchen’s streets and visiting local shops. When Curtis’ grandfather passes away, he leaves Curtis an inheritance and the family farm. Wanting to put down roots in Apfelkuchen for Lucy, Curtis sets out to start a business to help both the English and Amish communities. Curtis just needs both the Amish and English communities to be on board—and someone to help with Lucy. That’s where Hope comes in. Hope offers to care for Lucy and to help Curtis understand the Amish way of life. As Hope and Curtis bond, they both learn what it truly means to put down roots that run deep.

I love An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns and the escape it gave me! Ms. Johns has been on my reading radar for quite some time and I was excited to have an opportunity to read An Amish Country Lullaby! I thought the setup for the Amish Antiques Shop Romance series was neat and I wasn’t lost when starting the series out of order because of the foundation Ms. Johns put into An Amish Country Lullaby. I thought Hope and Curtis were good, sweet people. I thought that integrating the storyline of Hope’s pregnancy and how Curtis became a single father was interesting. I truly enjoyed the story, but I grappled with how fast Hope and Curtis’ relationship moved from basic friends to more. At the same time, I appreciated the real life instances, such as widowhood and drug addiction, that were in the book. I loved the instances in the book where Curtis grew appreciative of the Amish community and how his eyes were opened to how things truly are for the Amish community and how they perceive things. I thought having Lucy as an integral part of the story was genius (and adorable)! I also loved the theme of having true roots that Ms. Johns wove into the storyline. It was nice to truly read a clean book. Some of the books I’ve reviewed that are marketed as “clean” still make me blush at times with their content. But that’s not the case with An Amish Country Lullaby! An Amish Country Lullaby truly is a clean read that gives you Hallmark or GAC Family feels while walking the streets of Apfelkuchen! I highly recommend An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns! I can’t wait to read more of Patricia Johns’ books in the future!

Have you read An Amish Country Lullaby? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Patricia Johns for giving me a copy of An Amish Country Lullaby to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Patricia Johns

Bio and Picture Courtesy of Amazon

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling Amish fiction author, writing from Alberta, Canada. She relishes electricity and modern conveniences in her real life, but she loves to imagine what life would be like living without everything we so easily rely upon. If you were to peek in at her, you’d find her tapping away on her computer writing her newest book, or arranging her dollhouse furniture which has become a big passion of hers. You can keep up with her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter for a chance to win signed books and knitted surprises made with love by the author herself.

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Book Review: An Appearance of Impropriety

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

As the youngest female judge in LA, Mahalia Jackson has her career goals carefully aligned. But when her mentor tells her she needs to break her shell of professionalism and show a little heart by volunteering for the Junior Jurors program, her plans begin to falter.

Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God’s calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation’s eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America’s freeways.

Mahalia’s rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow’s attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.

A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk.

Publisher:  Kregel Publications

Source:  Kregel Reviewers via  Kregel Publications

Leslie’s Review:  4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Judge Mahalia Jackson has life all mapped out to a ‘T’ until life and God have other plans in An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh. Being raised by her grandparents to put God first and to get an education, Mahalia has done just that her entire life—except for maybe the God part. When Judge Jackson’s mentor Judge Goldstein tells her that she needs to show more heart in order to have a chance at the assistant supervising judge position that is opening up, Judge Goldstein suggests that Judge Jackson volunteer with Junior Jurors—a program for teens who want to learn more about the judicial system or for teens who are at risk and are attending the program to avoid jail time. Attorney JD Cash refuses to forget his Georgia roots while helping those who truly need an attorney in LA. JD’s heart shines through in all that he does—from giving and getting the best for his clients to giving back to the community through creating Junior Jurors, as well as other acts of kindness. When JD and Judge Jackson start working together with Junior Jurors, both are skeptical if the Judge will last. Surprisingly, Judge Jackson is a hit with the teens at Junior Jurors! As JD and Judge Jackson work together, they soon bond as friends, becoming just JD and Mahalia. As their bond strengthens, Mahalia decides to get closer to God, seeing the map she had for life changing right before her eyes. When an earthquake hits, Mahalia and JD get stuck in an elevator giving “an appearance of impropriety” that threatens everything Mahalia holds dear.

I love An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh! Ms. Breigh is a new-to-me author and I love the story she’s written! I loved meeting Mahalia and JD and being drawn into the judicial world. I love the expertise that Ms. Breigh brought to the plot and how she explained the law and the way of legal proceedings in an easy-to-understand manner. Because I loved the law and government classes that I took in college, I really loved those portions in the book! It gave me Matlock type feels! I love how I saw both JD’s and Mahalia’s views on the legal system— that on the things that mattered they saw things the same way, and at the same time, they were comfortable enough in their own skin to have opposing views when they felt that it was warranted. I love how Ms. Breigh wove the legal term “an appearance of impropriety” into the plot and highlighted the importance of having that in the legal system, especially in the way Mahalia allows it to paint parts of her life. I appreciated how Mahalia viewed how she was raised and how that colored how she saw things. I admired the kind of gentleman JD was—how he gave back to others and fought for others. I loved learning about the techniques that JD used to build a case for his clients and was fascinated by how they unfolded in the plot! (Trust me, it was really unique in my eyes—so read An Appearance of Impropriety for all the details!) I loved the Junior Jurors program and how it impacted Mahalia. The most important aspect of An Appearance of Impropriety for me was the lesson of Trusting God’s Will and Plan for your life that was in the book. How that when we let go and let God, we see something beautiful unfolding better and more fulfilling than anything we could ever dream up. I love seeing the walls that came down in JD and Mahalia’s lives when they Trusted God! If you are looking for a beautiful read that encourages you to Trust Him more—with a twinge of suspense to boot—then I highly recommend An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh!

Have you read An Appearance of Impropriety? What do you think of the book?

I would like to thank Kregel Reviewers with Kregel Publications for giving me a copy of An Appearance of Impropriety to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Jayna Breigh

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Book Review: Fire Between Two Skies: Dual-time Odyssey Book 3

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Across centuries—power and peril—one fire endures.

Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey delves deep into the passions and struggles that connect their worlds.

In 2022 Hong Kong, Jason Guan, after losing his job as an assistant supervisor for wetland conservation, joins his uncle’s real-estate business. A chance meeting with his high school classmate, Vivian Jiang, draws him into a web of secrecy, seduction, and moral compromise. Amid the chaos, he and his wife, Debra, read an unpublished manuscript by her father, a celebrated writer, about the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851–1864) and a man’s futile pursuit of justice and peace on earth.

In nineteenth-century China, Zhang Xin, an orphan saved from the streets by Missionary Issachar Jacox Roberts, is swept into the fiery rebellion of the Taiping movement. Torn between the dream of a just kingdom, his forbidden love for Miao Lan, and his loyalty to his ruthless brother, Xin reckons with doubt, conscience, and the cost of faith.

When greed and exploitation eclipse justice, both men must navigate their respective perils. Will they prevail or be consumed?

At once a political thriller and a historical epic, this novel tracks the embers that survive every age.

Publisher:  Vidasym Publishing

Source: R.F. Whong

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!!!!

In Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong and the third book in the Dual-time Odyssey series, Readers are transported between 1840s/1850s China during the Taiping Rebellion and 2022 Hong Kong. Readers reunite with Jason Guan and his wife Debra as they are settling into married life in 2022. Jason’s mission to protect nature’s wetlands has been put on hold due to funding and travel restrictions during the Pandemic. Until things settle, Jason takes a job working with his Uncle as a realtor. Definitely not his dream job but things begin to look up when Jason’s high school friend Vivian walks into his life with money to burn and connections to help him move up in the world. Jason’s Christian values and moral compass begin to waver as he walks around in Vivian’s world. When Vivian starts to pull Debra into her world, Debra and Jason seek God for answers and protection as secrets are revealed. As Debra and Jason are walking through this, a new manuscript by Debra’s famed Author Father is found. In 1840s/1850s China, Zhang Xin is walking the streets and stealing food after his parents died and his brother joined the armed forces, leaving him homeless as a child. Being taken in by famed missionary Issachar Jacox Roberts, Xin begins learning about God and His Son Jesus. Xin has a hard time reconciling a Loving God who allows people to live in a broken world and does nothing to stop the hurting around them. In a state of confusion, Xin leaves the safety of Roberts and joins the Taiping Rebellion, a movement in China that matches more with Xin’s convictions than Roberts. As Jason and Debra read her father’s manuscript, Xin’s struggles and questions with God and Faith resonate with the couple and reminds them that they are not alone in them today.

I love it when I get to escape into a book by R.F. Whong! I’ve read a number of Ms. Whong’s books at this point, but I’d have to say the Dual-time Odyssey books are some of my favorites! I loved reuniting once more with Jason and Debra in Fire Between Two Skies and seeing what they have been up to since I last saw them. I love the way Ms. Whong immerses me in Chinese culture and the culture of Hong Kong! I love learning about its history. I probably wouldn’t have learned about it otherwise if it wasn’t for Ms. Whong’s books, and I am thankful she writes books like these! I love how Ms. Whong told the Reader a little bit about Chinese History and Culture before Fire Between Two Skies started so that you could get an understanding of the plot before reading. Ms. Whong’s writing moves effortlessly between the two timelines. I loved how raw and real Ms. Whong painted the difficulties that Xin and Jason both grappled with in regard to Christianity and how those doubts and questions are still relevant today. I loved the theme of Forgiveness that was woven through Fire Between Two Skies. I also love how the book illustrated that even though Forgiveness is given, consequences for our actions may still stand. I loved how Debra and Jason did their best to live out Scripture, regardless of the difficulty, and how they depended upon the Lord to see them through. I also love the fight scenes that Ms. Whong included in the 1840s/1850s part of the plot and that she did not hold back when describing them! If you are looking for a raw read that embodies the Forgiveness of Christ, then I highly recommend Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong! I’m excited to see what Ms. Whong creates next!

Have you read Fire Between Two Skies? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank R.F. Whong and NetGalley for giving me a copy of Fire Between Two Skies to read and review as well as giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

R.F. Whong

From the Author:

Image Courtesy of R.F. Whong

Although I grew up in Hong Kong and Taiwan, my family members live in different parts of the world, a common phenomenon for most Chinese my age because of political conflicts.

I work for a small biotech company and have published 120+ scientific books and papers (under my legal name).

While I’m relatively new to the realm of creative writing, I’ve already completed several books.

I currently live in the Midwest with my husband, a retired pastor. We served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Our grown son works in a nearby city.

Check out my other books.

Love at the Garden Tomb (Contemporary romance): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8MK77WK

The Way We Forgive (Women’s fiction): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ5LNLNB

Blazing China (family saga): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P49HW

Detour to Agape (sequel to Blazing China; contemporary romance): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P29GJ

Prestige of Hearts (Contemporary Christian): https://www.amazon.com/Prestige-Hearts-R-F-Whong-ebook/dp/B0CV4FL3CH?ref_=ast_author_dp

Center of Enigma (Amish Mystery): https://www.amazon.com/Center-Enigma-Paradise-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B0D9R2M134/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=eeWvB&content-id=amzn1.sym.bc3ba8d1-5076-4ab7-9ba8-a5c6211e002d&pf_rd_p=bc3ba8d1-5076-4ab7-9ba8-a5c6211e002d&pf_rd_r=142-7357450-7389124&pd_rd_wg=EySC2&pd_rd_r=1d78eb44-7d6d-4cfa-9ab8-6527fad82c1c&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Echoes Over Stormy Sea: Dual-Time Odyssey Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DPGQ6TZP?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1749423804&sr=8-1

Thunders Over Idle Land: Dual-time Odyssey Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/Thunders-over-Idle-Dual-time-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0F49GFHW6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24WYE81UWUXOD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7n39hED0NZ5bytQqW7DW3novTYpuvYX_q-UDEk3UnAVrggbXqAPH6bvDm8p_XgbwyXgmV4Du72KOlP36rmftvd74LjXSbgj18nr46L3p6PhUf3ouWBExiuj-Ky3pnl6VuRp80V1vGAbaVfB056p3uQ.8fjWs9QNW7qRb9blJKGftaie9TN0EaQYq2rzUqbn1PY&dib_tag=se&keywords=r.f.+whong&qid=1749423804&sprefix=r.f.+w%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1

Nonfiction (under Ruth Wuwong): Are your health and finances linked? A Christian Entrepreneur’s Quest: (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ5JXFYY).

To connect with me, please go to www.ruthforchrist.com.

More Reviews of R.F. Whong Books:

Thunders Over Idle Land: Dual-time Odyssey Book 2

Echoes Over Stormy Sea: Dual-Time Odyssey Book 1

Center of Enigma Paradise PA Mystery Book 1

Prestige of Hearts

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Book Review: Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

When grief shatters your world, you don’t need platitudes—you need someone who understands.

After Leanne Davidson’s son died, she turned to the only place her shattered heart could find refuge: the arms of Jesus. Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls is the devotional she wishes she’d had in those darkest days.

Each of these daily devotions tackles the raw realities of grief: the crushing loneliness after the funeral, the guilt that haunts your thoughts, the holidays that feel impossible, the questions that have no answers. Leanne pairs her honest reflections with Scripture that sustained her, prayers that gave her words when she had none, and poetry that captures what grief truly feels like.

Inside you’ll find:

  • 30 daily devotions addressing specific grief struggles (loneliness, guilt, changed identity, and struggling to find joy again)
  • Biblical promises that hold firm when everything else crumbles
  • Heartfelt prayers for each day’s journey
  • Original poetry expressing the inexpressible
  • Breathtaking nature photography from Northwestern Ontario

Whether you’ve lost a child, spouse, parent, or dear friend—whether the loss is recent or years past—this devotional meets you in the darkness and gently guides you toward peace and comfort.

Publisher: Leanne Davidson

Source: Leanne Davidson

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

I love it when God allows my path to come across a book I didn’t know I needed. One such book is Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts by Leanne Davidson. Having lost her son to addiction, Ms. Davidson pours her heart and her grief to the One who cares for her like no other. Inspired by what she has learned on her grief journey, Ms. Davidson has written a 30-Day Devotional. Each devotion entry includes a Bible verse(s) and a Prayer to go with what is being talked about on that particular day. In between each entry is either a poem written by Ms. Davidson or a photograph.

I love Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts by Leanne Davidson! Now I haven’t gone through what Ms. Davidson has, but her Devotions Ministered to me in a very deep and meaningful way, and God used her writings to speak to what I was walking through while I was reading the book. I love how Ms. Davidson explained Lamenting. I also love how Ms. Davidson explained how people can grieve differently, even within the same family or towards the same person or event, using the story of Mary and Martha mourning for Lazarus in John 11:1-45 to illustrate the point. Ms. Davidson shared the rawness of grief, with equal parts Hope and pure Honesty. Ms. Davidson grapples with her wonderings and questions, while her Soul drew her back to the Goodness of God and her need for Him. I loved the Bible verses that were shared because they were the Verses that I needed to read for this part of my own Journey. I loved the poetry and photographs that were between the devotion entries—I found them poignant and needed in the book just as much as the devotion entries themselves. I used Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls as part of my personal Devotional Time, devouring more than one entry a day. I definitely want to read more from Ms. Davidson! I highly recommend Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls by Leanne Davidson!

Have you used Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls? What do you think?

I would like to thank Leanne Davidson for giving me a copy of Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Leanne Davidson

Bio and Pic Courtesy of Amazon

Leanne Davidson lives with her husband Tim in her hometown of Kenora, Ontario. She has spent 25 years in education and is the recipient of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association Pearse Shannon Memorial Award. Now retired, Leanne loves to be outdoors in the beauty of Northwestern Ontario where she lives. After the tragic death of her son in 2022 Leanne has devoted her time to supporting others who have suffered loss. She has a certificate in “Death Dying and Bereavement” through Wilfrid Laurier Univeristy. She supports other grievers through her website and blog, amothersgriefjourney. Her first published book, “A Beautiful Pain” was written to provide hope and comfort for other grieving parents like her. Her second book, “Tattered Hearts and Hopeful Souls” is a 30-day Christian devotional for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

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Book Review: Wondering to Jerusalem: A Wonder-Filled Lent Devotional for Kids

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Pack your imagination and get ready to walk with Jesus and His disciples on their final journey to Jerusalem!
Wondering to Jerusalem transforms Holy Week into an unforgettable adventure where kids can see, hear, and imagine what it was like to travel beside Jesus. Each day invites you to step into the story, dig deeper into Scripture, and wonder about the moments leading up to Easter—just as if you were really there.
Along the way, you’ll discover:

  • Scripture Packing List—your key verse for the day
  • Daily Devotion—a deep dive into God’s Word
  • Wonderings—questions to spark imagination and reflection
  • Closing Prayer—a simple way to end your time with God

And the adventure doesn’t stop there! This book is also your very own travel journal. After each devotion, you’ll record your thoughts on the Wondering Journal page and capture the story with a drawing on the Wondering Snapshot page. You’ll also collect Souvenir Stickers to mark certain stops on the journey and follow Scripture Mile Markers to help you read, write, and remember God’s Word.

This isn’t just another devotional … it’s an interactive faith journey that draws you closer to Jesus, helps you experience His love in new ways, and prepares your heart to celebrate our Risen Savior.

Are you ready to wonder your way to Jerusalem? Let’s go!

Publisher:  Vanessa Myers

Source:  Vanessa Myers

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

I absolutely love Vanessa Myers’ Lent Devotional for kids titled Wondering to Jerusalem: A Wonder-Filled Lent Devotional for Kids! Taking kids on a Journey through the events that led to Jesus’ Crucifixion layer by layer and Scripture by Scripture, Ms. Meyers leads them on a journey they soon won’t forget! On this 40-day devotional journey, kids are encouraged, metaphorically, to pack their bags and travel through the Bible Stories to experience the events of Holy Week. Each devotion entry has a Scripture Reference, a “Scripture Packing List”, and a Prayer. To go with the Wondering theme of the book there are Wonderings—questions Ms. Myers poses about the devotion entry, a “Wondering Journal” page to record your thoughts, and a “Wondering Snapshot” to draw about what was read. There is also access to “Souvenir Stickers” to help enhance the experience with a special “Souvenir” prompt to place your sticker and “Scripture Mile Markers” to help you memorize God’s Word. Wondering to Jerusalem also has a couple of extra devotion entries to help the Reader celebrate Easter too!

Wondering to Jerusalem: A Wonder-Filled Lent Devotional for Kids by Vanessa Myers is just awesome! I love how Ms. Myers approached the Season of Lent as a traveling theme and that the activities and prompts reflected that. I love how much Scripture across the Four Gospels was utilized in the devotional. Ms. Myers writes the devotional entries with excellence, explaining Scripture so that Readers of all ages can understand what is being discussed and glean new nuggets from them. I especially love the theme of Wondering that was also in Wondering to Jerusalem. Having the Wondering component really allows the Reader to think, going Deeper than before. I love the “I wonder” questions that Ms. Myers had in the devotional entries. (I’ll admit some of the Wonderings Ms. Myers had never occurred to me before I read it!) The way Ms. Myers goes in Depth and really makes you think about what happened during the events surrounding the Crucifixion truly sticks with the Reader—like explaining weapons on Day 28 or how time from a Jewish perspective is explained on Day 34. Wondering to Jerusalem: A Wonder-Filled Lent Devotional for Kids by Vanessa Myers is a great way to honor the Lent Season as a Family or for a Church to give out to their Congregation. I highly recommend Wondering to Jerusalem: A Wonder-Filled Lent Devotional for Kids by Vanessa Myers!

Have you used Wondering to Jerusalem: A Wonder-Filled Lent Devotional for Kids? What do you think?

I would like to thank Vanessa Myers for giving me a copy of Wondering to Jerusalem: A Wonder-Filled Lent Devotional for Kids to review and the information needed for the post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Vanessa Myers

Photo and Bio Courtesy of Vanessa Myers

Vanessa Myers is a Bible teacher, children’s minister, author, and founder of Family Faith Builders. She loves teaching the Bible to kids and encouraging other Bible teachers to study the Word. Check out her books and resources at: www.familyfaithbuilders.org

More by Vanessa Myers:

Teacher of the Word: A Journal for Bible Teachers

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Book Review: Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Meeting Jesus on the Way to the Cross 
· 40 Lenten devotions diving into the lives of biblical characters whose lives were transformed by Jesus
· Award-winning novelist brings her storytelling craft to the season of Lent and Easter
· Combines biblical authority and imagination to draw you into the stories

It is hard to imagine a more needed and desirable invitation than “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The Gospel accounts are full of stories of Jesus noticing, meeting, and walking alongside people who were weary, worried, and wondering what to do about the challenges they faced. People a lot like you. Jesus intentionally drew close, spent unhurried time with them, and changed their lives forever.

In this unique devotional, award-winning novelist Heidi Chiavaroli invites you to draw closer to Jesus this Lent. Through imaginative retellings, Heidi brings to vivid life the stories of 40 people who encountered him in the pages of Scripture. As you journey alongside them, you will gain new appreciation for the beauty of repentance, the power of redemption, and the incredible intimacy we get to experience with the One who stepped into our sin and shortcomings to offer forgiveness, abundance, and rest for our weary souls.

Publisher: Revell

Source: Book Lovers & Launchers via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review:  4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Heidi Chiavaroli’s Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent is such a beautiful devotional! Helping readers enter into the Season of Lent, Ms. Chiavaroli has beautifully crafted 40 devotion entries. Creating a story-like narrative to go with each devotion entry, each entry focuses or is inspired by the opening Bible reference at the beginning of that day’s entry. Each devotion entry also includes reflection questions, a closing Prayer, and a suggested reading section to enhance what is being read.

I truly loved and appreciated Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent by Heidi Chiavaroli! I loved the approach that Ms. Chiavaroli took with Draw Close to Jesus by giving each of the 40 devotion entries a story inspired by the Bible Passage, giving it a Chosen-like feel. To me, this made Draw Close to Jesus a unique devotional read for Lent because of it. I didn’t expect some of the passages Ms. Chiavaroli chose—but I loved that she began with Mary’s pregnancy and then carried it through to Jesus’ Ministry, His Death, and His Resurrection. I liked how Ms. Chiavaroli approached the Passages of Scripture creatively—like in the telling of when Judas kissed Jesus and Simon the Cyrene. The way Ms. Chiavaroli approached Malchus’ story on Day 28 really stuck with me and made me see that scene in the Garden of Gethsemane differently. (No spoilers—just read it!) I enjoyed the reflection questions and the nuggets I gleaned from them. I highly recommend Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent by Heidi Chiavaroli! I believe it is a great devotional to read during the Lent Season that will help open your eyes and prepare your heart for Easter!

Have you read Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent and for letting me be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Heidi Chiavaroli

Image Courtesy of Amazon & Bio from Heidi Chiavaroli

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Plague of Lies: The Rose Collection Book 1

About the Book

Book: Plague of Lies

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Plague of Lies 

The man who taught him how to live was living a lie.

Scott Andrews was content to be a rule-follower, happily attending church and youth group while planning a future with his beautiful girlfriend, Cindy. He and his friends planned to change the world. But when his mentor is exposed as a fraud, Scott’s life turns upside down. He’s forced to grow up, but unlike the man who betrayed him, Scott is determined to live honestly.

Lauren spent her life believing she was a mistake. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, a letter arrives from the father she’s never met. It seems out of character for a deadbeat dad who wanted nothing to do with her. But with the letter in hand, Lauren’s life suddenly has a purpose. She’ll confront the man and demand to know why he abandoned her so many years before.

It’s time for the truth to come out.

Click here to get your copy!

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

Marbeth Skwarczynski’s Plague of Lies is the first book in Ms. Skwarczynski’s series The Rose Collection and dives deep into the harsh Spiritual realities that the Body of Christ go through far too often and, at the same time, showing Hope and God’s unconditional Love through it all. Lauren Andrews-Gianni spent her life knowing that she was unloved and unwanted, especially by a father who up and left her. On Lauren’s 18th birthday she receives a providential letter from the father she never knew that changes everything. Curious about her father, Lauren jumps at the chance to visit and meet her father—especially when she has nothing to lose. A little over 18 years ago Scott Andrews was on top of the world. Scott loved being a part of the Youth Group and growing deeper with God. Scott’s life couldn’t be any better—he was close to entering his senior year of high school with his girlfriend Cindy by his side and had big plans for the future. Scott’s world implodes when everything he knew and believed about what the Church told him came crashing down after dark secrets about his Youth Pastor come to light. As the Church tries to sweep it under the rug and move forward, it puts the Youth Group in a place of emotional havoc, leaving destruction in it’s path for years to come. When Lauren shows up at Scott’s doorstep, the plague of lies that have plagued father and daughter for the last 18 years begins to shatter.

More books need to be written like Marbeth Skwarczynski’s Plague of Lies! Plague of Lies really resonated with me because I have survived some of the spiritual abuse the book illustrated and that of the like. I love how raw and real the elements of the story were. Unlike some of the characters of the book, Ms. Skwarczynski certainly didn’t sweep things under the rug, but handled the storyline with Truth, Grace, and the unconditional Love of God! My heart broke for what the Youth Group went through. I love how realistically the Teens were portrayed and how vastly different the main teens in the book handled the situation—some leaving the Church altogether and some barely hanging onto the Mustard Seed of Faith they had left. My heart broke for what Scott went through and I admire his Strength and how he held on to the Lord through it all. It hurt to see how Scott was treated by those he thought would have his back, but it made me extremely thankful that his Parents stood by him every step of the way. My heart broke for what Lauren had to deal with and was amazed at her strength as the truth hit. I believe Plague of Lies handled it’s subject matter beautifully and that it could not have done it any better! It truly illustrated what happens when the Church handles harsh realities in house, rather than take it to the authorities when it’s warranted. Doing this doesn’t save the face of the Church, it only leads to destruction instead of letting Healing begin and let God’s Love ooze into it’s cracks making it stronger than before. I highly recommend Plague of Lies by Marbeth Skwarczynski! I’m excited to find a new author that I feel understands and am looking forward to reading the rest of Ms. Skwarczynski’s books in the future!

Have you read Plague of Lies? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Plague of Lies to review, for letting me be a part of the Plague of Lies Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Like many writers, I began as a reader. My favorite authors were those whose styles were realistic and relatable, so when I began creating my first novel in my thirties, I knew that, above all, I wanted my stories to connect with readers.

My first foray into writing was a book about the biblical character Ruth. I spent years rewriting and shelving the book before finally submitting it to Elk Lake Publishing. They loved the book, and helped me prepare it for publication. Now, my work of biblical fiction, Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth, is finished and ready to find its readership.

I also have a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These timely novels spotlight healing after spiritual abuse. I keep my characters grounded in the real world, so while they grow, learn, and seek solutions, they must also confront the detritus of the past. I write what I know, whether firsthand or through close observation, infusing the joy, happiness, and humor that come with spiritual freedom and love. The Rose Collection goes further than the deconstruction of broken spirits to the reconstruction of rescued souls.

My non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents: An Exploration of the Bible’s Bill of Rights for Women, is a deep dive into the prophecy of Bathsheba. Each chapter explores the life of a biblical woman as she embodies the principles of empowerment, intelligence, and spiritual maturity mentioned in the iconic, but often misapplied, last chapter of Proverbs.

More from Marbeth

I wrote Plague of Lies during school holidays while teaching at my church’s Christian school and raising two teen boys. Some of the conflict in the novel was inspired by the sudden appearance of a youth pastor from another school (my sons played against that school in basketball and football). He joined our church and was immediately placed in leadership positions. Later, it came out that he was fleeing from a bench warrant.

My story follows the fallout after a beloved church leader and mentor is exposed as a fraud and shuffled off to another church. I wanted to explore what happened to one of the students left behind as he attempts to pick up the spiritual pieces of his life.

While the book contains some heavy subject matter, it also offers hope, encouragement, and relatable main characters.

Scott Andrews, a seventeen-year-old who is blindsided by his mentor’s moral failing, has a failing of his own. But, instead of running away, he repents and becomes determined to live his life with complete honesty.

Eighteen years later, the fallout of the lies and betrayal continues as Lauren Andrews-Gianni reconnects with her long-lost father and learns the truth about her birth, why Scott walked away, and how he remembered her during their forced separation.

The rebuilding of Scott and Lauren’s relationship is the crux of the book and serves as a picture of how our Heavenly Father is preparing a home for us.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 4

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Artistic Nobody, February 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Guild Master, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 10

Fiction Book Lover, February 11 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, February 12

A Reader’s Brain, February 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 15 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, February 16 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 16

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, February 17 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marbeth is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/vm5xP/plague-of-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway

Featured

Book Review: To Find Where She Belongs: The British Are Coming #5

Image from Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Guilt followed her across an ocean. Grace called her home.

Desperate to leave Hooke Manor, Keely Boyle does what she feels she must in order to flee England for America, hoping to make a new life with the help of a man who befriended her years before. But when she arrives at Eden’s Gate, a large cattle ranch in the shadows of the Tetons, it is William Overstreet who offers her a fresh start.

William—a steady, God-fearing man—doesn’t need the complications falling for the pretty Irish immigrant would bring. He has enough problems already: water on the range has been poisoned and cattle are dying. But even as danger stalks the ranch, William can’t stop himself from being drawn to Keely’s fiery spirit and winsome ways.

When Keely’s secret sin is exposed, her world—and the love she’s come to cherish—teeters on the edge of ruin. But through danger and redemption, both she and William will find that belonging isn’t a matter of where they stand, but Whose grace holds them fast.

Set against the rugged beauty of 1890s Idaho, To Find Where She Belongs is a tender story of redemption, love, and the God who can turn even our deepest shame into belonging.

Publisher: RobinSong, Inc.

Source: Robin Lee Hatcher

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Robin Lee Hatcher’s latest release To Find Where She Belongs is a delightful escape in Ms. Hatcher’s series set in the 1890s, The British Are Coming! Fiery redhead Keely Boyle escapes her job as a housemaid at England’s Hooke Manor after unwanted advances from a coworker force her to head to Eden’s Gate Ranch in Idaho. Hoping to see her friend Roger Bernhardt at Eden’s Gate, Keely comes face-to-face with William Overstreet, owner of Eden’s Gate Ranch, instead. William Overstreet doesn’t take his life and role to steward Eden’s Gate Ranch for granted—he just wishes he had someone to share it with. When Keely shows up at William’s doorstep, William instantly offers Keely a job and a place to stay. Keely is thankful for God providing Eden’s Gate Ranch as a refuge, but guilt and secrets as to how she was able to get to Eden’s Gate Ranch hold her back from the Freedom only God can give. As they begin working together on the Ranch, sparks begin to fly between Owner and Housemaid. William believes Keely is the one God has for him. Keely, while feeling the same way, believes William will want nothing to do with her once he knows all of her secrets.

Every time I read a Robin Lee Hatcher book I know that it will give me a perfect and safe escape that I am meant to read! I am thankful that I escaped into To Find Where She Belongs when I did! I enjoyed seeing William again and getting to know him better as much as I loved the spitfire that Keely brought to the storyline! My heart ached for some of what Keely went through in the book. I appreciated how Ms. Hatcher went about it in the storyline—not judging Keely, but showing the Reader that if the shoe was on the other foot, you might have done the same thing Keely did to survive. I appreciate how William took Keely in and offered her a job and a place to live when she needed it. For me, I felt like Keely and William’s relationship went too fast, but I understand that it’s the perfect pace for length of the book. I just wanted more details of the story and when I got to the end I was left wanting more! (Which is a good thing!) I appreciated how Ms. Hatcher wrote Keely’s struggles with God and am thankful that Ms. Hatcher wrote it in such a way that you could see Keely’s determination to work through them long after To Find Where She Belongs ends. I understood William’s loneliness and appreciated that when God convicted him in his relationship with Keely, he did his best to make it right. I love the thread of Forgiveness that is woven through the plot and how Ms. Hatcher beautifully illustrated what it truly means in the book. If you are looking for a sweet escape that shows the Meaning of God’s Forgiveness regardless of our life’s history, then I highly recommend To Find Where She Belongs by Robin Lee Hatcher!

Have you read To Find Where She Belongs? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Robin Lee Hatcher for giving me a copy of To Find Where She Belongs to review and for letting me be on the Advance Reviewer Team for To Find Where She Belongs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Robin Lee Hatcher


Image & Bio Courtesy of Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA®, the Carol, the Christy, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog named Boo.

More By Robin Lee Hatcher:

To Reveal a Reckless Love: The British Are Coming Book 4

From This Moment On: Two Kings Meadow Novellas

To Capture a Mountain Man:  The British Are Coming Book 3

Wishing for Mistletoe: Love on Sanctuary Shores Book 6

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Scars of the Revolution: Harbor of Spies Book 3

About the Book

Book: Scars of the Revolution

Author: Megan Soja

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Some scars are born from duty, others from rebellion—theirs were carved by both.

Libby Caldwell has been in love with Isaac Harrison for years, ever since her late father befriended him. While her head knows there is no hope of sharing her life with a British soldier, her heart is much more difficult to convince, especially now that he is quartering in her home. With Boston under siege and battle looming, each day together forces her to recognize how deep her feelings truly are…and how forbidden.

Bound by duty to both his family and country, Isaac is determined to serve honorably in the King’s army, despite never wishing to be a soldier. But quartering with the widow and daughter of his old friend places another obligation on his shoulders—that of their well-being. The more time he spends with Miss Caldwell, the more that duty begins to feel like something personal, something he cannot allow.

As the siege of Boston tightens, Libby finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of espionage that could save the Patriot cause—and destroy any chance of a future with the man she’s growing to love.

Will betrayal and war keep their two worlds forever apart? Or will they look to the One whose love knows no bounds to bring them healing and a future?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!!!!

In Megan Soja’s third installment of the Harbor of Spies series entitled Scars of the Revolution, Readers walk with Libby Caldwell as she encourages her mother to stay in 1770s Boston because of her crush on her father’s good friend and British Officer Isaac, despite having opposing political views from him. British Officer Isaac Harrison feels a great unending gratitude towards the Patriotic Caldwell family, due to his deep bond with patriarch Dr. Caldwell, despite their political views and age gap. Learning of his dear friend’s passing, Isaac offers his protection to Libby and her mother after Libby’s step siblings move away. Libby sees this as a dream come true, if only Isaac would stop seeing her as Dr. Caldwell’s young daughter. Since returning from battle, Isaac sees Libby as the woman she is. But Isaac cannot let their relationship go beyond friendship—not because he is a few years older than Libby, but because of their opposing views. Even though Isaac and Libby have opposing views of Royalist and Patriot, they share values on everything else that matters. When a life altering incident brings this Patriotic woman and British Officer closer together, God shows them He is forging a New Path if all they do is Trust Him.

Scars of the Revolution by Megan Soja is a read that I truly loved and that impacted me very deeply! I love meeting Libby and Isaac! I previously read and loved Spark of the Revolution and was excited to dive back into the Harbor of Spies series! Being raised in a house where my Parents were on opposite sides politically, I love how Ms. Soja wrote Libby and Isaac to be on opposite sides politically and yet be a perfect fit! I love how both Isaac and Libby both sacrificed for each other unknowingly—Libby taking care of Isaac regarding his terrors from Battle and Isaac choosing to live with the Caldwell’s in order to protect them. Some of my favorite parts in Scars of the Revolution were the conversations that Libby had either with people or God about struggling with Trusting God. (I even highlighted some of the quotes that Ministered to me.) The way Ms. Soja approached war from both sides of the fight reminded me of Anna Jensen’s Remembered Lives. I love that Isaac was painted as a human being, as God sees him and not a solider on the opposite side of the War. Scars of the Revolution and the lessons I personally learned from it were priceless to me, especially choosing to Trust God when things don’t go the way we planned and how our scars, seen and otherwise, have Purpose. I highly recommend Scars of the Revolution by Megan Soja!

Have you read Scars of the Revolution? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Scars of the Revolution to review, for letting me be a part of the Scars of the Revolution Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.

 

 

 

 

More from Megan

One of the things I love about reading and writing Christian fiction, is being able to see God’s truth woven into the story. Even though the characters and their experiences are fictional, the truth of who God is and how He loves us is very real.

In Scars of the Revolution, my heroine, Libby Caldwell, wrestles with understanding God’s goodness in the face of loss and hardship. Libby is grieving the death of her beloved father, while also facing the siege of her hometown and the worsening fight between the Patriot colonists and the British Army stationed in Boston. Her growing love for one of the British officers further complicates matters, and makes it hard for her to discern what God is doing in her life.

Her questions and struggles reflect much of my own faith journey. When my husband and I lost our first baby just after birth, I spent months trying to reconcile what I thought I knew of God with the tragic loss we had experienced. I wasn’t angry at God, but I was utterly confused as to how to understand His goodness in the midst of something that felt anything but good.

It wasn’t easy, but when I look back now, I see how God led me through my grief into a deeper understand of His character and a stronger reliance upon Him. I can truthfully say, as Libby’s mother does in Scars of the Revolution, that it was “in the hardest times, when God has seemed utterly incomprehensible, that my faith has grown the most.”

If you have ever walked through a painful experience that made you struggle to understand God’s purpose or even doubt His love, I hope that Libby’s journey will inspire your own faith. Or maybe your experience is more like that of my hero, Isaac Harrison, whose life has revolved around duty for so long, that it is hard for him to comprehend a God who freely gives His love and forgiveness, even when we don’t deserve or cannot earn it. I won’t give any spoilers as to how Isaac’s understanding grows and changes, but I hope you’ll be encouraged when you read it.

Libby and Isaac’s story is one of love against all odds, set against the backdrop of the Battle of Bunker Hill and a complex web of espionage. But it is also a story of faith in the God who is able to turn our scars into something beautiful. I pray you will find that truth in the pages of Scars of the Revolution.

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, January 17

Bizwings Blog, January 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 18

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 18

Books Less Travelled, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Betti Mace, January 22

Holly’s Book Corner, January 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Connie’s History Classroom , January 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, January 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 27

The Bookish Pilgrim, January 27

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

Pause for Tales, January 30

Blossoms and Blessings, January 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Megan 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/nSWnS/scars-of-the-revolution-celebration-tour-giveaway

More From Megan Soja:

Spark of the Revolution: Harbor of Spies Book 1

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Book Review: Target for Abduction: Lone Star Defenders Book 4

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Thwarting a kidnapping attempt places Sheriff Deena Thompson in the crosshairs of a child-abduction ring, and now they want her son—and want her dead. To track down the vanished children, she teams up with FBI agent John Pearson, who’s determined to make up for his rocky past…and unaware that he’s the father of her child. When their investigation uncovers a sinister cult bent on brainwashing their young victims, Deena and John know they need to close in fast. With danger coming from all sides and threats against their son escalating, they race to dismantle this menacing scheme…before more innocent lives are taken.

Publisher:‎ Love Inspired Suspense
Source: Virginia Vaughn

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

Who knew that a normal trip to return your child’s shoes could come to an abrupt end to stop a child abduction? That’s what happened to Mercy, Texas Sheriff Deena Thompson in Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughn, the fourth installment in Ms. Vaughn’s Lone Star Defenders series. After rescuing the child and having the FBI step in to help, Deena learns that the attempted abduction could be part of a child abduction ring—but that’s not all. The FBI agent in charge? It’s John Pearson—her husband and the father of her son, Charlie. Due to a life of undercover work with law enforcement and a battle with alcoholism, John doesn’t remember meeting Deena in Vegas and marrying her soon thereafter. Deena remembers everything about John—falling for him and marrying him quickly, only to have John abandon her the day after they got married. Since a fateful night of forgetfulness, John has turned his life around with Jesus at the helm. Keeping mum about Charlie and his relation to John, Deena works closely with John, however difficult it may be. As clues lead John and Deena down a dark road of some of the most heinous of crimes, danger faces Deena at every turn, threatening everything she holds dear.

I absolutely love Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughn from beginning to end! I love that Ms. Vaughn packed suspense from the very first page! I enjoyed meeting Deena and John! I thought it was an interesting twist in Christian Fiction to have Deena and John meet the way that they did. Having John and Deena meet the way they did and then have them turn to Christ after gave Target for Abduction a Redeeming quality that I adored. I love that in the midst of the Redemption of the plot, there was a heinous twist to the suspense of the plot that gave me Criminal Minds vibes! I also like how the book explored the individual personal struggles that John and Deena had—John having to make amends for past mistakes and Deena always wanting to be right and forge ahead, doing things on her own, especially when it came to her son Charlie—and what they both learned from it. If you’re looking for a highly suspenseful read full of Redemption, I highly recommend Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughn!

Have you read Target for Abduction? How did you like it?

Thank you to Virginia Vaughn for giving me a copy of Target for Abduction to review and for letting me be a part of Virginia Vaughn’s VIPs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Virginia Vaughn

Image and Bio Courtesy of Amazon

Virginia Vaughan is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling author of inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love of writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.

More From Virginia Vaughn:

Protecting the Texas Witness: Lone Star Defenders Book 3

Missing in Texas: Lone Star Defenders Book 2

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour:  Fatal Invitation: Detective Kylie Cassidy Series Book 1

About the Book

Book: Fatal Invitation

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Crime Thriller

Vanished women. A rising body count. A detective who won’t quit.

Detective Kylie “KC” Cassidy thought Major Crimes would be her big break. Instead, she’s chasing the brutal murders of young women—and the trail keeps circling back to Assistant State Attorney Gavin Watkins and his elusive ally, Kozlov.

Each lead vanishes before her eyes, every step forward dragging her deeper into danger. And when Kozlov’s men come after her, KC must rely on her instincts, and on the few people she can trust, to survive long enough to expose the truth.

But when KC gets too close to the truth, she becomes the target. Will KC survive the trap and bring down the predators or become their next victim?

If you like the relentless pursuit of justice in Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, the sharp investigative instincts of Lisa Gardner’s D.D. Warren, then you’ll be captivated by Fatal Invitation, a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

S.F. Baumgartner takes readers on a dark and twisty ride in Fatal Invitation, the first book in the Detective Kylie Cassidy Series! Detective KC Cassidy is eager to hit the ground running with Major Crimes as a Detective with the Orlando PD. When KC’s latest case involves a body of a woman from her hometown of Pine Grove, the case hits differently—especially since KC knew the victim. As the case unfolds, more women are found all over the county with the same MO: their organs are missing and they didn’t put up a fight. The evidence left behind points to an illegal organ harvesting operation, leaving a breadcrumb trail to people in high places—putting KC’s life in danger.

S.F. Baumgartner has been on my reading radar for quite some time and I am so excited that I got the opportunity to read Fatal Invitation! Ms. Baumgartner definitely packed the suspense in Fatal Invitation with the rapid rate of bodies being found! I enjoyed meeting KC, but I felt that it was hard to get to know her at times. That didn’t bother me too much—I figured that was Ms. Baumgartner’s intent and that I would get to know KC better as the plot unfolded and the series continues. Because Ms. Baumgartner wrote Fatal Invitation this way, it made the book that much more intriguing to me. What I learned about KC was how passionate she is about her cases, wanting justice for the victims and their families. I love how that passion made her laser-focused in solving the cases and how others saw that as quirky. I especially love that when KC notified a woman’s loved one, KC saw that the family needed the Church and arranged it. Being a lover of mysteries, I really enjoyed the twisted desperate world of organ harvesting and the road the storyline went down because of it. The plot had whispers of Faith in it, but focused more on what it took to catch the bad guys. I liked how Fatal Invitation showed how other agencies, such as Orlando Prime, worked the case too. I enjoyed seeing the resources and gadgets that Orlando Prime had at its disposal. (Orlando Prime reminded me of Hawaii Five-O because of it!) Even though KC and Orlando Prime were working together, it didn’t feel like it a lot in the book because information wasn’t shared until after the fact and they often arrived at the same places, shocked that they were there for the same reasons. I will definitely read more of S.F. Baumgartner’s work in the future and I cannot wait to read what happens to KC next! If you are looking for a dark, twisty read with whispers of Faith in the midst of it, then I highly recommend Fatal Invitation by S.F. Baumgartner!

Have you read Fatal Invitation? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher, NetGalley, and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Fatal Invitation to review, for letting me be a part of the Fatal Invitation Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets and Forgotten Secret—Books 1 & 2 of her Mirror Estate series—named Top Picks in the thriller & suspense categories, respectively, at Killer Nashville, and Tangled Secrets—Book 3 of Mirror Estate series—won couple of awards in the Christian Indie Awards and the Incipere Awards. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

 

More from S.F.

A New Adventure Begins: Introducing the Detective Kylie Cassidy Series

I’m thrilled to announce that Fatal Invitation, the first full-length novel in the Detective Kylie Cassidy series, is here!

If you’re new to Detective Kylie “KC” Cassidy, I recommend starting with Christmas Murders to get acquainted with this compelling character. And here’s a treat: there’s a free story called Orlando Prime – Origins available under the Freebie tab on my website at sfbaumgartner.com. This story introduces you to the elite crime-fighting unit and the team members who work alongside KC. Both KC and Orlando Prime take center stage in Fatal Invitation.

Writing this book has been an absolute blast! Unlike my Mirror Estate series, the Detective Kylie Cassidy series features self-contained stories in each book—think of it like your favorite TV crime drama where each episode (or book) solves a complete case. While there may occasionally be an overarching storyline, you can jump in at any point and enjoy the mystery. And as always, my books are clean reads.

Since this is a spin-off of the Mirror Estate series, longtime readers will enjoy spotting familiar faces. A few beloved characters get mentioned, and some may even guest-star in future books!

I truly hope you’ll fall in love with this new series as much as I’ve loved creating it.

Happy Reading!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 20

Bizwings Blog, January 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 22

Fiction Book Lover, January 23 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, January 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

Blogging With Carol, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook 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/EvrUy/fatal-invitation-celebration-tour-giveaway

Featured

Book Review: The Carer’s Conundrum: Our House on Heather Wynd #10

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

The Carer’s Conundrum: Secrets, drama and danger at Our House on Heather Wynd
She has everything under control. Until she doesn’t…

If you love contemporary Christian fiction with a whiff of conspiracy, you’ll be sure to enjoy The Carer’s Conundrum.

Bieldfell: Mary Knight is content with the pattern of her life — days spent caring for the needs of her favourite patient, Mrs Caldwell; evenings tucked away in her cottage at number eleven, Heather Wynd.

That is, until Mrs Caldwell’s grandson, Will, announces his intention to visit, bringing his hopes and dreams with him.

Further disturbing the calm rhythms of normality, Mary receives an urgent message to meet her best friend, Phoebe Daniels, only for their evening to shattered by an unknown assailant.

What has Phoebe stumbled upon? Can Mary navigate the fine line between duty and care? Or will she confide in Mrs Caldwell, facing whatever consequences come her way?

Publisher:  Anna Jensen

Source: Anna Jensen

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!!!!

Mystery and intrigue visits Heather Wynd in the Scottish Highlands in Anna Jensen’s second contribution to the Our House on Heather Wynd series titled The Carer’s Conundrum. Mary loves her life. Mary loves her humble abode on Heather Wynd and commuting to work every day as a Carer (or Home Healthcare Worker) to Mrs. Caldwell. While at work one day, everything seems off. Mrs. Caldwell is anxious about her grandson Will’s visit. Not to mention, Mary is getting cryptic frantic text messages from her best friend, Phoebe. Mary arrives home to a frantic Phoebe, only for Phoebe to get attacked shortly thereafter because of something she uncovered at work. As Mary starts untangling the reason for Phoebe’s visit, as well as Will’s—though for two totally different reasons—Mary offers her help, but it soon becomes too much for her to handle. The residents of Heather Wynd and others come along at just the right time to remind Mary of the Steadfast Love and Mercies of the Lord. As Mary accepts the help of Mrs. Caldwell and Will to deal with the danger that Phoebe finds herself in, Mary’s able to see the Steadfast Love and Mercies of God firsthand.

It was delightful to read The Carer’s Conundrum by Anna Jensen! It was a nice little surprise to have that much suspense on Heather Wynd and I just loved it! I loved meeting Mary and what she embodied as a human being! I loved the Message of the Steadfast Love and Mercies of God that was the theme of The Carer’s Conundrum and how Ms. Jensen incorporated characters from previous Our House on Heather Wynd books to help teach Mary that lesson. I love how Will pegged Mary in regards to carrying the world on her shoulders and how he advised her to let God and others help her carry the load. I love the lesson of Steadfast Love and Mercies that God taught me through The Carer’s Conundrum and that Ms. Jensen put a suspenseful edge in the plot! I can see firsthand with each book that I read of Ms. Jensen’s, how Ms. Jensen has grown closer to the Lord and how that reflects through her writing—it’s beautiful to see! I highly recommend The Carer’s Conundrum by Anna Jensen! The Carer’s Conundrum beautifully shows how God’s Mercy and Love can still shine through the dire of circumstances!

Have you read The Carer’s Conundrum? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Anna Jensen for giving me a copy of The Carer’s Conundrum to review and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Anna Jensen

Image Curtesy of Anna Jensen

Meet Anna

Anna is a British ex-pat who has lived in South Africa for a little over twenty years. She lives with her husband and two teenage children on the east coast, a few miles north of the city of Durban. She overlooks the Indian Ocean where she has the privilege of watching dolphins and whales at play.

Anna’s first book ‘The Outskirts of His Glory’ was published in May 2019. Since then she has written and self-published several devotional books of reflection and inspirational poetry.

You can discover more out about Anna and her writing on her website at www.annajensen.co.uk or follow on in the places she hangs out using https://bit.ly/AJlinks

More From Anna Jensen:

The Ferryman’s Light: Our House on Sycamore Street Book 1

Remembered Lives: where the past and present collide-Ripples Through Time Book 3

More from Our House on Heather Wynd series:

The Lady’s Companion: Our House on Heather Wynd #1 by Anna Jensen

The Baker’s Pickle: Our House on Heather Wynd #11 by Vida Li Sik

The Tea Maker’s Blend: Our House on Heather Wynd #12 by Caroline Johnston

The Executive’s Dilemma: Our House on Heather Wynd #13 by Allyson Koekhoven

Featured

Book Review: 60 Scriptures You Can Pray: Going to God’s Word for Guidance, Deliverance, Thanksgiving, and More

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

How do you pray when you don’t know what to say? The Bible holds the answer.

God doesn’t expect us to pray without guidance. In fact, Scripture is full of examples of ordinary people approaching our extraordinary God in prayer. 

Award-winning author Danika Cooley believes that praying God’s Word teaches us how to best communicate with our Lord. “There are so many lessons we can learn from Scripture about how to approach God and what to expect when we do,” she says. 

Danika’s devotional 60 Scriptures You Can Pray covers eight types of prayer from the Bible, the expectations we should have when we pray, and the right heart attitude for prayer. It features prayers of praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, intercession, deliverance, lament, and guidance. 

You will:

• Develop a habit of praying daily over a two-month period

• Learn more about prayer in Scripture

• Understand eight different types of prayer

• Expand your understanding of how to pray biblically

• Become better acquainted with God, His Word, and why we pray

Publisher: Whitaker House

Source: Danika Cooley

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

Danika Cooley’s latest release 60 Scriptures You Can Pray: Going to God’s Word for Guidance, Deliverance, Thanksgiving, and More is awesome devotional that assists you in growing deeper with the Lord through your prayer life. Inspired by God’s Word, Ms. Cooley has written 60 devotion entries. The 60 entries are spread over 8 different topics ranging from “Praise” to “Guidance”. Each devotion entry has a Scripture that the devotion entry revolves around and expands upon, ending with a closing prayer.

Being in Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry for almost 20 years, I have heard of Danika Cooley’s stellar reputation in creating resources to aid in teaching the Bible. I was ecstatic to find out about Ms. Cooley’s latest book 60 Scriptures You Can Pray: Going to God’s Word for Guidance, Deliverance, Thanksgiving, and More! I incorporated 60 Scriptures You Can Pray into my own personal Devotion Time and it really Ministered to me. I read multiple devotion entries a day and made a list of the entries that Ministered to me and what I learned from it. Being a lover of words myself, I really love how deep Ms. Cooley delve into the Scriptures being discussed and what they truly mean. Words like “idolatry” (Day 16), “supplication” (Day 23), and “lament” (Day 48), amongst others. I love how Ms. Cooley’s writing is Biblically sound, challenging me to do better in my walk with the Lord, going even deeper than before. I highly recommend 60 Scriptures You Can Pray: Going to God’s Word for Guidance, Deliverance, Thanksgiving, and More by Danika Cooley for your personal Devotion Time!

Have you read 60 Scriptures You Can Pray: Going to God’s Word for Guidance, Deliverance, Thanksgiving, and More? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Danika Cooley for giving me a copy of 60 Scriptures You Can Pray: Going to God’s Word for Guidance, Deliverance, Thanksgiving, and More to review and for letting me be a part of the 60 Scriptures You Can Pray: Going to God’s Word for Guidance, Deliverance, Thanksgiving, and More Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Danika Cooley

Image and Bio Courtesy of Amazon

Danika Cooley and her husband, Ed, are committed to leading their children to life for the glory of God. Together, they have worked to study and memorize the Bible with their kids. Danika is an award-winning children’s author and Bible-curriculum developer. Weekly, she encourages tens of thousands of parents to intentionally raise biblically literate children and her Bible curriculum, Bible Road Trip™, is used across the globe. Danika is a homeschool mother of four with a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Washington. Follow her at www.thinkingkidsblog.org and on Pinterest @danikacooley.

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour:  Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self

About the Book

Book: Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self

Author: Cheri Strange

Genre: Christian Living / Devotional for Women / Prayer Books

Release Date: May 7, 2025

ARE YOU READY TO BLOOM?

Do you feel stuck in your spiritual growth, unsure if God can truly bring beauty and purpose to your life? You’re not alone. Cheri Strange knows the ache of feeling spiritually barren, but she’s discovered the secret to living a profoundly fruitful life—and she’s ready to share it with you.

In Increase Your Bloom Ability, Cheri blends biblical truth with practical encouragement to help you:

  • Embrace God’s call to flourish, even in hard seasons
  • Stay rooted in Christ to live abundantly
  • Trust God’s plan to cultivate spiritual fruit in you
  • Take simple steps to grow your faith and accelerate your bloom

Your life was meant to thrive. Step into the vibrant, fruit life God created you for—starting today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2026!!!!!!

Cheri Strange’s beautiful devotional Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self takes women on a beautiful 40 day journey from “Embracing the Call to Flourish” (taken from Chapter 1) to “Experiencing a Profoundly Fruitful Life” (taken from Chapter 5). Breaking the 40 days into five chapters, Ms. Strange takes women on a journey on what it means to stay Deeply Rooted in Christ, allowing ourselves to bloom in the midst of life’s hardships and setbacks. Each devotion entry includes an opening Bible verse and closing prayer that corresponds with that day’s thought/theme. There is also beautiful artwork with quotes and verses strategically placed in the devotional that helps set the tone of the book.

I love Cheri Strange’s Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self! Increase Your Bloom Ability came to me at just the right time and I am thankful that God led me to it! I incorporated Increase Your Bloom Ability into my own personal Devotional Time, often reading multiple entries a day because I couldn’t get enough! (I took tons of notes about what I learned too!) I loved the graphics/illustrations in the book almost as much as I loved the words written because it help set the tone of the book. I love how Ms. Strange took the analogy of Blooming and being Planted and Deeply Rooted in the Lord and carried the theme into each of the 40 days. I loved the life experience and personal stories that Ms. Strange placed into some of the devotion entries. I love Ms. Strange’s writing style and how she explained things in Increase Your Bloom Ability. Ms. Strange’s writing style made the devotional approachable without watering God’s Truth. I loved the vivid picture that Ms. Strange painted for me while illustrating the importance of Abiding with Christ and being Deeply Rooted in Him. Increase Your Bloom Ability truly Ministered to me when I needed it most. If you are looking for a devotional to aid you in your own personal Quiet Time and Minister to you, then I highly recommend Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self by Cheri Strange!

Have you read Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self to review, for letting me be a part of the Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Cheri Strange is an award-winning author, speaker, and digital creator. She is passionate about helping women grow spiritually and flourish in their faith. With a Ph.D. and twenty years of ministry experience, she shares practical wisdom and biblical truth that meets women right where they are. Through her books, resources, YouVersion Bible plans, and digital art, Cheri inspires thousands to desire more of God in everyday life. She and her husband, Chad, live in Houston, Texas, with their eight children, and one bonus son.

 

 

 

More from Cheri

Have you ever wondered why, even as devoted followers of Jesus, your spiritual growth sometimes feels stalled? Why the abundant, fruit-filled life God promises can feel just out of reach? I’ve asked these questions of my own heart—and what I discovered in Scripture inspired me to write Increase Your Bloom Ability.

The Bible makes it clear: spiritual fruitfulness isn’t reserved for the gifted or the theologically trained—it’s for every believer (John 15:8). Yet many of us feel stuck, questioning whether we’re doing enough or if real growth is even possible. I dug into Scripture to uncover truths that can help unlock a life that truly bears fruit.

This devotional is the culmination of years of teaching, study, and personal reflection. I wanted to create something that equips you to experience more of God’s promises for your life. Inspired by Andrew Peterson’s words in Adorning the Dark, where he describes his ministry as “telling the truth as beautifully as he can,” I sought to do the same in this book.

I illustrated Increase Your Bloom Ability myself, filling it with over 200 pages of floral artwork—an offering of beauty alongside truth. My hope is that these pages will speak to your soul and draw you into a more vibrant, fruitful walk with Jesus.

My mission is simple: to help you experience a life of profound spiritual growth, one that blooms and flourishes as God intended. Through Scripture, reflection, and the visual beauty of this devotional, I pray you are encouraged, equipped, and inspired to embrace your calling and take intentional steps toward greater fruitfulness.

Blog Stops

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 15

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, January 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Simple Harvest Reads, January 18 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

Guild Master, January 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Fiction Book Lover, January 22 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – adventures in parenting , January 23

A Reader’s Brain, January 24 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25

Books Less Travelled, January 26 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 27

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover 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/waoaC/increase-your-bloom-ability-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy: The Silver Teapot Book 1

About the Book

Book: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction

Release Date: December, 2025

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!!!!

Pride and Prejudice meets Beauty and The Beast in the first installment of Carolyn Miller’s The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy! In Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, Australian-born and raised Olivia “Liv” Bennett’s life is falling apart when she loses the teaching job she loves—but to Liv’s close-knit family, it’s an answer to prayer. Liv’s Gran, who is British-born and raised, is having surgery and needs someone to care for her during recovery. No one in the family can leave their lives in Australia to be with Gran, that is until Liv’s schedule opens up. Feeling a little forced, but also seeing it as an answer to prayer and a way to focus on God and to figure out where He’s Leading her, Liv jumps into English Village Life with both feet. Liv has always loved the English Village where her Gran lives because she always felt like she was stepping into a novel by her favorite author, Jane Austen. Not to mention, an estate used in one of the latest Pride and Prejudice films, Hartbury Hall, is located in the village! One day, Liv has a fangirl moment as she decides to check out Hartbury Hall, only to be ordered off its premises by its grumpy caretaker, Liam. Hartbury Hall has been in Liam’s family for generations and the responsibility has been placed on his shoulders to carry on it’s legacy. Personal and family tragedy has allowed Hartbury Hall to be in a state of disrepair, becoming a shell of its former glory that people saw in the film. As much as Liam loves Hartbury Hall, he can barely handle the upkeep himself. The Villagers take it upon themselves to restore Hartbury Hall, enlisting Liv’s expertise as a teacher and lover of all things history in the process. Liam begrudgingly agrees to the help, but on one condition: Liv must not know of his ownership of Hartbury Hall or his life’s heartbreak. As Liv and Liam work closely together, they slowly move from barely tolerating each other to becoming friends. As Liam and Liv’s personal walls begin to come down, they learn that while Trusting God isn’t easy, it’s the best place to be.

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller was a marvelous escape for me! I love stories that transport me to European Villages that carry through the Message of Christ within its pages, and I believe Not Exactly Mr. Darcy did exactly that! To me, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy was very reminiscent of the book series Our House on Sycamore Street and Our House on Heather Wynd with a Pepper Basham feel mixed in—and that’s a good thing! I love the aspect of Australian flair that was brought to a story set in an English village! I enjoyed meeting Olivia! I loved Liv’s enthusiasm and Joy in the Lord that she carried with her, no matter what was thrown at her in life. I liked the rough-around-the-edges persona that Liam brought to the book, but how he was a big softy to those who truly knew him. I loved Hartbury Hall and how it was a centerpiece of the story! (Being a lover of all things books myself, I especially loved how the book describes Hartbury Hall’s Library! Read Not Exactly Mr. Darcy for the 411!) I thought it was cute the way that Liv would swoon about everything Pride and Prejudice, but denied being a hardcore fan! I like how Ms. Miller wrote Liv to believe what she was told and the dynamic it caused between Liam and Liv. The way Ms. Miller wrote about the village and it’s people made me feel as though I was walking the streets of the village myself! I loved how just about everyone rallied around Hartbury Hall and the ideas that Liv had for the place. I love how God changed people’s hearts for the project once they knew that Liv was doing it all for free, simply because she loved Hartbury Hall. I love how God used Liv’s example to change Liam, in the process becoming Liv’s ally instead of someone he loathed. I love how the storyline was rich in Faith and how the main characters covered everything in Prayer and Trusting God, come what may. (That was a reminder that I needed that came at the Right Time.) If you are looking for an escape that reminds you to Trust God’s Leading, I highly recommend Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller! I’m excited to see where Ms. Miller takes The Silver Teapot series next!

Have you read Not Exactly Mr. Darcy? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Not Exactly Mr. Darcy to review, for letting me be a part of the Not Exactly Mr. Darcy Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

 

 

More from Carolyn

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 6

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 6

The Sacred Line, January 7

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 8

Vicky Sluiter, January 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews , January 12

For Him and My Family, January 13

Lyssa Loves Books, January 13

Blossoms and Blessings, January 14

Mornings at Character Cafe, January 14

Holly’s Book Corner, January 15

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s book and movie reviews , January 15

Pause for Tales, January 16

Mary Hake, January 16

Cover Lover Book Review, January 17

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, January 18

To Everything There Is A Season, January 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/P3So9/not-exactly-mr-darcy-celebration-tour-giveaway

More From Carolyn Miller:

Faking the Shot: Northwest Ice Book 4

Pointe, Shoots, and Scores: Northwest Ice Book 3

The Lost Daughter’s Irishman: Our House on Sycamore Street Book 12

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Book Review: Midnight Masquerade: Toxic Truths Book 2

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

When everyone wears a mask, who can you trust?

CIA operative Dante Reyes stumbles onto a chilling discovery in this Christian romantic suspense. American women, including his former SEAL teammate’s sister Wendy, are being trafficked overseas to fuel a terrorist plot, orchestrated through a sinister dating app scheme. Thrust into forced proximity with HSI Agent Lisa Harper, a sharp-witted investigator with a painful past, Dante faces a task force shadowed by suspicion.

Lisa, hardened by life and skeptical of faith, must lead the mission despite a mysterious leak threatening their every move. As they race to dismantle the network, Dante’s quiet strength and protective nature chip away at Lisa’s defenses in this enemies to lovers romance, igniting an attraction neither can ignore.

The trail leads to a glittering masquerade ball, where international buyers gather for a final, explosive transaction. With high stakes and time running out, Dante and Lisa must navigate a web of deception, where trust in each other and something greater becomes the ultimate weapon and their hearts the greatest risk.

In a world where loyalties shift like shadows, can they overcome their fears and forge a bond strong enough to save the innocent, or will betrayal from within shatter everything they hold dear?

Publishing: Faith Writes Publishing

Source: Elle E. Kay

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Elle E. Kay takes you on a wild ride through some of the darkest and most sinister crimes in Midnight Masquerade, the second installment of Ms. Kay’s Toxic Truths series! Dante, a CIA Operative, is working deep undercover in the depths of a human trafficking ring when he finds a friend’s sister, Wendy, in a container to be sold to the highest bidder along with countless others. Deciding to blow his cover in order to help Wendy, Dante’s plan backfires, losing track of Wendy in the process and forcing him to work with Homeland Security Investigations. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Agent Lisa has spent her career decoding numbers and bank accounts of U.S. businesses and their rich and powerful partners. Lisa hits pay dirt when her investigation crosses paths with Dante’s investigation. Neither Lisa nor Dante are happy to be working together due to their past relationship. Dante considers Lisa to be the One—and vice versa—but an unshared Faith in Jesus is non-negotiable for him. Lisa, having been hurt by the Church, wants nothing to do with Jesus and feels that more deeply than anything, especially since she feels rejected by Dante. As Dante and Lisa work the case, they learn this human trafficking ring is deeper and more sinister than they ever imagined. Being forced into close proximity, Lisa and Dante see their former relationship through new eyes, seeing that the only way they can make headway in the case and with each other is with God’s Help.

I love the twists and turns that Elle E. Kay took with the sinister roads that Midnight Masquerade went down! I thought it was an interesting aspect, mystery-wise, as to the type of women that were being trafficked. (Read Midnight Masquerade, because I have yet to come across it in Christian Suspense!) I enjoyed meeting Dante again after meeting him in Ms. Kay’s Midnight Offensive and meeting Lisa as well. I thought the backstory of Lisa and Dante’s past relationship brought uniqueness to the plot. I understood and agreed with why Dante broke up with Lisa, but I struggled—if Faith was as important to Dante as he said, why did he even start a relationship with Lisa? To me, that wasn’t fair to Lisa. Because Midnight Masquerade gave me both Dante and Lisa’s perspectives, I completely saw and understood where Lisa was coming from, feeling for her in the process. As a whole, I really enjoyed how Ms. Kay explored Midnight Masquerade’s plot layer by layer, giving me unexpected surprises as a result. From a suspenseful standpoint, I loved the edgy suspense that Midnight Masquerade had. I also thought the reasoning behind the human trafficking ring was sad and sick. To me, it was also sad at times when the team would look deeply into the lives of others and you couldn’t trust what you saw at face value. It was in these moments of cruelty that I appreciated and felt what Lisa, Dante, and the others struggled with—doing what they knew was right versus waiting to go through the proper channels for justice. I enjoyed Midnight Masquerade immensely and didn’t want it to end! If you are looking for a read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but at the same time reminds you where True Justice comes from (and how long it takes to get there at times), then I highly recommend Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay! I’m ecstatic to see what Ms. Kay creates next!

Have you read Midnight Masquerade? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Elle E. Kay for giving me a copy of Midnight Masquerade to review and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Elle E. Kay

Image & Bio Courtesy of Elle E. Kay

Elle E. Kay is a Christian fiction author known for her gripping romantic suspense novels. Her journey began in the heart of Pennsylvania, where her love for storytelling was nurtured amidst the rolling hills and serene landscapes. With a background in the legal field and a passion for weaving tales of faith, love, and mystery, Elle crafts stories that resonate with readers seeking both inspiration and entertainment.

Her novels, including the acclaimed Pennsylvania Parks series, are a testament to her ability to blend suspenseful plots with deep, emotional connections.

Join Elle on her literary adventure as she continues to captivate audiences with her unique voice and compelling narratives.

More From Elle E. Kay:

Clearing the Cowboy’s Name: Christmas in Redemption Ridge #17

Project Sentinel

Midnight Offensive: Toxic Truth #1

Corralling the Cowboy: Christmas in Redemption Ridge Book 12

Grave Consequences: Pennsylvania Parks Book 3

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Book Review: The Tea Maker’s Blend: Our House on Heather Wynd #12

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Contemporary Christian fiction on Heather Wynd: The attraction is there, but not the timing.

A string of chance encounters – from a false identity on an overnight bus journey to an accident in a tea shop to mayhem at a music festival. It seems that chaos and misadventure are bringing Ewan Robertson and Rebecca McVitty together.

Except, Rebecca McVitty isn’t looking for a relationship. Especially with a man who lives and works in Bieldfell. Her sights are firmly set on returning to England and embarking on her university degree next year.

Ewan Robertson isn’t looking for a relationship, either. He’s got a fledgling business to run and a tea dream to turn into a business plan.

Can The Tea Maker’s Blend bring them together, or are some combinations just never meant to be?

Publisher:  IC4 Publishing

Source:  Caroline Johnston

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

Be prepared to have a cup of tea on hand while reading The Tea Maker’s Blend by Caroline Johnston, the twelfth installment of the Our House on Heather Wynd series! Ewan Robertson recently moved into a house he inherited from his grandmother on Heather Wynd where he’s opened a tea shop called The Tea Beard—and isn’t looking for a relationship. Rebecca McVitty works at Braid Hope in the next village over while on gap year. Rebecca has made a pledge not to be in a relationship during her gap year because she will be returning to University in London and maintaining a long distance relationship will be too difficult. But God has other plans. Ewan and Rebecca seem to end up in the same places, all unplanned encounters and at times in the midst of hilarious circumstances—from meeting on bus trips, a music festival, and an embarrassing disaster at The Tea Beard. With each encounter, interest grows along with mutual respect. Ewan and Rebecca start to rethink their unknowingly mutual decision of no relationships and realize God may be up something bigger. But Trusting God with their plans is easier said than done.

The Tea Maker’s Blend by Caroline Johnston is a cozy, inspirational read that I needed to read for “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). I loved getting to know Ewan and Rebecca after meeting them earlier in various Our House on Heather Wynd books or in Ms. Johnston’s previous books! I love how Ms. Johnston often incorporates characters from her other books into her current book and I am grateful that she did the same in The Tea Maker’s Blend! I loved learning about the tea making process while reading The Tea Maker’s Blend! (I will admit, there were moments where I may have been salivating while reading because I wanted all the treats and teas!) While The Tea Maker’s Blend was a scrumptious read, the Message grabbed me more than anything. I love that Ewan and Rebecca were Believers and were on the same page about many things. I love how, unbeknownst to each other, God was teaching Ewan and Rebecca separately to Trust Him. The way Ms. Johnston tangibly illustrated to Trust God really resonated with me and was something that I needed to hear, allowing me to learn along with Ewan and Rebecca in the process. Whether Rebecca and Ewan were having fun, helping out others, or doing things together or individually, the Reader saw each perspective and how they were doing their best to Trust Him and lay down their plans. If you are looking for a cozy read that points you to Christ and Trusting Him, then I highly recommend The Tea Maker’s Blend by Caroline Johnston!

Have you read The Tea Maker’s Blend? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Caroline Johnston for giving me a copy of The Tea Maker’s Blend to review, for letting me be on the ARC Team, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Caroline Johnston

Image Courtesy of Caroline Johnston

When I was seven, my teacher was checking over our Monday morning diary updates. She expressed deep frustration at how little we were all writing and encouraged us to write more. I can’t remember her exact words, but whatever she said ignited something and my school writing went from sentences to pages. My love of short stories and essays continued throughout school. I forgot about my love of writing for a long time. But, through a friend’s encouragement to ‘dream big’, I searched for forgotten dreams and came back to writing.

​ 

More From Caroline Johnston:

Summer Shadows: Braid Hope Book 2

The Mother’s Song: Our House on Sycamore Street Book 13

Shades of Autumn: Braid Hope Series Book 1

More from Our House on Heather Wynd series:

The Lady’s Companion: Our House on Heather Wynd #1 by Anna Jensen

The Baker’s Pickle: Our House on Heather Wynd #11 by Vida Li Sik

The Executive’s Dilemma: Our House on Heather Wynd #13 by Allyson Koekhoven

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Book Review: A Killer in Texas: Elite Protectors Book 2

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

In the search for a murderer,
the hunter becomes the prey…

While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. Caught in a perilous game of cat and mouse, can they unmask and bring down their deadly enemy…before they become the next victims? 

Publisher:  Love Inspired Suspense

Source:  Jessica R. Patch

Leslie’s Review:  4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!!!!

Jessica R. Patch takes you on a wild ride through Texas in her latest release, A Killer in Texas, the second installment of Ms. Patch’s Elite Protectors Series! At Spears and Bow, a protection company, co-owner Axel Spears hired Libby Winters to be a bodyguard-for-hire and his partner in the field. Axel and Libby quickly become best friends, bonding over shared experiences with grief and leaving their respective jobs because of it. Libby loved her job protecting the President’s Family as a Secret Service agent, but after getting brutally injured in the field and losing her fiancé in the process, Libby was looking for something not so high stakes—making working at Spears and Bow an answered prayer. Experienced as an FBI agent, Axel had been working for years trying to catch the elusive serial killer known as The Eye—a person brutally murdering women who work in the medical industry. When The Eye hits too close to home, killing Axel’s wife, Cheryl, Axel quits the FBI and starts Spears and Bow, making his life’s mission to catch The Eye. Libby and Axel’s latest assignment brings them closer to The Eye than ever before, bringing buried fears and untold feelings to the surface, equally as dangerous as The Eye himself.

Jessica R. Patch has a way of crafting one of the best edge-of-your-seat stories you will ever read, while at the same time allowing her characters to go through real-life issues while staying rooted in Faith. Jessica R. Patch’s A Killer in Texas kept me on the edge of my seat from the get-go as Libby and Axel danced around their true feelings about life and each other while keeping a lookout for The Eye and dodging the bad guys right and left, turning to God every chance they could in prayer. I loved meeting Libby and Axel (and that they were written to be in their 40s)! I thought Axel’s name really fit his character. I love that Libby was literal tough-as-nails and that she wasn’t afraid to put people in their place when warranted. (Read A Killer in Texas because those scenes where Libby does that are a hoot to read!) I really loved and appreciated how Ms. Patch approached Faith and Fear in the book and illustrated how they can intermingle in a person’s life through the plot. I love the Message of Faith while in Fear that Ms. Patch painted in the storyline and what the characters learned because of it. (I even highlighted the words that Ministered to me in the book, which I rarely do for a suspense book.) I appreciated the fact that Axel understood where Libby was with her fear and trauma, respecting it and gently encouraging her to move forward. I like to think that I’ve read enough mystery books that I can often guess what’s going on, but with A Killer in Texas I was finding it out in real time along with Axel and Libby–and as an avid reader, I really appreciate it! I would say the intrigue of A Killer in Texas was in the caliber of the TV show Criminal Minds, with the banter like you would find on Bones. If you are looking for a read that’s full of grittily intrigue while being full of Faith in the midst of Fear, then I highly recommend A Killer in Texas by Jessica R. Patch!

Have you read A Killer in Texas? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Jessica R. Patch for giving me a copy of A Killer in Texas to review and for letting me be a part of the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Jessica R. Patch

Image & Bio Courtesy of Jessica R. Patch

New York Times and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Jessica R. Patch has penned over 30 novels and is known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists. Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, down the street at the Mexican restaurant, or collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.

Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller.

More Books by Jessica R. Patch:

The Other Sister

Deadly Christmas Inheritance

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Book Review: The Baker’s Pickle: Our House on Heather Wynd #11

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

The Baker’s Pickle: A women’s fiction story about sibling rivalry, and the messiness of love that binds at Our House on Heather Wynd
Imka Louw is finding her rhythm in the quiet Scottish village she now calls home. Her family has settled in, she’s making new friends, and her baking ministry is flourishing. She’s even beginning to shed the baby weight—one healthy choice, one prayer at a time.
Then her younger sister Anja arrives, escaping a crumbling marriage and stirring up old grievances that never fully cooled. What begins as a warm reunion soon turns into a tug-of-war over space, memories, and more than a few cinnamon rolls.
As sweet temptations multiply and emotions run high, Imka must face resentment, responsibility, and the hard work of forgiveness.
Can she hold on to her peace, her progress, and the bond with a sister who’s pushing every limit?
The Baker’s Pickle is a faith-filled story of food, family, and the freedom found in surrendering all to God.

Publisher:  Vida Li Sik

Source:  Vida Li Sik

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Vida Li Sik’s contribution to the Our House Heather on Wynd series is called The Baker’s Pickle. The Baker’s Pickle continues Imka Louw’s story from The Outsider’s Welcome when Imka and her family lived in Eden Cove on Sycamore Street. Having recently moved to the Scottish Highlands and now living on Heather Wynd, Imka is busy getting herself and her Family acclimated to village life when her sister Anja plans a visit to Heather Wynd for an undisclosed amount of time. Imka has mixed emotions about Anja’s visit. Though sisters, Anja and Imka are complete opposites. While Imka is quiet and calm, Anja loves to be the center of attention. While Imka is relatively settled with her family life, Anja is restless despite being married. Imka tends to be more soft-spoken, whereas Anja tends to speak more colorfully. As Anja’s visit turns into weeks without a word as to the true reason for her visit, it starts to put a strain on Imka’s Family—especially Imka herself. When things come to a head and past hurts resurface, both sisters learn powerful lessons and truths in the process.

Vida Li Sik has done it again with The Baker’s Pickle and I love it! I love being reunited with Imka again. I especially love that Ms. Li Sik carried Imka’s story across two series (Our House on Sycamore Street and Our House on Heather Wynd) and being reunited with characters from the past. The Baker’s Pickle is not a super jovial book, but dealt with real life situations from a Biblical perspective. I completely understood and felt Imka’s difficulties with her sister. I felt as though Ms. Li Sik dealt with those situations realistically and that the sermons in the book were perfectly placed in the plot to illustrate a point. The sermons woven throughout The Baker’s Pickle really impacted me and reminded me how important it is to truly listen when someone is sharing their heart matters with you. I love how Ms. Li Sik had Imka be at peace with her life in Scotland, but be unsettled at the same time when it came to Anja, and how she maintained this thread throughout The Baker’s Pickle. This thread of the story illustrates just how difficult it can be for some to handle confrontation and difficult situations, making Imka really relatable to me because I’m the same way. I love that The Baker’s Pickle dealt with things in a way that offered Hope and did not push them to the side to fester. I highly recommend The Baker’s Pickle by Vida Li Sik!

Have you read The Baker’s Pickle? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to Vida Li Sik for giving me a copy of The Baker’s Pickle to review and for giving me the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Vida Li Sik

Image Courtesy of Vida Li Sik

Meet Vida:

Vida Li Sik is a wife, mother, award-winning journalist, and multi-genre author. She grew up in a small town, Nigel, in sunny South Africa, and now lives with her family in Johannesburg, the City of Gold. She has no pets and has yet to find a weird and wonderful hobby. In the meantime, she loves to write about people, real ones and imagined.

Connect with Vida Li Sik:

Website: www.vidalisik.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter

More from Vida Li Sik:

The Outsider’s Welcome: Our House on Sycamore Street Book 3

More from Our House on Heather Wynd series:

The Lady’s Companion: Our House on Heather Wynd #1 by Anna Jensen

The Executive’s Dilemma: Our House on Heather Wynd #13 by Allyson Koekhoven

Featured

Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Scent of Sabotage: Security Hounds Investigations #6

About the Book

Book: Scent of Sabotage

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 30, 2025

Detective Beth Wolfe’s reunion with investigative journalist Jack St. James is a matter of life or death—and when a masked assailant attacks them, a severe blow leaves Jack with amnesia. Beth and her K-9, Arthur, are determined to keep Jack safe while he regains his lost memories. Was he targeted due to a case he was working on…or does it have something to do with the son they placed for adoption decades ago? When their investigations lead them inside a booby-trapped amusement park, it’s a race against the clock to put all the pieces together and uncover the park owners’ nefarious plot…or die trying.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love it!!!!

Dana Mentink brings her latest Love Inspired Suspense series, Security Hounds Investigations, to an epic conclusion with Scent of Sabotage! Beth Wolfe, owner of the Security Hounds Detective Agency and much-loved matriarch of the Wolfe Family has a blessed life with her adult children running their family business. Widowed for many years, Beth is shocked when her old high school flame, Jack St. James, contacts her, saying one word that contains her most guarded secret—Adam, the son that she and Jack gave up for adoption as teenagers. When she goes to secretly meet Jack, he gets attacked. Concussed, Jack can’t remember the reason for their meeting. As Jack recovers and remembers, he pieces together that he has met Adam and that they have a relationship of sorts. Adam calls upon Jack, who is an investigative reporter by trade, to help locate his missing girlfriend, Tess. When Beth finds out, she refuses to leave Jack’s side and lends her expertise as a detective, along with her security dog, Arthur. What transpires is a wild jaunt through an amusement park that’s closed during the California wildfires. As Jack and Beth chase down clues and uncover insurmountable evidence of unknown crimes, they find healing and restoration in the only way God could orchestrate as everything goes up in flames around them.

Dana Mentink took me on a wild ride with Scent of Sabotage, and I will never look at another amusement park the same way again because of it! Even though this is only the second book I’ve read from the Security Hounds Investigations series, I was not lost with its sixth installment—it just made me want to read the rest all the more (and they are on my TBR list)! I love that Ms. Mentink wrote Jack and Beth to be older and I enjoyed meeting them! (I also love that more Christian authors are making their main characters in their 40s and doing suspenseful things!) The use of an amusement park as the center of the story, while a wildfire is raging no less, was a very unique choice that kept me glued to my seat as a reader. I love how Ms. Mentink had both Beth and Jack’s storylines woven together, yet merged them as one. I was amazed at Beth and Jack’s past together and their independent takes on it—that Jack reached out to Adam after all these years and that Beth kept Adam a firmly guarded secret from everyone but her late husband. Having both sides of the situation and how they handled it and why made me feel for Jack and Beth. I understood clearly why Jack felt the need to reach out and why Beth felt like she couldn’t. I love that Beth and Jack didn’t judge or blame each other for this, rather seeing themselves for who they were without Christ at the time as opposed to who they are now. I love the Grace that was shown in the book regarding Adam—it was a powerful lesson to witness. If you are looking for a read full of high stakes and Grace, then I highly recommend Scent of Sabotage by Dana Mentink!

Have you read Scent of Sabotage? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Scent of Sabotage to review, for letting me be a part of the Scent of Sabotage Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

 

 

 

More from Dana

How could we be at the end of a series? I’ve been having a wonderful time with the Wolfe family and their house full of hounds. The last book is finally Beth’s story. She’s the matriarch of the family who has experienced the loss of a spouse. In this story, she will meet the son she never knew and explore the idea of learning to love again. I feel especially fond of this book because Beth is an older heroine who has some living under her belt. She’s learned how to carry on, with her old dog Arthur, and stand faithfully in the face of adversity. Now that’s a heroine I can root for! I hope you enjoy this final installment of the Security Hounds series!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 16

The Avid Reader, December 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 18

EmpowerMoms, December 18

Bizwings Blog, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Alyssa Amey, December 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 22

Devoted To Hope, December 23

Blogging With Carol, December 23

Because I said so, December 24

Artistic Nobody, December 25 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lily’s Corner, December 26

Mary Hake, December 26

Labor Not in Vain, December 27

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27

Holly’s Book Corner, December 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 28

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 29

Lights in a Dark World, December 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/T2I2F/scent-of-sabotage-celebration-tour-giveaway

More from Dana Mentink:

Hunted on the Trail

Jungle Fire

Featured

Book Review: Clearing the Cowboy’s Name: Christmas in Redemption Ridge #17

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Accused of stealing her Austen first editions. Guilty of stealing her heart.

Bookseller Penelope Colagreco is known in Redemption Ridge for her quirky charm, color-coordinated glasses, and her treasured Jane Austen collection. When her beloved books go missing, suspicion falls on Rowan Calder, a horse trainer seeking refuge from his past in this Colorado small town.

As accusations fly and secrets unravel, Penelope faces a choice: trust Rowan despite the rumors, or let doubt drive them apart. Together, they untangle a web of sabotage and false accusations, discovering hope, faith, and the beginnings of love in a close-knit community.

If you love bookish heroines, light mystery, and sweet romance with a touch of faith, don’t miss this heartwarming story set against the wild beauty of Colorado ranch country.

Publishing: Faith Writes Publishing

Source: Elle E. Kay

Leslie’s Review:  4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Elle E. Kay has a festive hit on her hands that includes a splash of intrigue with Clearing the Cowboy’s Name! As part of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, readers travel once more to the town of Redemption Ridge where they get acquainted with Bethany’s Book Barn employee Penelope and newcomer-to-town Rowan. When Rowan enters Bethany’s Book Barn and meets Penelope, sparks fly instantly. Being set up immediately by their respective bosses, Ethan and Bethany, Penelope and Rowan instantly click despite being complete opposites. Penelope is the quintessential Jane Austen lover book worm and loves her life in Redemption Ridge working at Bethany’s Book Barn. Rowan on the other hand is your stereotypical cowboy who used to run the rodeo circuit until false accusations ruined his career, making him travel from ranch to ranch training horses to earn a living. While Penelope’s life is an open book, Rowan’s book into his life remains firmly closed. Penelope is so open in fact that she blurts to Rowan about her prized possession: a set of first edition books by Jane Austen worth thousands. Shortly thereafter, Penelope’s prized Jane Austen books go missing and the town quickly points fingers at Rowan—even Penelope for a bit. Rowan and Penelope work together to not only clear Rowan’s name, but to find Penelope’s Jane Austens. As uncovering each clue brings them closer to the truth, Rowan and Penelope find out that things go deeper than just face value, learning that the accusations flying around town are distracting from the real crime at hand.

Traveling to Redemption Ridge again in Elle E. Kay’s Clearing the Cowboy’s Name was a treat and escape with a powerful lesson! I loved meeting Penelope and really related to the bookworm she is! I loved Rowan as well and thought he added a great edge with the mystery surrounding his storyline. I loved Penelope’s personality—especially with her matching glasses to go with every outfit and the way she related to her books as priceless possessions to be cherished and loved. The way Ms. Kay wrote Rowan’s storyline and intermingled it with the mystery of Penelope’s stolen books was a great illustration of how accusations and gossip, especially when they’re false, can ruin someone’s life. I love how, as polar opposites, Rowan and Penelope came together to find Penelope’s stolen items and to clear Rowan’s name. I love how the book progressed, showing how Penelope and Rowan grew and respected each other, becoming fiercely protective of each other in the process. I also loved the lesson that Penelope learned regarding rest, because I needed that lesson as much as I needed the lesson I got from Clearing the Cowboy’s Name regarding false accusations and gossip. My favorite thing that I loved about Rowan was that when Penelope told him about a book that she loved—Rowan actually read it himself! Clearing the Cowboy’s Name by Elle E. Kay is the perfect blend of festiveness, mystery, finding your person, and learning an important Godly Truth! I highly recommend it!

Have you read Clearing the Cowboy’s Name? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Elle E. Kay for giving me a copy of Clearing the Cowboy’s Name to review and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Elle E. Kay

Image Curtesy of Elle E. Kay

Elle E. Kay is a Christian fiction author known for her gripping romantic suspense novels. Her journey began in the heart of Pennsylvania, where her love for storytelling was nurtured amidst the rolling hills and serene landscapes. With a background in the legal field and a passion for weaving tales of faith, love, and mystery, Elle crafts stories that resonate with readers seeking both inspiration and entertainment.

Her novels, including the acclaimed Pennsylvania Parks series, are a testament to her ability to blend suspenseful plots with deep, emotional connections.

Join Elle on her literary adventure as she continues to captivate audiences with her unique voice and compelling narratives.

More From Elle E. Kay:

Project Sentinel

Midnight Offensive: Toxic Truth #1

Corralling the Cowboy: Christmas in Redemption Ridge Book 12

Grave Consequences: Pennsylvania Parks Book 3

Featured

Book Review: The Executive’s Dilemma: Our House on Heather Wynd #13

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

The Executive’s Dilemma: Disgrace, Discovery, and Redemption at Our House on Heather Wynd
She was sent away to disappear. Instead, she found herself.

If you love stories of rediscovery and redemption, you’ll be sure to enjoy The Executive’s Dilemma.

Riley Scheepers — bold, brilliant, and broken — is exiled to the tiny Scottish village of Bieldfell after one mistake too many.
Angry at God, her father, and the world, she arrives in Bieldfell with nothing but misplaced pride and a suitcase full of designer clothes.

With little but time, awkward silences, and sheep for company, she begins to unravel. But sometimes, it’s in the quiet where truth whispers loudest.

Torn between the life she lost and the one she’s slowly building, Riley must decide where her heart — and her hope — truly belong.

Publisher:  Allyson Koekhoven

Source:  Purchased on Amazon

Leslie’s Review:  4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

The Executive’s Dilemma is a great uplifting read by Allyson Koekhoven and the 13th installment of the much-awaited Our House on Heather Wynd series! In The Executive’s Dilemma, Riley is sent off to the Scottish Highlands after a charity campaign she is in charge of goes awry at her father’s business in South Africa in order to help get her life back on track. To say Riley is ecstatic to be in Scotland is a complete understatement. With Riley’s diva attitude and anger at her father, God, and the rest of the world, Riley makes her true feelings known about how she feels about being sent off to Scotland with little to no warning and with no technology to boot. Over the next few months while staying at a family friend’s B&B, Riley—though still rough around the edges—gets into a rhythm of life in the local village with daily visits to the village sheep, helping out at a pottery business called Go Potty!, as well as helping out at Beatha Brae, a center for people with disabilities. Slowly, Riley’s icy facade begins to thaw. As Riley begins opening her heart to God, she learns to Trust God with the mud and the muck in her life–learning that when you let God lead it’s the best choice of all.

I loved The Executive’s Dilemma by Allyson Koekhoven when it was all said and done! I must admit, The Executive’s Dilemma was hard to get into because of Riley’s demeanor, but as her journey began to unfold, I began to like and appreciate Riley. I loved that Ms. Koekhoven did not sugarcoat Riley’s journey, allowing Riley to take her time to get close to God and allowing Him to melt her heart. I loved the way Ms. Koekhoven wrote Riley’s icy exterior, because it caused me to not like Riley at all in the beginning. (And I secretly love it when that’s the Author’s intent!) My favorite scenes in the book are the lessons that Riley learned during the pottery process and the scenes where Riley was talking to the sheep. I just love how open and vulnerable Riley was in pouring out her heart to God in the middle of a flock of sheep–and also the significance of it! Being a person who has a disability, I appreciated that Ms. Koekhoven included a place like Beatha Brae in The Executive’s Dilemma. The Executive’s Dilemma wasn’t a fluff read nor an escape, but a journey worth reading that reminds us how God can truly change a heart if we allow ourselves to be molded by Him. I highly recommend The Executive’s Dilemma by Allyson Koekhoven!

Have you read The Executive’s Dilemma? What did you think of the book? What other books in the Our House on Heather Wynd series have you read?

I would like to thank Allyson Koekhoven for giving me the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Allyson Koekhoven

Image Courtesy of Allyson Koekhoven

Allyson Koekhoven was born in Gateshead in the UK and moved with her parents to South Africa in 1974. She currently lives in a beautiful seaside village on the east coast of South Africa with her husband and two boisterous dogs. She has two grown-up daughters, both in the medical field. She’s a content creator by day and an author in her spare time. She loves scuba diving, doing pottery sculptures, and reading cosy mysteries, when she isn’t chasing around after her toddler grandson.

Find out more and sign up for Allyson’s newsletter at www.allysonkoekhoven-writes.com

Follow Allyson on: https://linktr.ee/allysonkoekhoven_writes

More from Allyson Koekhoven:

The Runaway’s Redemption: Our House on Sycamore Street Book 9

More from Our House on Heather Wynd series:

The Lady’s Companion: Our House on Heather Wynd #1

Featured

Book Review: Chester’s Miracle: Christmas Holiday Extravaganza

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

What if the wrong turn leads to the love you’ve always prayed for? Aimee dreams of love, but her small Ohio town offers little hope. Until she meets Max online. His charm sweeps her off her feet, and she agrees to meet him for a Christmas Eve service in the West Virginia mountains. But before she leaves, she rescues Chester, a senior service dog facing euthanasia, and brings him along for the ride. When a blizzard strands her on a mountain road, Aimee’s fairytale date turns into a nightmare: Max’s number is disconnected, his profile deleted, and her car is buried in snow. Cold, scared, and alone, she prays for a miracle—only to be found by Marty, a kind-hearted mountain man with a heart as warm as the fire in his cabin. Marty’s been praying for love. But Aimee’s been burned, and trust doesn’t come easy, even when Chester works his own kind of magic. As Christmas unfolds, Aimee must decide: Is Marty the answer to prayer, or is she too afraid to take a leap of faith? A heartwarming Christian romance about trust, divine timing, and miracles that find us when we least expect them. Perfect for fans of holiday love stories, rescue dogs, and mountain men who believe in second chances.

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Source:  M. Jean Pike

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

M. Jean Pike’s Chester’s Miracle is a cozy Christmas read and is part of the Christmas Holiday Extravaganza collection. Aimee has longed for God to provide her with the love of her life. Taking matters into her own hands (in order to help God out), Aimee signs up for an online dating site and believes she has found the “one”. Agreeing to meet for the first time in person, Aimee travels hours away despite her sister’s objections. Before leaving, Aimee stops by the veterinary clinic where she works to check on the animals. After realizing a service dog named Chester could get put down, Aimee decides to take Chester with her, which is against policy. As snowy weather unexpectedly makes the drive challenging, Aimee wrecks her car. As a pair of Good Samaritans on a snowmobile find Aimee after the crash, they offer Aimee a place to stay until the weather dies down and Aimee’s car can get fixed. Mother and Son, Charlotte and Marty, take Aimee in with open arms and are there for her when it turns out that her date possibly wasn’t who she thought. As Aimee waits for the weather to clear, she learns much about life and God’s Timing–and that just maybe God’s leading her to where she needed to be all along.

M. Jean Pike’s Chester’s Miracle is a sweet, short escape that I didn’t know I needed and that I didn’t want to end! I have come to learn that when I read a book by Ms. Pike, it will not go against God’s Word and will honor God throughout, which made me thrilled to read Chester’s Miracle because of it! I thought the premise of the plot was interesting and a great way to illustrate God’s Timing (unless God leads you to find your spouse that way). I loved meeting Aimee! I admit I had the same reservations as her loved ones did about her date. I loved the mountain town in which Chester’s Miracle took place–and I wished I lived there! Charlotte and Marty were my favorite characters in the book because of how they Modeled Christ and how they Ministered to me in the book. I love the lessons that Aimee learned about God and His Timing from Charlotte and Marty. I love that Charlotte and Marty didn’t judge or push Aimee when it came to talking to her about what caused her to land in their town. I love how Chester the dog was portrayed and how he was an important piece of the plot. (Read Chester’s Miracle for all the details!) While I knew where the story was headed at times, it didn’t bother me at all because of the Message I got through the book and how it helped me get in the Christmas Spirit! (I also loved and appreciated the devotion entry at the end of the story!) If you are looking for a Christmassy escape that points you to the Truth, I highly recommend Chester’s Miracle by M. Jean Pike!

Have you read Chester’s Miracle? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank M. Jean Pike for giving me a copy of Chester’s Miracle to review as well as the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

M. Jean Pike

Image & Bio Courtesy of M. Jean Pike

Changing seasons. Unexpected blessings. Love that lasts forever. These are a few of M. Jean Pike’s favorite things. With a writing career that has spanned more than two decades, Jean combines an insatiable curiosity about humans and why they do what they do with a keen interest in the quirky and offbeat things in life to bring readers unforgettable tales of life, love, and the inner workings of the human heart. Her short works have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Whispers From Heaven, The Lutheran Digest and others.

More From M. Jean Pike:

Superheroes

King of Hearts

Featured

Book Review: Not Quite Miss Austen: A Prequel to the Not Quite Series

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Step back to 1955 England in this heartwarming romance that blends friendship and faith with a note of mystery and echoes of Jane Austen.

Margaret Elliot, an aspiring author from Jane Austen’s own Steventon, has more in common with the beloved novelist than she’d like—both women know the sting of lost love. Resolved to embrace her calling to singleness, Margaret pours herself into writing stories that honor God. A move to London with her dearest friend—and a secretarial job at a publishing house—seems the perfect first step toward her dream.

But when she meets Graham Corbyn, an earnest young publisher with a vision to change the literary world, Margaret finds her resolve tested. Together, they embark on the risky adventure of founding a new publishing company. Yet behind the promise of fresh beginnings lies a shadowy opposition that threatens their work and challenges their faith.

Not Quite Miss Austen is the captivating prequel to the Not Quite Series, a collection of faith-filled novels tied together by Margaret’s enduring legacy. Rich with nods to Jane Austen yet entirely original, this story of courage, devotion, and love invites you to consider what it truly means to follow God’s call—whatever the cost.

Publisher: Kim Griffin

Source: Kim Griffin

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

Not Quite Miss Austen is the long-awaited prequel fans of Author Kim Griffin and Ms. Griffin’s Not Quite Series have been waiting for and it did not disappoint! Not Quite Miss Austen takes place in 1955 when Margaret Elliot lands a job at London’s Corbyn Publishing as a secretary to it’s owner Graham Corbyn. Graham’s dream of becoming the UK’s go-to publisher for Christian authors is easier said than done. Especially when someone is poaching your clients and trying not get entangled in a lawsuit. Margaret can’t believe the gift God has given her to have a job at a Christian publishing company with an opportunity to publish her own books in the future. The job could not have come at a better time for Margaret. On the heels of losing her father, Margaret feels that she has no place to live when her Mother moves in with Margaret’s brother and his family. Margaret loves working for Corbyn Publishing—from helping Graham with the day-to-day operations to creating new ways to sign new authors and sell books. When Margaret learns that authors are being poached from Corbyn Publishing, Margaret does everything she can to help Graham out. As Margaret and Graham set out on a mission to save the company they learn powerful lessons about God’s Faithfulness, Timing, and Love.

Not Quite Miss Austen by Kim Griffin was a delightful escape for me! I love how God’s Love and Truth were soaked onto every page. After meeting Margaret at the very beginning of the Not Quite Series, I was excited to find out that Ms. Griffin gave Margaret her own story. I loved learning about Margaret’s early beginnings and that Not Quite Miss Austen was purely from Margaret’s perspective. I loved (finally) getting to meet Graham! Graham was definitely the perfect Christian gentleman, in word and deed. I love that God gave Margaret a job she loved and adored and how He provided all of her needs, because I can truly say from past experience that God is like that. I love how Margaret allowed God to embolden her to express her ideas for the company and how she wasn’t afraid to follow the Holy Spirit’s Leading. I loved the aspect of owning a Christian publishing company—I can’t remember the last time I read that in a book! I love how Corbyn Publishing truly acted like a Christian-owned business and how Graham did his best to run it with integrity. I love the deep discussions that Graham and Margaret had about God and life and how it changed them both and made them see things differently. I also appreciated Graham’s patience that he bestowed upon others in the book. I also loved how Graham and Margaret’s relationship grew as friends and more. I love how Not Quite Miss Austen had a spritz of intrigue in the plot when it came to Graham and Margaret following the clues to find out who was poaching the clients of Corbyn Publishing. The spritz of intrigue in Not Quite Miss Austen and the setting of London and surrounding areas gave the book a cozy feel full of Hope. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all if Ms. Griffin continued Graham and Margaret’s story even further! I highly recommend Not Quite Miss Austen by Kim Griffin!

Have you read Not Quite Miss Austen? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Kim Griffin for giving me a copy of Not Quite Miss Austen to review, for giving me the information I needed for this post, and for letting me be on the ARC Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Kim Griffin

Image Courtesy of Kim Griffin

Kim Griffin is an ex-interior designer and former homeschool mom who has been leading Bible Studies for over 34 years and working in Women’s Ministry for over 25 years.  As she began phasing out of the homeschool mom title God led her to write words of hope.  She currently writes Christian clean romance and has written a Christmas Advent Devotional book.  Her desire is that her books will draw you closer to the God who sees you and loves you still. 

The romance books Kim writes have lots of scripture woven in. Her hope is that both Christians and non-Christians will see how God’s Word applies to their everyday lives.  She gives her main characters opportunities to be tempted, stretched, and drawn to Christ if they aren’t already Christians.  Kim prays her readers will see the greatness of God as well as how He personally enters the lives of His people. May her words create a hunger and desire in the hearts of readers and help them draw closer to God in the mundane of their own lives as well as the mountaintop experiences. 

More From Kim Griffin:

Dancing in the Florida Sun

From the Not Quite Series:

Not Quite Mr. Knightley

Not Quite Colonel Brandon

Not Quite Mr. Darcy

Featured

Book Review: A Love to Protect: Silver Springs Series Book 5

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

When John Nolin survives a desperate moment, he awakens not only to a second chance at life but also to the kindness of the town doctor and his wife in Silver Springs. Though weighed down by guilt and sorrow—and with his own wife keeping her distance—John begins a journey of healing, both physically and spiritually. As strength returns to his body, so does a longing in his heart: to reconcile with Winona and rediscover the love they once shared.

Winona Nolin is stunned to learn her husband is still alive. The pain of his past choices and the loss of their daughter have left deep scars. Yet even as she pours herself into work at the local diner, determined to move on, John’s quiet persistence begins to stir something within her—a reminder of hope she thought was gone forever.

When a new development in town threatens to undo the fragile progress they’ve made, John and Winona must decide whether to rebuild their marriage on the only foundation strong enough to endure— the grace and forgiveness found in Christ.

In this powerful second chance romance, Joi Copeland invites you to walk with John and Winona as they learn that healing is possible, hope is never truly lost, and love rooted in faith can overcome even the darkest seasons.

Publisher: Joi Copeland via Amazon

Source: Joi Copeland

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

Joi Copeland’s A Love to Protect is the fifth installment of Ms. Copeland’s Silver Springs Series and is a beautiful read! A Love to Protect takes you back to the 1840s and tells the story of John Nolin, a broken man who is trying to put the pieces of his life together after attempting to take his own life. The love of his life, Winona, wants nothing to do with John, especially after John wasn’t there for her and their daughter through their daughter’s sickness and death. After giving his life to the Lord, John refuses to give up on his marriage. Winona agrees to give their marriage another chance after seeing the change in John and knowing that she is still in love with John despite everything. Giving another go at their marriage is easier said than done—especially when Winona sees living for Christ as a crutch. When Winona’s snide remarks about believing in Jesus become too painful for John to bear, their marriage may never return back from the brink.

I honestly love every book that I have ever read by Joi Copeland and A Love to Protect is no exception! Ms. Copeland has a way of structuring a well-rounded read that doesn’t shy away from Biblical Truths and weaving them in the midst of insurmountable situations that she has created for her characters. I love getting to know John and Winona in A Love to Protect more after meeting them in A Life to Protect! I love and appreciate the difficult situations that Ms. Copeland put in the storyline, and that some were inspired by own her lessons in life, and that she wasn’t afraid to tackle them in the plot. I love how both John and Winona’s perspectives were detailed in the story because it left no question in the Reader’s mind where each character stood on issues that were brought out in the book. You could feel John and Winona’s grief while reading as well as their frustration and loss over what had become of their marriage. I loved John’s Journey with Christ and seeing the evident change in him and how it affected everything that he did, especially when it came to Winona. I loved how Winona treated John through the process, not because it was mean, but because it added authentic truthfulness to the narrative. I also loved the change and growth that John and Winona went through in the book, both individually and together. I love that even in the dire circumstances of the book, Ms. Copeland shined God’s Light through the storyline, showing the characters that they could Trust and Depend on Him regardless of what they were going through–good or bad. I love seeing the other characters again from the previous books in the Silver Springs Series and seeing what they have been up to since the last book and how they are dealing with life. I love the Biblical Wisdom that the characters shared with others—especially about questioning God and how God knows what True Sacrifice is. The Wisdom that came out in A Love to Protect opened my eyes to seeing the Truths mentioned in a different light. I appreciated that the situations brought out in A Love to Protect weren’t brushed under the rug, but were dealt realistically within the confines of the book. If you are looking for a read that reminds you of the Power of Forgiveness and the hard work that it takes to forgive at times, then I highly recommend A Love to Protect by Joi Copeland! I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Copeland is inspired to write next!

Have you read A Love to Protect? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Joi Copeland for letting me be a part of her Launch Team and giving me a copy of A Love to Protect to review, as well as what I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Joi Copeland

Image Courtesy of Joi Copeland

Joi Copeland is an award-winning author. She has written over twenty books and desires to share her love of hope and redemption through each story she pens. Joi and her incredible husband of over twenty years have three fabulous boys and currently live in Ireland. She is passionate about Jesus, Bible study, and the people of Ireland.

Connect with Joi:

Sign up for Joi’s Newsletter

Join Joi’s Joi-Ful Readers Group on Facebook here

Follow Joi on Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Instagram

www.joicopeland.com

More Books By Joi Copeland:

A Life to Protect: Silver Springs Series Book 4

A Heart to Protect: Silver Springs Series Book 1

Vivian’s Venture: Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides Book 51

Piper’s Plea: Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides Book 48

Kinsley’s Kiss: Westward Home and Hearts Mail Order-Brides Book 45

Featured

Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Love in the Castle Library: In the Castle Library Book 2

About the Book

Book: Love in the Castle Library (In the Castle Library Book 2)

Author: Ann Swindell

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: October 15, 2025

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

Get ready to travel to the small picturesque European country of Lethersby where the Monarchy rules with Grace and the Leading of the Lord by reading Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell, the second book of Ms. Swindell’s In the Castle Library Series! Still hurt by the disappearance of their much loved Queen Alma in 1915, the country of Lethersby is trying to put the pieces together of how, and why, their Queen would abandon them when they needed her the most during World War I. Upon learning that Queen Alma became a nurse during the war, the country of Lethersby sets out to find more about what happened to their beloved Queen and to bring some closure to a painful part of Lethersby’s history. The current members of Lethersby’s Royal Family implicitly trust their Castle Stewardess, Delphine. Delphine is currently tasked with assembling the research team whose sole purpose is to find out all they can about Queen Alma: How did Queen Alma escape? Why did Queen Alma feel the need to go away? What happened to Queen Alma during the War? Did Queen Alma have a life after the war? Seeing the need for someone with authentic knowledge of British History, primarily World War I and nursing knowledge, if possible, Delphine heads to Oxford University to interview potential candidates. Delphine hires Jack on a rare gut feeling after seeing that Jack’s expertise is in World War II with an emphasis on how nurses impacted the War. As the research continues, Delphine and the Research Team seem to hit roadblock after roadblock. As a fellow researcher seeks to undermine Delphine and all she stands for, Jack feels the need to protect her and decides to do that by pretending to be Delphine’s boyfriend. As Delphine’s world seems to be falling apart, the roadblocks in the research begin to clear, unearthing an answer no one saw coming.

I absolutely adored Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell! I loved escaping into the world of Lethersby and meeting it’s precious people! I love Royal History from around the world and if I could live in a library, I would— which means that Love in the Castle Library is a book that is right up my alley! I’ve been eyeing the In the Castle Library series, mainly because of the beautiful covers and the series title, for quite some time and am excited that I finally had the opportunity to delve into the series. Since I read the second book in the series first, I didn’t feel too lost. I felt the way Ms. Swindell wrote Love in the Castle Library that all of the gaps were filled and I was was able to get up to speed quickly. I loved the plot and found it very intriguing! I mean, you don’t hear of a Queen abandoning her country every day and that she was never to be found! I also love the world of Lethersby that Ms. Swindell centered around the plot. It made me feel as though I was stepping into Hallmark-esq movie that Great American Family should make because of it’s Godly values. I also love how the plot mainly took place in the Castle Library and how it gave me Biltmore type vibes because of it! I’ll be honest, as much as I love Royalty, I get picky when it comes to fiction with fictional royal kingdoms, especially when the book appears in the Christian Fiction genre and the faith-based content appears to be written in as an afterthought. Love in the Castle Library is not like that. Ms. Swindell mixes Faith on every page of Love in the Castle Library. The Royal Family of Lethersby is unashamed of their Faith in Christ and at the same time does not force it on their employees or their people. I love that Jack and Delphine both know the Lord, yet one is more seasoned in their relationship with the Lord than the other, making them both want to know God on an even deeper level in the process. Even though there was a spark between Delphine and Jack in the process of their fake dating, I love that they both wanted each other to be better humans Devoted to Christ and healed of past hurts. I love how Jack and others encouraged Delphine with Scripture regarding how God the Father is and how lavishly He Loves us and that He can be Trusted, I also love that those who rallied around Delphine weren’t afraid to be truthful with Delphine when they knew it would be difficult to hear at times. I also love how this was confirmed in Delphine’s Personal Devotion Time. I appreciated how what was going on in the characters personal lives did not detour and overshadow their quest to unearth what happened to Queen Alma after World War I, but help aid them in their search, teaching them even more of the importance of Trusting God’s Timing and Leading. Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell is an amazing escape that takes you to a faraway kingdom, full of characters that point you to Jesus and a mystery that you won’t soon forget! I highly recommend Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell!

Have you read Love in the Castle Library? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Love in the Castle Library to review, for letting me be a part of the Love in the Castle Library Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

ANN SWINDELL writes stories that point to Christ’s presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the award-winning author of multiple books and the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family…usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand.

 

 

 

 

More from Ann

Love in the Castle Library is set in two of my favorite places—one imaginary, and one real. When I started the In the Castle Library series, the main character’s journey in book one (Christmas in the Castle Library) takes her to Lethersby, a small, fictional European country full of tradition, beauty, and charm. I tried to put much of what I love about Europe into this fictional country that I wish existed. From what readers have told me, they wish it was real, too!

Book two, Love in the Castle Library, is also set in the castle in Lethersby, but I decided to make my hero and heroine take a jaunt to Oxford, England—my favorite real country outside of the USA.

I spent a summer in college studying abroad in England, and Oxford was the city that captured my heart. The “city of dreaming spires” is ancient, beautiful, and academic—a heady mix for a nineteen-year-old girl who traveled there for the first time. I even gave a nod to one of Oxford’s most well-known professors through the hero’s name, Jack.*

I had the gift of getting to go back to Oxford with my family over a decade ago, and while I’m aching to go again, including some of my favorite places in Love in the Castle Library helped me to enjoy the city vicariously through my characters. Look for some of my favorite places to eat—including Ben’s Cookies and the King’s Arms—when the characters visit. And if you ever have the opportunity to make it to Oxford, make the effort to buy one of those cookies (they’re sold by weight!) and enjoy some ice cream at G&D’s…the hero recommends chocolate of any kind (and so do I!).

I hope you love this story as much as I do, and that these tastes of beautiful places, both real and imagined, point your heart to the beauty of Christ that is at the heart of every story I write.

*Jack was C.S. Lewis’s nickname, and he taught at Magdalen College in Oxford from 1925-1954.

Blog Stops

To Everything There Is A Season, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Lily’s Corner, December 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 8

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 9

Inkwell Inspirations , December 10

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, December 10

Devoted Steps, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Devoted To Hope, December 16

Stories By Gina, December 17 (Author Interview)

Lyssa Loves Books, December 17

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Review from Donna)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, December 19

The Bookish Pilgrim, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann is giving away the grand prize of a $50 gift card to Amazon and a signed paperback 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://promosimple.com/ps/3e375/love-in-the-castle-library-celebration-tour-giveaway

More Books by Ann Swindell:

The Path to Peace: Experiencing God’s Comfort When You’re Overwhelmed

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Book Review: Sowing Hope: A Gathering of Mercies 2

Synopsis from Amazon

Encounter the True Story of Abolitionist Editor Elijah Lovejoy

Patrick Gallagher has done all he can—and it hasn’t been enough. Now in his mid-thirties, he battles discouragement over his inability to make a difference in eradicating slavery. Longing to regain the hope and passion that once fueled his calling, Patrick sets out from his home in Maryland to meet his hero, Elijah Lovejoy, an anti-slavery editor in Missouri.

Anna Markland actively serves her community and those traveling on the Underground Railroad. But her efforts feel small when she is constantly beset by headaches that leave her prostrate for days on end. When the enigmatic Mr. Gallagher enters her life, she discovers their hearts beat with the same dreams. Yet Anna knows that if she allowed him to pursue her, her weakness would hinder him from reaching his potential as an abolitionist leader.

In the free states along his path, Patrick discovers that the Black and abolitionist communities are anything but free. Violent mobs, hateful rhetoric, and spineless politicians create a tinderbox of danger. What will he sacrifice for the cause he’s devoted his life to—and will God finally use him to make the difference he longs to see in society?

Publisher: Woodmark Press

Source: Heather Wood

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

I love it when I come across a Christian Fiction book that challenges its genre’s status quo and Heather Wood’s Sowing Hope does exactly that! Sowing Hope, the second book in Ms. Wood’s A Gathering of Mercies series takes Readers on a trip to the 1830s and tells the story of Patrick Gallagher, a man from Baltimore who leaves everything behind in order to help Elijah Lovejoy in the Abolitionist Movement in St. Louis.  Making the trip from Baltimore to St. Louis on foot, Patrick’s journey is anything but straightforward, making Patrick take a lot of unplanned stops along the way where he meets people who leave an impression on him and cause him to do a lot of soul searching about his life, his motives for uprooting his life, and his relationship with God.  When Patrick encounters Anna Markland, a magnifying glass is shined upon his heart and how he has viewed the world is suddenly questioned.  Anna, an abolitionist in her own right, cares for anyone God puts in her path regardless of color or creed—as long as debilitating headaches don’t threaten her Calling. A special friendship develops between Anna and Patrick. As Patrick continues his trek alongside Lovejoy and the Abolitionist Movement, Patrick is questioning whether he is really doing everything he can for God and the people God has placed in his path, because it doesn’t seem to be enough when he encounters setbacks at every turn. Learning about True Hope through the people God puts in his path, Patrick learns how Hope can help you remain calm through life’s injustices and stormy seas.

Heather Wood is an author that has been on my TBR radar for quite some time, and I was delighted when I had an opportunity to read Sowing Hope! Sowing Hope is a book that ripped me and challenged me in a way that a book hasn’t done for a long time. I loved getting to meet Patrick! I love the Journey that Patrick went on and the people he met along the way! I enjoyed how Patrick journaled about his journey and how he read Pilgrims’s Progress along the way. I saw a lot of myself in Patrick’s character—the way he perceives injustices and his passionate quest to seek justice. I love that during a deep, ongoing soul search, Patrick saw he had prideful prejudices of his own that he is seeking to rectify in the book. I love the way Ms. Wood wrote Patrick’s inner turmoil of dealing with what the Lord revealed to Patrick as well as grappling with what Patrick perceived as setbacks and failure in his personal life. It was realistic to what I have experienced in my own inner turmoil and I appreciated that Ms. Wood included that in the book. It’s as if a mirror were showing Patrick what the true motives of his heart were, challenging Patrick into action. Seeing what the mirror revealed to Patrick was both uncomfortable and beautiful to read at the same time, especially when what you saw reflected convicted you too. I loved the Journey that Patrick went on in the midst of his inner turmoil to inner Peace. I love the roles of the people who crossed Patrick’s path and how each one shaped his journey—especially Elijah Lovejoy and Anna. I had never heard of Elijah Lovejoy or his real-life contribution to history before reading Sowing Hope, and am thankful that Ms. Wood included Mr. Lovejoy within the story. I loved meeting Anna as well! I loved that through Anna’s character, both Patrick and I both learned sometimes the most profound impact one can have is the way they treat others in their daily lives, regardless of who God sends their way. If you are looking for an impactful read that challenges you to be better at your relationship with the Lord and the people He puts in your path, then I highly recommend Sowing Hope by Heather Wood! I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Wood’s books in the future and seeing what God inspires her to create next!

Have you read Sowing Hope? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Heather Wood for giving me a copy of Sowing Hope to review and for being understanding as life was happening in real time. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Heather Wood

Image & Bio Courtesy of Amazon

Heather Wood grew up in the Chicago suburbs, loving history, classic literature, writing stories, and Civil War reenacting. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Bible/Theology from Appalachian Bible College, she settled in Virginia with her husband David. Her early passions fuel her writing today, although she spends most of her days now working to infuse her love for God and good literature into the hearts of her four children. You can find her online at www.heatherwoodauthor.com.

Featured

Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: A Lesson in Love

About the Book

Book: A Lesson in Love

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

He thinks he’s too old. She thinks she’s too young. Can these teachers learn that love defies all boundaries?

Born and raised in London, Isobel Turvine knows nothing about farming, but after most of the students in her school evacuate during Operation Pied Piper, she’s left with little to do. Then her friend Margery talks her into joining the Women’s Land Army, and she finds herself working the land at a manor home in Yorkshire that’s been converted to a boys’ school. A teacher at heart, she is drawn to the lads, but the handsome yet stiff-necked headmaster wants her to stick to farming.

Left with an arm that barely works from the last “war to end all wars,” Gavin Emerson agrees to take on the job of headmaster when his school moves from London to Yorkshire, but he’s saddled with the quirky manor owner, bickering among his teachers, and a gaggle of Land Army girls who have turned the grounds into a farm. When the group’s blue-eyed, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. Can he trust her not to break his heart?

Click here to get your copy!

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!!!!

Linda Shenton Matchett’s latest release, A Lesson in Love, weaves a beautiful story set in World War II-era United Kingdom where unexpected worlds collide when an Earl in Yorkshire opens up his massive property to Land Army Girls to farm the land and for students of an all boys school to have a safe place to learn during the War. School Teacher Isobel, escapes London with her best friend and signs up to become a Land Army Girl. When arriving at the sprawling property, the Earl puts Isobel in charge of the Land Army Girls, despite having no idea as to how to run a farm. Headmaster Gavin, of the all boys school, cannot believe that the British Government placed his students and staff on such a prestigious property for their safety! Gavin knows he has his work cut out for him trying to keep his Students from damaging the Earl’s Property. After finding out that Isobel is a fellow teacher, Gavin gets the genius idea that his Students should have hands-on learning experience about running a farm and the scientifics of it. As Isobel and Gavin work together with the Students, they form a bond and attraction to each other that they are scared to admit—Gavin because he is in his 40s and has an injury from World War I and Isobel because she is 35 and believes that Gavin wouldn’t be interested in a woman like her. When an accident occurs and threatens everything, Gavin and Isobel trust God to Lead the Way.

I absolutely loved Linda Shenton Matchett’s A Lesson in Love! I love how with each of Ms. Matchett’s books that I have read, there has been a nod to a bit of history that I love or that I’m introduced to a part of history that I know little to none about. I loved being transported to 1940’s Yorkshire and into the life of a Land Army Girl, learning more about that part of history. I thought the plot of A Lesson in Love was unique because of how the Earl opened up his home to both the Land Girls and the school. I loved meeting Isobel and Gavin! I really appreciated that both Gavin and Isobel were older in the book and the theme of “age doesn’t matter” was in the book. I also loved how Gavin and Isobel saw each other and how the other one had no clue! I loved the amount of God-Honoring Truths that were in A Lesson in Love and how they Ministered to me, especially being a New Creation and putting Prayer at the forefront of what you do. I love how A Lesson in Love focused on the Inward Beauty like Christ does as well. A Lesson in Love is an uplifting read and reminder of how God sees us—and that maybe others see us as more than just skin deep too. I love and highly recommend A Lesson in Love by Linda Shenton Matchett! I didn’t want A Lesson in Love to end and am looking forward to seeing what Ms. Matchett creates next!

Have you read A Lesson in Love? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of A Lesson in Love to review, for letting me be a part of the A Lesson in Love Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

The Women’s Land Army was originally formed in 1917, during The Great War to help Britain with its food production. After the men returned home, the group was disbanded. Once again at war in 1939, the WLA was reestablished, and over the course of the conflict, more than 200,000 women served all over the United Kingdom. Many came from cities and towns and knew very little about working on a farm. Most had to be taught how to drive, milk cows, collect eggs, sow, and reap the harvest in addition to the many other tasks associated with farms.

Among the largest crops to be produced were potatoes. They were cheap, and several varieties matured quickly providing food to citizens, troops, and refugees. Rationing was a necessary part of wartime life to ensure everyone had enough to eat. The government issued pamphlets and cookbooks with easy-to-follow recipes made with readily available food (tinned and fresh).

Lord Woolton Pie, a vegetarian potpie named after the Minister of Food, is one of those recipes. By all reports it was not well-received, however, I’ve made it on several occasions and find it quite tasty.

Pie

1lb cauliflower
1lb rutabaga (I use parsnips)
1lb carrots
1lb potatoes
Bunch of spring onions chopped
2 teaspoons of Marmite (yeast extract – or you can use a stock cube)
Tablespoon of rolled oats
Salt and pepper to taste once cooked.
Parsley (fresh or dried)

Pastry

8oz wholemeal/wholewheat flour
4oz mashed potato
3oz margarine or lard
2 tsp of baking powder
couple large pinches of salt
Dash of water if needed.

Procedure

  • Chop up the vegetables into chunks with those that take longest to cook into smaller pieces.
  • Place in pot and bring to simmer with just enough water to reach 3/4 of the way up the veg in the pot.
  • Add in Marmite and rolled oats, salt and pepper and cook until tender and most of the water has been absorbed.
  • Place mixture in deep pie dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley (or add dry parsley to mixture and mix in)
  • Make the pastry by mixing the flour with the baking powder and salt and then rubbing in the margarine.
  • Mix the mashed potato in to form a dough and knead (add a little water to the mixture if too dry)
  • Roll out to form pie crust and place on top and decorate then brush with milk.
  • Place in oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or so until top is form and browned.

Photo credits:

Newspaper recipe: Bromley & District Times, February 1941

Lord Woolton Pie: By autumnroseuk – Woolton pie, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46161211

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 4

She Lives to Read, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Author Interview)

Patti Wolf – Scribbling Spiritual Sand, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 9

Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 11

For Him and My Family, November 12

Pause for Tales, November 13

Mary Hake, November 14

Fiction Book Lover, November 15 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

Leslie’s Library Escape, November 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa Gift Card & 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://promosimple.com/ps/3d001/a-lesson-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

More from Linda Shenton Matchett:

Love and Chocolate

Francine’s Foibles

Featured

Book Review: To Reveal a Reckless Love: The British Are Coming Book 4

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

In a desperate attempt to find her missing brother, Victoria Castleton leaves behind the comforts of Boston for the wild beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Her search leads her into the path of Roger Bernhardt—a gifted British artist with a guarded heart. What begins as a chance meeting soon becomes a journey neither expected.

Roger came to America seeking inspiration, not entanglement. But from the moment he sees Victoria’s determined gaze, he’s drawn to her quiet strength—and the mystery of the brother she’s willing to risk so much to find.

As their path leads from the wonders of Yellowstone to an Idaho ranch called Eden’s Gate and the small town of Gibeon, Victoria and Roger discover that God’s plans often look nothing like their own. When danger threatens the town and hearts are tested by fear and longing, they must decide if the love growing between them is only temporary—or the home they’ve both been searching for.

A story of second chances, steadfast love, and the courage to follow where God leads.

Publisher: RobinSong, Inc.

Source: Robin Lee Hatcher

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Robin Lee Hatcher has another classic on her hands with To Reveal A Reckless Love, the fourth book in Ms. Hatcher’s The British Are Coming series.  In To Reveal A Reckless Love, Readers travel back to the 1890s and meet Rodger, a man from Across the Pond who escaped to America to fulfill his dreams of being an artist, and Victoria, a woman from Boston who is traveling to Yellowstone in search of her brother whom she hasn’t heard from in months after he traveled out west to focus on his art.  After a mishap with a carriage, Victoria meets Roger, who is also headed in the same direction. Roger offers Victoria a ride in his carriage, where they strike up a friendship. Victoria tells Roger about her search for her brother and Roger offers his help. As their search carries on, Roger and Victoria’s admiration for one another secretly grows, but their confusion on where God is leading them individually may put a hold on Roger and Victoria’s relationship being anything more than friendship.

I loved Robin Lee Hatcher’s To Reveal A Reckless Love! Ms. Hatcher’s books have become a safe place for me to escape to, where a good story is to be had, and lessons in God’s Truths abound and To Reveal A Reckless Love carries on this tradition. I love how The British Are Coming series uses the trope of the British coming to America and finding more than they ever expected. I loved meeting Roger and Victoria! I love the way Ms. Hatcher wrote how Roger thought and processed his feelings about art and how he visualizes painting scenery or people! Victoria came across to me as up tight, but not in a snobby way, but because of how she is a stickler for the rules and survival due to what life has dealt her. I also saw how Victoria grew as a person and how it caused her to mellow out, being more relaxed because life is too short. I felt for Roger and the struggles with following his heart or following his dreams, because sometimes its two different things. I love the theme and message of what “home” is in the book! Showing us that with God at the helm, “home” is different and better than we even imagined. If you are looking for an escape that shows you how you can be grounded and at home in the midst of life’s uncertainties, then I highly recommend To Reveal A Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher! I’m really looking forward to reading what Ms. Hatcher creates next!

Have you read To Reveal A Reckless Love? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Robin Lee Hatcher for giving me a copy of To Reveal A Reckless Love to review and for letting me be on the Advance Reviewer Team for To Reveal A Reckless Love. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Robin Lee Hatcher

Image & Bio Courtesy of Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA®, the Carol, the Christy, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

More By Robin Lee Hatcher:

From This Moment On: Two Kings Meadow Novellas

To Capture a Mountain Man:  The British Are Coming Book 3

Wishing for Mistletoe: Love on Sanctuary Shores Book 6

Featured

Book Review: Echoes of a Silent Song: Melodies and Memories #1

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight’s goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible.

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day.

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core.

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town’s history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology.

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Source: Amanda Wen via NetGalley through Kregel Reviewers and MadLit Assist and Mentoring

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!

In Amanda Wen’s beautifully poignant latest release Echoes of a Silent Song, Readers travel back in time between the 1960’s to 1970’s and present day.  Blair is proud to be the accompanying pianist to the choir director at the high school where she graduated from—a job she’s held ever since graduating from college, just so she could work with her favorite teacher, Vic Nelson.  Ever since Vic’s retirement years earlier, the Peterson High School choral program has had trouble finding a choral director just as dedicated.  Upon Vic’s recommendation, Callum, a famed composer becomes Peterson High’s new choral director. Callum sees working at Peterson High as a way to resurrect his career and get his mojo back after not being able to compose anything new after losing his fiancé to suicide.  Blair is fed up having a revolving door of choir directors at her alma mater, and knows that Callum will be the next one to go through that door.  Frankly, because Callum said so.  As they begin to work together, Blair begins see that Callum does have a heart for the students, even if his teaching methods are a little rough around the edges.  One day, while in the chorus library, Blair and Callum stumble across a unfinished, unsigned, choral composition that they believe has the promise of a choral masterpiece.  For years around Peterson High, there has been talk and rumor about a senior student from the 1960’s and 1970’s, Iris  Wallingford and her love of music.  Blair and Callum wonder if the unfinished composition and Iris Wallingford are connected and start investigating.  As Callum and Blair start digging into the past, they create a bond that goes beyond coworkers and also dig up dirt that threatens everything they thought they knew.

Amanda Wen has a masterpiece on her hands with Echoes of a Silent Song! Ms. Wen has lyrically written a beautiful story composed of pain mixed in with the finding of True Love with the unexpected element of mystery within it’s notes that captivated me from the get-go! I have read every book that Ms. Wen has written and am amazed that with each of Ms. Wen’s books that involve a dual-timeline, Ms. Wen has consistently written between the two timelines seamlessly, continuing this practice with Echoes of a Silent Song. I loved meeting Callum and Blair, and my heart hurt for them and what they have respectively been through. I felt like I was right there with Callum and Blair as they were uncovering clues to the composition and I felt all the feels when the things regarding the composition fell into place the way that they did. (I was flabbergasted, to say the least…just read Echoes of a Silent Song!) I thought the whole premise of Echoes of a Silent Song was genius! My favorite parts of the book are Iris’s storyline and what was revealed about Iris in present day. (Seriously, read Echoes of a Silent Song!) I absolutely loved Iris and how she was portrayed in the book—especially Iris’s thought sequences! I loved and appreciated how mental health was addressed in the book. I also appreciate the thread that was woven into the story about emotional and mental abuse at the hands of a covert narcissist. Having those elements in Echoes of a Silent Song was surprising and made me love the story even more. Despite all that Iris, Callum, and Blair went through in their respective eras, I love that no matter how hard, they held onto belief in God, even if that belief was hanging by a thread. Echoes of a Silent Song is a beautifully written escape that weaves love, heartache, and shows us how the Truth will always set us Free. I highly recommend and hope you will read Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen! I’m excited to see what Ms. Wen creates next!

Have you read Echoes of a Silent Song? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to Amanda Wen for letting me be a part of Echoes of a Silent Song Launch Team as well Kregel Reviewers, MadLit Assist and Mentoring, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Amanda Wen

Image Curtesy of Amanda Wen

Amanda Wen’s novels have released to both reader and critical acclaim. Her second novel, The Songs That Could Have Been, won both the Selah and the Carol Awards, and her debut, Roots of Wood and Stone, was a finalist for the Christy Award. In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.

More By Amanda Wen:

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace

The Songs That Could Have Been

O Little Town: A Romance Christmas Collection by Amanda Wen, Janyre Tromp, & Deborah Raney

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Book Review: Superheroes

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

At twenty-one, Abby Callahan leaves her parent’s home for a rented motel room in Reford’s Crossing. She has no friends, let alone a boyfriend, so why did she tell her controlling sister she’s bringing a date to a family party? With only one week and no prospects, she needs a miracle.

Rory St. George needs a cashier for the store he manages, and Abby is the perfect choice. When he invites her out, hoping to propose a job offer, she agrees to go—if he will accompany her to a family party. Rory’s plans don’t include a relationship, but he’s drawn to Abby in a way he didn’t anticipate.

A series of misfortunes threaten to end their relationship before it begins. With the odds stacked against them, can their newfound love survive? She’s new in town. He’s from the wrong side of town.

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Source:  M. Jean Pike

Leslie’s Review:  4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Love It!

Superheroes by M. Jean Pike is a beautiful book that reminds you of God’s Faithfulness and Provision to us.  Abby has moved to the town of Redford’s Crossing to get out from under her Parent’s thumb.  For the first time in her life Abby has Peace following God wherever that may lead, even if it may mean living in a sketchy apartment that used to be a sketchy motel and working at Caruso’s Quick Stop.  Abby’s Family seems to believe she cannot survive without their input or that she won’t be successful if she’s not following their plans.  To get her Family off of her back, she lets them know she will be bringing a date to her Parents 25th anniversary party.  Abby’s only problem is, she doesn’t have a date…yet.  Rory has been in Redford’s Crossing all of his life.  Life hasn’t always been easy for Rory, but from a young age Rory has always helped out his family.  Rory enjoys working at Grimley’s Farm and Seed Supply.  Rory is also a regular customer of Caruso’s Quick Stop for two reasons: 1.)  Rory knows the owner and 2.) Rory likes Abby and her work ethic.  One day while talking, Rory and Abby decide to hang out, with Rory even attending Abby’s Parents anniversary party.  Shortly thereafter, after standing up for what’s right, Abby is forced to quit her job and her apartment becomes unsafe for her to live in.  Despite it all, God shows His Faithfulness and Provision through a new job with Rory, a new place to live, and finding a Church and Worship Team that becomes family.  As Rory and Abby continue to hang out, their friendship quickly becomes something more.  But the unimaginable happens and threatens what Abby and Rory have begun to build.

Superheroes by M. Jean Pike is one of those books that I didn’t know I needed! The Message within the pages of Superheroes was a timely read, encouraging me when I needed it most.  I also thought the title of Superheroes was perfect for the book and how the theme of Superheroes was woven through the plot. I love meeting Abby and Rory!  I admired Abby and Rory for how much they have respectively been through and deciding to Follow Christ, allowing Him to work through them and their mistakes, Redeeming them in the process. I love how Ms. Pike weaves ups and downs and the surprises of life that the Reader doesn’t necessarily expect into Superheroes, mixing God’s Truth in. I love how Abby Trusted and Depended on God to take care of her. I love that Rory bent over backwards to do what is right, sacrificing his wellbeing in the process. I found most of Abby’s Family to be annoying, which I believe was Ms. Pike’s intent. Rory’s Family had been through the wringer of life and doing their best to come out the other side, no matter what is thrown at them. (My favorite character was Olly, so make sure you read Superheroes for all of the details!) I love the lesson of how what we may see as life’s setbacks, may be God’s Way of accomplishing His Dreams for our lives and His Purpose! I highly recommend Superheroes by M. Jean Pike!

Have you read Superheroes? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank M. Jean Pike for giving me a copy of Superheroes to review as well as the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

M. Jean Pike

Image & Bio Courtesy of M. Jean Pike

Changing seasons. Unexpected blessings. Love that lasts forever. These are a few of M. Jean Pike’s favorite things. With a writing career that has spanned more than two decades, Jean combines an insatiable curiosity about humans and why they do what they do with a keen interest in the quirky and offbeat things in life to bring readers unforgettable tales of life, love, and the inner workings of the human heart. Her short works have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Whispers From Heaven, The Lutheran Digest and others.

More From M. Jean Pike:

King of Hearts

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Book Review: Shattered Amish Identity

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Source: Mary Alford

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really, Really Love It!

Mary Alford’s latest Love Inspired Suspense read, Shattered Amish Identity offers a suspenseful thrilling read!  In Shattered Amish Identity, Hannah has enjoyed her life in the Amish Community of Rachel’s Crossing working as the Amish Community’s School Teacher after an horrific accident left her with amnesia, not being able to recall anything before the accident.  When her brother Arden and sister-in-law, Salome, fail to show up for an auction, Hannah becomes concerned.  Before Hannah checks on Arden and Salome, she makes a quick stop by her house, only to be surprised when her an armed man breaks in.  Using tactics she didn’t know she possessed, Hannah subdues the armed man, as a man claiming to be CIA appears at her doorstep.  Raised Amish, and now working for the CIA, Titus, is shocked to find his fellow CIA agent and love, Lara, dressed as an Amish woman and apprehending a gunman in his hometown of Rachel’s Crossing—especially when Titus was told Lara was dead.  As Titus confronts Lara, Hannah is terrified because she doesn’t know who Lara.  As Hannah and Titus try to untangle what is going on, the web of intrigue that they are stuck in is more muddled than they’ve ever experienced.  And everything comes to head when terrorist Red Dragon and his Soldiers embark on Rachel’s Crossing, shattering everything Hannah and Titus believed they knew.

Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford is a great blend of Amish Fiction and Christian Suspense Fiction while marrying the element of amnesia into the story! I loved the title Shattered Amish Identity and thought it was perfect title for the premise of the plot! I love the complete amnesia that Hannah had in the story and how Hannah literally had no idea or inkling of what happened to her before her accident—so much so that she was shocked that she knew how to apprehend someone! I love the complexity of Titus’ character from being raised Amish to now being at part of the CIA where Titus had to do some things that went against the Amish Faith. I believe that the pull between his Amish upbringing and his job added a needed edge to his character. I love how Shattered Amish Identity’s plot was truly a web of intrigue that unravels layer by layer, not always showing what lies underneath. While I liked the element of Red Dragon and his Soldiers, my Reader heart was sad at how many Soldiers infiltrated areas of society that should be trusted and honest. (Read Shattered Amish Identity to get all the details!) I love how Hannah and Titus had changed, learning that it’s ok to go after what gives them Peace, regardless of that looks like to the world. If you are looking for an intriguing read that gives you quite the web to unravel, then I highly recommend Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford!

Have you read Shattered Amish Identity? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Mary Alford and Amanda Geaney for letting me be a part of the Mary Alford’s Influencer Team, and giving me a copy of Shattered Amish Identity to review, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Mary Alford

Image & Bio Courtesy of Mary Alford

Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. She is a USA TODAY, Parable, and Publishers Weekly best-selling author. Her titles have won the Holt Medallion, The Kiss of Death, and Golden Scroll Novel of the Year, and have been finalists in the Selah and the Maggie Awards. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of seventy acres with two cats and one dog. Learn more at www.maryalford.net.

More Reviews of Mary Alford’s Books:

Framed in Amish Country

Amish Country Killer

Seeking Evil: Book Three of Hallowed Halls Series

Sins of the Past (via the Small Town Danger Collection)

Among the Innocent

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Book Review: Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story: Paul’s Patrons Book 1

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

In the raging sea of fear, Epaphroditus finds his faith.

In the bustling colony of Philippi, Epaphroditus, the son of a traveling merchant, finds himself ensnared in the threads of destiny. Blessed with wealth and privilege, his life is shadowed by a prophecy whispered by one of Aphrodite’s priestesses: a grim fate aboard a ship awaits Epaphroditus.

Living vicariously through his best friend Luke, a compassionate physician traversing the seas to aid the afflicted, Epaphroditus grapples with the threat of mortality and the uncertainty of his future. When a bold traveler named Paul arrives, bearing tales of a humble craftsman from Nazareth named Jesus, Epaphroditus finds himself drawn into a journey of faith.

Join Epaphroditus on his extraordinary odyssey, where he discovers the transformative power of grace and the strength to battle fear with faith. Dare to embark on a journey that will stir your soul and ignite your faith as the letter of Philippians comes to life in Leading Philippi, Book 1 of the Paul’s Patrons series.

Publisher: Peacock Press 

Source: Jenifer Jennings

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Jenifer Jennings’ Paul’s Patrons series is off to a great start with Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story! Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story transports the Reader back to Bible Times during the time of the Book of Acts where Readers meet Epaphroditus. As a young child, Epaphroditus travels to Paphos, Cyprus with his mom to worship at the Sanctuary of Aphrodite. While at the Sanctuary, Epaphroditus receives a dooming prophecy that colors his entire life. Returning home to Philippi, as Epaphroditus gets older, he depends heavily on his lifelong friendship with Luke, who grows up to be a doctor, and Luke’s sister, Melody. Luke and Melody’s upbringing is something Epaphroditus has always craved, causing Epaphroditus to spend every moment he can with Luke—and Melody. When Luke starts to share ideas and beliefs of a man called Jesus, Epaphroditus wonders even more about the way he was raised and questions the things that he was taught to believe.

I love Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story and where Jenifer Jennings is taking the Paul’s Patrons series! I love how Ms. Jennings immersed Readers into the Philippian culture, showing how the Philippian people worship and serve what they believe to be gods. I felt that by immersing the Readers into the culture, it gave the Readers better understanding of Epaphroditus as a character. I know having Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story written that way made my heart soft towards Epaphroditus and made me root for Epaphroditus all through the book to come to the Lord. I loved that Luke made an appearance in Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story and I hope Luke makes a future appearance in the Paul’s Patrons series in some capacity. I love how some of my favorite stories and people from the Book of Acts made an appearance in Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story, and how those elements were woven into the storyline. I love how I saw God softening Epaphroditus’ heart towards Him and others before he made a decision to be a Follower. If you are looking for a read that takes you through new Cultural depths into Bible times, while shining the Light of Jesus, then I highly recommend Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story by Jenifer Jennings! I’m excited to where Ms. Jennings takes the Paul’s Patrons series next!

Have you read Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story by Jenifer Jennings? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Jenifer Jennings for giving me a copy of Leading Philippi: Epaphroditus’ Story to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Jenifer Jennings

Image & Bio Courtesy of Amazon

Jenifer Jennings writes Historical novels that immerse readers in ancient worlds filled with Biblical characters and faith-building stories. Coming to faith in Jesus at seventeen, she spends her days falling in love with her Savior through the study of His Word. Jenifer has a Bachelor’s in Women’s Ministry and graduated with distinction while earning her Master’s in Biblical Languages. When she’s not working on her latest book, Jenifer can be found on a date with her hardworking husband or mothering their two children. Discover your next favorite book at: jeniferjennings.com.

More by Jenifer Jennings:

Salome: Servant Siblings 7

James: Servant Siblings 1

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Book Review: Bernadette: The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Book 8

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Tiny Bernie Sawrey is perfectly happy fixing carburetors until her stepmother ambushes her with a blind date. The catch? It’s with movie star Garrett Lomas, Bernie’s secret celebrity crush and the reason she’s haunted the drive-in alone her entire adult life.

There’s just one teensy problem: Bernie’s about as Hollywood-ready as a rusty muffler.

But when her dad’s garage faces financial ruin, suddenly playing Kokomo’s answer to the girl-next-door doesn’t seem so impossible, if it will help. How hard can it be to fake being normal for a few weeks?

Meanwhile, Gabe Lomas thought being his identical twin’s stunt double only involved driving race cars—not impersonating him at charity events in small-town Indiana. But when the movie studio execs set up the deal and Garrett’s fiancée says no way, Gabe trades his helmet for a fake smile and a very real problem.

The problem? Bernie Sawrey, all five-foot-nothing of her, with enough quirk and innocence to charm the grumpiest producer. That’s the problem.

Gabe is falling for her hard, only she thinks he’s his famous brother.

And she just might be falling for him too.

Now he’s caught between protecting his brother’s career and protecting his own heart. Because telling Bernie the truth might send her racing away—but not telling her guarantees he’ll lose her when she finds out.

Return to 1973 Kokomo, Indiana, where the cardinal in the sycamore knows that love—like a good engine—runs best when all the parts are genuine. A sweet, hilarious tale of mistaken identity, small-town charm, and finding love when you’re not even being yourself.

Publisher:  Tandem Services Press

Source: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Leslie’s Review: 4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

I love visiting Kokomo, Indiana in the 1970s world that Jennifer Lynn Cary creates! On my latest visit to Kokomo, through Bernadette, the eighth installment of Ms. Cary’s The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Series, I met Bernadette, a 30 year old woman who has the need for speed and a love for all things cars and Jesus.  Bernadette believes she has a good life living at home with her Dad and Stepmother, Roberta, and helping her Dad run the family’s auto shop, while secretly competing at the Kokomo Speedway under the name Bernie Smith. One day, Roberta approaches Bernadette with the prospect of acting as a date to a famed Movie Star while he’s in Kokomo to film and promote his upcoming movie. Bernadette is appalled by the idea because 1.) there’s not anything girlie about her, 2.) the Movie Star in question is her secret crush, Garrett Lomas, and 3.) Bernadette will not be able to work at the auto shop or race while the movie crew is in town. When Bernadette’s Father convinces her to go along with the dates for his sake, she begrudgingly agrees and Roberta goes on full-fledged makeover mode, which Bernadette dreads. Gabe Lomas, twin and older brother, of famed movie star Garrett Lomas is content staying in the background as long as he can protect Garrett by being his stunt double and have his hobby of cars and racing on the side. When Garrett’s latest movie lands him and Gabe in Kokomo, Garrett, who’s secretly engaged to a leading lady in Hollywood, enlists Gabe to act as Garrett himself when he’s required to go on dates with a girl from Kokomo to promote the movie. As Gabe and Bernadette are thrown together, they discover that they have much in common. As sparks fly, the only thing that is holding Bernadette and Gabe back is being their true, full self.

I can’t believe that this is Jennifer Lynn Cary’s eighth book in The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Series! Reading each story and meeting the characters has been a delight and honor to read! Bernadette is a book that is right down my alley! I found myself relating to Bernadette the character a lot—we both are Daddy’s Girls, have a sport(s) we love, are tomboyish with a dash of frill, and love Jesus, among other things. I loved the twin twist to the plot! The twin twist element reminded me of Daniela Ruah on NCIS: Los Angeles who is married to the stunt double and real-life twin of her Character’s love interest on the show! I was surprised, but happy at the same time that Gabe was older. Creating Gabe that way went against the stereotype of the “younger brother doing the older brother’s bidding”. I loved how Gabe was a down-to-earth guy and how much he had in common with Bernadette. I thought that the character of Roberta was special because of what she saw in Bernadette, not asking Bernadette to change who she is, but encouraging Bernadette to be who God meant for Bernadette to be. I loved the relationship that formed between Bernadette and Roberta and their talks! I loved the relationship that formed between Bernadette and Gabe—how they weren’t afraid to be themselves with each other and how they both grew personally. I love how they both did their best to keep God at the forefront of what they did. (Read Bernadette because there is this impactful scene where Bernadette learns a lot about herself and God through the story of David and Goliath.) If you are looking for a great fun read that let’s you escape with reminders of God’s Truth along the way, then I highly recommend Bernadette by Jennifer Lynn Cary! I can’t wait to see what Ms. Cary does with The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Series and if the cardinal makes an appearance! (If you’ve read any of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Series, then you know!)

Have you read Bernadette? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Jennifer Lynn Cary for giving me a copy of Bernadette to review and supplying the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Jennifer Lynn Cary

Picture and Bio Courtesy of Jennifer Lynn Cary

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Her current spin-off series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue, contains standalones with a common thread.

More from Jennifer Lynn Cary:

Shilo: The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Book 7

Tracy: A Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Book 6

Ronnie: A Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Book 5

Cracklin’ Rosie: The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Book 4

Runaround Sue: The Weather Girls Wedding and Venue Shoppe Book 3

Sylvia’s Mother: Book Two of the of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series

Judy in Disguise: The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue Book 1

Cheryl’s Going Home: A Weather Girls Novel

The Weather Girls: The Complete Kindle Box Set

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah: The Matriarchs Book #1

About the Book

Book: Rescued Heart

Author: Angela Hunt

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 7, 2025

In Ur of the Chaldees, Ishcah faces the daunting prospect of marrying Abram, a man she has never met and who renames her Sarai on their wedding day. Their union tests her as she grapples with uncertainty and Abram’s devotion to an unseen God. Her skepticism toward seemingly impossible promises grows, and only a miracle can prove Adonai’s faithfulness.

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah: The Matriarchs Book #1 is a uniquely written and woven story about Abraham and Sarah from the Bible by Angela Hunt. Using the Bible as her guide and inspiration from the Book of Jasher, Ms. Hunt makes Readers see these well known People from the Bible in a different light from the beginning of their marriage to the end, and everything in between. Showing Abraham and Sarah in humanistic light, beyond the pages of the Bible and the Book of Jasher, also shows that some of their struggles, or aspects of them, are not all that different than what we struggle with today.

I absolutely loved Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah: The Matriarchs Book #1 by Angela Hunt! I thought Ms. Hunt’s research for Rescued Heart was unique and different than what I am used to in Biblical Fiction. I love that Ms. Hunt had an Author’s Note and supplemental Q & A section for Readers that answer questions they may have while reading Rescued Heart. Through Rescued Heart, I saw Sarah and Abraham with fresh eyes. I like how even though it was primarily Sarah’s story, Rescued Heart also gives Abraham’s perspective at times too. I love that Sarah and Abraham were older when they got married in the story than I anticipated from reading the Bible. I love how Rescued Heart showed Sarah’s hardship in the waiting, because, to me, it spoke volumes of how even today, to wait upon God and His Timing is, at times, excruciatingly hard—especially when it feels like the rest of the world is passing you by. I also thought that the way Ms. Hunt portrayed the way pregnancy affected Sarah was unique. Some of God’s Mightiness portrayed in the book reminded me of lessons or correlations from both New and Old Testament Stories in the Bible. I actually loved how Hagar was portrayed in Rescued Heart! Make sure to read Rescued Heart to experience Angela Hunt’s beautiful story for yourself! I highly recommend it! I’m excited to see where Angela Hunt takesThe Matriarchs series next!

Have you read Rescued Heart? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher, NetGalley, and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Rescued Heart to review, for letting me be a part of the Rescued Heart Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with 5.5 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

More from Angela

Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel Rescued Heart?

Rescued Heart is the story of Sarah—taken from Scripture and another ancient manuscript, the Book of Jasher. Scripture tells us relatively little about the first matriarch of our family, so this novel explores more of what her life might have been like.

What drew you to write about Sarah as the first subject in your new MATRIARCHS series?

I have been writing biblical historical fiction for a few years now, and I had yet to go back this far in history. It’s a challenge to find authentic history about the bronze age, but when you can find something, it’s fascinating.

How did you research daily life in ancient Mesopotamia and the nomadic existence Sarah would have experienced?

As I mentioned above, I used the Book of Jasher to fill in many of the details that Scripture does not give us. Jasher does not claim to be inspired Scripture, but it does give us ideas about what daily life in that age could have been like.

Sarah faces many difficult situations in her journey, including barrenness in a culture that deeply valued fertility. How did you approach writing about her emotional struggles?

Writing about infertility was easy for me, as my husband and I personally experienced it— though not nearly as long as Sarah did. I simply took what I knew and multiplied it by decades of years.

The relationship between Sarah and Abraham spans decades. What challenges did you face in portraying their evolving relationship over such a long period?

A marriage, like any relationship, goes through seasons—the honeymoon phase, the getting to-know you phase (especially in an arranged marriage), as well as various struggles regarding finances and leadership. Sarah put up with a lot—Abraham’s lies about their relationship, for one thing, and Sarah’s twice ending up in harems of foreign kings—yet they remained committed to each other.

How did you balance staying true to the biblical account while creating a full narrative with dialogue and interior thoughts?

Whenever I write in this genre, I aspire to 1) never contradict the biblical record, 2) never contradict the historical record, and 3) fill in the rest with what fits with what we can know about society, environment, governments, and technology at that time. The rest is emotional, because human nature does not change.

Sarah is often remembered for her laughter when told she would bear a son in her old age. How did you interpret this pivotal moment in her story?

Wouldn’t you laugh if someone told you—at ninety—that in a year you’d be nursing your own baby? I would! Sarah was not only old, but she had also been through menopause, so she thought of herself as a dried husk, no longer a woman. No wonder she laughed.

What surprising insights about Sarah did you discover during your research and writing process?

I don’t know if I “discovered” this, but I portrayed her as a woman who trusted in God through her husband. After all, Abraham was the one who talked to God, saw Him, prayed to Him—Sarah simply believed in her husband, who believed in God. But when God told Abraham to sacrifice Sarah’s beloved son, she had a real crisis of faith, and Jewish tradition holds that the shock of that realization was what resulted in her death. If you examine Scripture, you’ll see that Abraham and Isaac left Beersheba, where the family had been living, and went to Mount Moriah for the sacrifice . . . but Sarah doesn’t die in Beersheba, where she must have been living, but at Mamre, where Abraham had built an altar. And that’s all I can say without spoiling the ending of the book.

What do you hope readers take away from Rescued Heart?

That our relationship with God must be personal, not secondhand.

What are you working on next?

I am currently writing Righteous Heart, the story of Rebekah. Loving the research.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 10

Mary Hake, October 10

Inspired by Fiction, October 11

Devoted Steps, October 12

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

She Lives to Read, October 14

Pause for Tales, October 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 16

Lily’s Corner, October 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 19

Stories By Gina, October 20 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, October 20

Cover Lover Book Review, October 21

Holly’s Book Corner, October 22

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 23

The Bookish Pilgrim, October 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Barnes & Noble 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://promosimple.com/ps/3d278/rescued-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Book Review: God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

With wisdom and deep empathy, a seasoned chaplain reminds readers of God’s steadfast, loving presence in their lives

When life turns upside down, the world’s cruelty can feel crippling. Unexpected and devastating news like a diagnosis, betrayal, or layoff can make God feel distant—or nonexistent. It’s natural to wonder where God is and whether he cares at all. Those who face trials need a reminder that God is still for them.

Bob Page, retired Air Force brigadier general, offers ten reasons to persevere in faith and move toward a life of renewed hope and purpose. God Is Still for You invites readers to sit with a battle-seasoned chaplain, who knows firsthand how painful life can be, and ask the hard questions. With decades of experience in active duty, Bob personally understands how dark it can feel to believe God is absent.

Each chapter highlights Scripture, contains real-life stories, and ends with a clear statement of why the reader can be sure that God is still for them. With biblical truth, fresh and compelling retellings of Bible stories, and a wise and personal writing style, Bob will guide readers to find hope.

Publisher:  Kregel Publications

Source: Book Lovers & Launchers

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard by Bob Page is a wonderful read that reminds you Who God Truly Is and His Character. Drawing upon his life experiences, Mr. Page,a retired Air Force brigadier general and Chaplain, shows us through Scripture that God is for us, even if life throws us curve balls that suggests otherwise. At the end of each chapter there are questions to help deepen what you just read, as well as a prayer and a worship song or two that corresponds with what was just read.

You know how when God draws you to a book months in advance and you’re not sure why at the time, but some time later when you pick up the book to read you realize it was God Ordained for you to read it—because when you read it, the words inside spoke exactly to what you were going through? God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard by Bob Page did exactly that for me! I felt as though every chapter written was written for me. I love how honest and raw Chaplain Page was in God Is Still For You and how he didn’t water down the Truth. The way each chapter was written was equal balance life experience and God’s Truth, showing us seamlessly how God can weave Himself into our lives if we just Trust Him. I also saw God Is Still For You as a Testimony of God’s Work in Chaplain Page’s life. There were moments while I was reading God Is Still For You that triggered a memory of God’s Goodness in my own life, as if God was nudging me and letting me know that He was still here in the silence. I found myself highlighting much of what I read and making a list of the Bible verses that spoke to me. I loved reading of Chaplain Page’s life and learning about his time in the Air Force and as Chaplain. I loved reading how God is Ministering to people all around the world! If you are looking for a Truthful read that reminds you that God is still for you despite it all, then I highly recommend God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard by Bob Page! It’s been an honor to read Mr. Page’s book and I really hope that everyone will read it!

Have you read God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard? What did you think of the book?

Thank you the Publisher and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard and for letting me be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Bob Page

Bio and Image Courtesy of Bob Page

Bob Page is a retired Air Force brigadier general with decades of experience as a chaplain and pastor. With wisdom and a warm writing style, Bob’s heart for the wounded, the discouraged, the fallen, and the one who feels unseen shines through each chapter. His signature humor shows up in heartwarming stories that bring light to biblical truth and point you toward hope.

Bob says he won the lottery when he turned eighteen and got his selective service draft number that required him to do military service. It was an unexpected turn that felt like a huge detour from the future he had planned. Yet, it was on that detour that God introduced him to the love of his life and his life’s work.

Bob met Ruth at Loring Air Force Base, Maine. He was there from LSU for ROTC field training. She was there from Clemson University with her family for the summer working as a student nurse in a local hospital. He was nineteen. She was a few months younger. After attending a chapel service where Ruth’s dad was a chaplain, Ruth’s mother invited Bob to their home for Sunday lunch. Before they parted ways that day, Bob and Ruth tore a chapel bulletin in half to exchange mailing addresses, promising to send postcards to each other when they returned to their schools in the fall. After more than 50 years of marriage, Bob and Ruth still have those pieces of the chapel bulletin and the two Tiger postcards. They live near their two married daughters and sons-in-law. They are amazed daily by their five grandchildren.

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Book Review: Still Holding Out for You: Real American Country Book 4

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

They met chasing dreams on national TV.

What they found was something bigger than fame.

Austin Blake always thought ranch life was his future—until a chance encounter at a dusty Montana bar lands him a spot on Real American Country, a televised music competition that could change everything. When he meets Willow Gracin, a fiercely talented singer from Savannah with a heart full of lyrics and something to prove, sparks fly—on and off the stage.

As the cameras roll and the music plays, Austin and Willow find a connection deeper than either expected. But when the spotlight fades, life has its own rhythm—one that tests their strength, their love, and everything they thought they knew about purpose and passion.

When a tragic diagnosis threatens to silence their love song, country music stars Austin and Willow must fight for a future together in a way they never imagined. Spanning a decade of soaring highs and devastating lows, this is a story about the love you hold onto, the legacy you leave behind, and the music that carries you home, even after the last note has faded.

Publisher: JCarr Writes

Source: Jennifer Carr and NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really Love It!

Jennifer Carr give readers a backstage pass once again into the lives of the contestants of the reality show, Real American Country in her latest release Still Holding Out for You.  Still Holding Out for You zooms in on the lives of Austin, a rancher from Montana, and Willow, a sweet girl from Georgia, who both have dreams of making it big creating the music they love.  Sparks and friendship fly from the get-go, making Austin and Willow realize that they are better together than apart in all areas of life.  After creating the country duo Grace and Gravel, all of Austin and Willow’s dreams for life and success are coming true until blessing and heartbreak collide, threatening all they hold dear.

Jennifer Carr knows how to craft a beautiful story full of emotions, that shows it from the viewpoint of both of it’s main characters, adding a depth and fullness to her stories that make the stories uniquely Jennifer Carr. This is true of Still Holding Out for You. Between the first book in the Real American Country series to now, I have seen Ms. Carr’s growth as a writer. When I read a Jennifer Carr book, I’ve learned that it will be an emotional read that takes me out of my comfort zone.  And despite this, I still want to know what goes on in the Real American Country world that Ms. Carr created!  I liked meeting Austin and Willow and I thought pairing them together as a Country Duo added a unique twist in the series.  As the chapters built, I felt that not enough time was given to Austin and Willow’s actual relationship after they got together and that most of the book was about “Will they get together or won’t they?”, even though I know that’s the way Ms. Carr intended it to be.  (That’s just Reader’s Opinion though and doesn’t take away from the book.)  Having personal experiences, either personally or by proxy of a family member, with some of the health challenges, including death, that arose in the book, I found it difficult on how to respond to those parts of the book because my family responded completely different to them emotionally in real life than the characters in the book did to some of the same, similar situations.  (This doesn’t necessarily make those situations in the book right or wrong, but helps to illustrate how we all express and deal with life differently.) Still Holding Out for You also talked about the option of abortion. Being personally opposed to abortion, regardless of the situation, it hurt reading that a Doctor brought it up for medical situations and that Austin acted like it was ok, if that was what Willow chose, when they found out they were expecting. While overall a clean read, some of what the characters did did not align with my personal values, such as living together before marriage as well as some of the slang used being a little edgier than I am comfortable using in my daily life. Daily life aside, these things did not prevent me from escaping into the Real American Country world and hanging out again with it’s Contestants. I also saw and appreciated the message and awareness that Ms. Carr was bringing to the forefront through the issues that arose in Still Holding Out for You. If you are looking for a deep escape of love and life then I highly recommend Still Holding Out for You by Jennifer Carr! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the world of Real American Country next!

Have you read Still Holding Out for You? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Jennifer Carr (as well as NetGalley and the Publisher) for giving me a copy of Still Holding Out for You to review, for letting me on the Real American Country Street Team, and providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Jennifer Carr

Image Curtesy of Jennifer Carr

I’m Jennifer, but you can just call me Jen.

I live on a hobby farm in Alabama with my husband, Rob (we’ve been best friends since we were 13), our awesome daughter, Hayes and a bunch of noisy goats and chickens. It’s a fun mess, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Before I ventured into the world of book writing I wore a lot of different hats. I taught high school AP Psychology, did some marriage and family counseling, planned weddings, and homeschooled our kiddo just to name a few.

I’ve always loved writing. Complete transparency alert – I never set out to become an author. I know, that probably sounds unlikely considering, but it’s true. I sat down one day and decided I wanted to write a story because I needed to know how a dream I’d awoken from ended. It snowballed and turned into chapters and eventually into an entire book. When I finished that book, I needed to make sure my characters were OK and thriving so I wrote the second book.

It was at that point I realized that being an author was something I could see myself doing for a really long time. So, I’m still writing and loving every minute of it.

More by Jennifer Carr:

Let Me Love You: Real American Country Book 3

Wrapped Up in You: Real American Country Book 2 

Fall When You’re Ready: Real American Country Book 1

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Book Review: The Stories We Carry

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Glory Pryor has carved out a life for herself in Gilmore, North Carolina, cultivating a community around her bookstore, By the Book. While her business is a success, she carries the weight of stories of her own she’s never told anyone. She holds out hope that one day her estranged brother will turn up on her doorstep so she can finally learn where he’s been all these years. Glory’s husband Eli thinks she has her arms wrapped too tightly around the could-have-beens, and that it’s time for them to let go of the store as they head into their retirement years. Glory has different opinions on that—she’s not ready to give up the dream she’s built just yet. Then Adelle Simonette shows up with her young son, Bennett, and Glory’s carefully controlled life begins to crumble.

Newly widowed Adelle Simonette is a single mother trying to find her footing and navigate parenting her young son. Lost in her grief, one thing she’s certain of is that she needs to confront Glory Pryor and everybody who knows her because the woman’s been living a lie. Adelle thinks it’s high time Glory made things right. But Adelle’s finding it hard to tell the truth . . . and there will be no going back once she does.

In the wake of deeply personal grief and loss, two women reckon with a lifetime of silence and secrets to find a path forward toward healing, hope, and restoration.

Publisher:  Tyndale Fiction

Source: Book Lovers & Launchers via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

The Stories We Carry is a beautifully written book by Robin W. Pearson that centers around Glory Pryor, the owner of By the Book, a bookstore located in Gilmore, North Carolina.  At over 60 years of age, Glory’s life and work are built and confined by the walls of By the Book.  Among the books, Glory feels sheltered and protected from the heartache and secrets that her life has carried.  With her husband Eli, Glory couldn’t imagine her life any other way—despite Eli’s pleadings for retirement. When Adelle, a 40 year-old woman, and her 4 year-old son Bennett, come barreling into By the Book one day, Adelle is trying to hold her life together piece by piece since the death of her husband. However, Adelle and Bennett’s entry into Glory’s life causes Glory’s world to start turning topsy turvey, slowly dismantling the carefully crafted life she has built book by book. As Glory’s Friends create the Famous Quotes Group, the discussions cause a deep interpersonal reflection to happen within Glory in hopes of rebuilding her life anew.

I loved reading The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson. As I was reading The Stories We Carry, I loved how Ms. Pearson wrote the plot layer by layer, slowly revealing Glory’s and Adelle’s respective storylines. I love that The Stories We Carry wasn’t necessarily fun and fluff, but that it came across as raw and real. I appreciated that Adelle was a Christian and that Glory had issues with Christianity. I love how I never knew where The Stories We Carry was going and how it was still beautiful through Adelle’s and Glory’s respective brokenness. When you read The Stories We Carry, you feel the weight of what Adelle and Glory both carry in their lives. (It may even cause you ponder and contemplate the stories you carry, as it did for me.) Ms. Pearson also paints a vivid picture of how what happens in our lives often stays with us, leaving imprints that can effect us today—good or bad. I love how The Stories We Carry dealt with issues, not necessarily giving the book closure, but allowing growth and reconciliation of the issues brought up in the book to be taken care of off page. I highly recommend The Stories We Carry by Robin W. Pearson!

Have you read The Stories We Carry? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read The Stories We Carry and for letting me be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Robin W. Pearson

Image and Bio Courtesy of Amazon

Robin W. Pearson’s writing sprouts from her Southern upbringing, her belief in Jesus Christ, and her love of her husband, seven children, and their dog, Oscar. Her novels are “rooted in the soul of the story” and include her Christy Award–winning debut, A Long Time Comin’, as well as ’Til I Want No More, Walking in Tall Weeds, and her latest, Dysfunction Junction. Robin has corrected grammar up and down the East Coast in her career as an author and editor and in her calling as a homeschooling mama of many. She loves to share about her faith and her family through her fiction; her blog, Mommy Concentrated; and at conferences such as Breathe, Fiction Readers Summit, and Vision Christian Writers; and with her friends and followers. These people and experiences are the source of all the characters living and breathing in the stories waiting to be told about her belief in Jesus Christ and the experiences at her own kitchen sink. Learn more on her website.

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Book Review & Celebrate Lit Tour: Mistletoe and Mayhem: The Little Red Truck Mysteries: Book Three

About the Book

Book: Mistletoe and Mayhem (The Little Red Truck Mysteries: Book Three)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction/Christmas

Release Date: September, 2025

A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really Loved It!!!!

Imagine that there is a wildfire in your town where many lose everything, only to have the fire end right as it’s about to touch your property. Then a few days later there is a massive storm that brings much needed rain to your community, but leaves a tad bit of damage behind. That’s what happens to RaeLyn and Mason the week before their wedding that is supposed to take place after Christmas in Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson. Mistletoe and Mayhem is the third installment in Ms. Thompson’s The Little Red Truck Mysteries series. As RaeLyn prepares for her dream wedding with her dream guy, Mason, she is faced with the reality that she may have to alter her plans somewhat. Choosing to Trust God is easier said than done, but that’s what RaeLyn chooses to do. As RaeLyn trusts God with her wedding, she can’t get the trauma of the fire out of her mind. Was the fire really caused by dry lightning? Or was it done by disgruntled friend Buck as retaliation against Frasier Oil? Or were teenagers, Karter and Kenner, deemed heroes of the wildfire to blame? Or was it Aaron, the local firefighter who just got fired? RaeLyn just has to trust those over the investigation to get to the bottom of it. Frankly, RaeLyn’s too busy getting ready for her big day to worry about anything else!

I loved reading Janice Thompson’s Mistletoe and Mayhem and getting reunited with Ms. Thompson’s characters from The Little Red Truck Mysteries! Mistletoe and Mayhem is a cozy mystery with more cozy than mystery—and in this instance that’s ok, given the point of the plot. I was amazed at how much RaeLyn focused on her wedding and let the investigators do their job, despite her sleuthing instincts going into overdrive. (Even though RaeLyn did pass along information and ideas to the authorities a time or two.) I love the interpersonal reflection and praying that RaeLyn did regarding her wedding after the fire and storm, trusting God and choosing to see that as long as Mason and those she loved were with her at the wedding, that’s all that mattered. I love how much prayer and Trusting God was a strong thread in the storyline. I thought Mason was the sweetest— especially the way he treated and cherished RaeLyn! Aunt Bessie Mae was a hoot and reminded me of Aunt Bess from Gayle Leeson’s Down South Cafe Mysteries! (That’s a good thing, because we all need a Bessie Mae in our lives!) I understand that RaeLyn’s Mom was having difficulty going through the things going on in the book, but she often came across as being annoying to me at times, especially if she still carried hurt over people’s decisions that she didn’t approve of. (That is purely a personal opinion and did not take away from me enjoying Mistletoe and Mayhem.) I loved Mistletoe and Mayhem, but I wanted more mystery than what I got. I completely understand why there was more cozy than mystery in it, I just personally missed having a proper dose of mystery in the book for me. Despite the lack of mystery in the book for me, I still really enjoyed Mistletoe and Mayhem and the reminders of Trusting God woven throughout the book. If you are looking for a Christmassy escape that has a powerful lesson of Trusting God and Him performing Miracles, with a dash of mystery mixed in, then I recommend you read Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson!

Have you read Mistletoe and Mayhem? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher, NetGalley, and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Mistletoe and Mayhem to review, for letting me be a part of the Mistletoe and Mayhem Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

 

 

 

More from Janice

In the mid-90s, as my children and I drove up to the Mabank area from our home in Houston, we saw smoke off in the distance. The closer we got to my mother and stepfather’s acreage—sixty-three gorgeous acres of cattle land—the thicker the smoke got.

When we arrived on Mom’s street the reality of what faced us was unavoidable. The property across the road, to our left, was in a roaring blaze, flames moving so fast my car could barely get past them on the narrow country road.

We miraculously made it to Mom’s driveway and went inside her home, hearts racing. In that moment, a decision was made to gather in a circle and pray. We offered up a passionate plea for the Lord’s protection then rushed outside to grab hoses to help water everything down.

As I sat to write Mistletoe and Mayhem, my latest cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, I was faced with the memories of this terrifying trip. Just as you read in this story, firefighters got that massive blazed stopped, right at the edge of her property. And I can tell you as a first-hand witness that not a spark landed on any of us. Whenever I reflect on this event I’m reminded of God’s ultimate faithfulness. He spared us from certain catastrophe.

I can assure you, we as a family never forgot the mercy and grace of God as we faced our Isaiah 43 moment. No doubt you’ve been through a few fires, too. Fear not. The Lord is right there, ready to carry you through. You can trust Him, even in the fiery trials of life.

Blessings on you all,

Janice Thompson

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1b-3

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 5

Texas Book-aholic, October 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7

For Him and My Family, October 8

Blossoms and Blessings, October 9 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 9

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 11

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Bizwings Book Blog, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 15

Labor Not in Vain, October 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away a $25 Amazon e-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://promosimple.com/ps/3d26a/mistletoe-and-mayhem-celebration-tour-giveaway

More by Janice Thompson:

Sabotage at Cedar Creek: The Little Red Truck Mysteries Book Two

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Book Review: Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Christmas stirs countless longings in our hearts. Longings for a joyful, peaceful season. For merry moments with loved ones. For nostalgic moments and sweet memories. For meaningful moments of worship.

Simply put, we long for the beauty and wonder of Christmas. But so much interferes with that desire. Packed schedules, the urge to do everything Christmas, seasonal commercialism, and life situations all hinder these longings from becoming reality.

Cheryl Barker wants to help you change that with her new Advent devotional Christmas for the Heart. The quotes, reflections, original poetry, Scriptures, and special features in each chapter help you reclaim the beauty and wonder of the season. Her heartfelt words lead you to rejoice in the greatest gift ever given and inspire you to give the King of Kings the worship he’s due. The guided journaling makes this beautiful devotional book a perfect keepsake gift. 

Publisher: B&H Books

Source: Book Lovers & Launchers via NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

I love it when publishers come out with new Advent and Christmas Devotionals! One such devotional for 2025 is Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season by Cheryl Barker and published by B&H Books. Each year, God inspires Ms. Barker to write a poem to include in the Christmas cards she sends out. Using Christmas poems from years past, Ms. Barker creates 25 different devotion entries to correspond with one of her 25 poems. Each entries has an opening quote and a Bible verse. There is also a journal aspect at the end of most entry that allows you to reflect on the following: “Christmas Wisdom”, “Christmas Prayer”, “Christmas Past”, “Christmas Present”, and “Christmas Merrymaking” which offers an idea to incorporate into your festivities.

I love Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season by Cheryl Barker! Ms. Barker writes beautiful Christmas Poems and devotion entries full of heart and Truth that points Readers to the real Reason for the Season. I love how Ms. Barker used personal stories and reflections in each devotion entry and it’s corresponding poem. I love how the devotion entries ran the gambit of emotions— from the joy that Christmas can bring some years to how, some years, Christmas is just difficult due to death and sickness, among other things. I thought it was unique to have a journal aspect in the book and I believe the layout gave ample space to write out your responses. I also loved the “Christmas Merrymaking” part of the journal responses. The “Christmas Merrymaking” portion also gave me ideas that I would like incorporate into my own Christmas celebrations. I loved Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season by Cheryl Barker from the first page to the last page! It’s a great devotional that helps sweep you into the Reason for the Season! I highly recommend Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season by Cheryl Barker!

Have you read Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Karen from Book Lovers and Launchers for the opportunity to read Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season and for letting me be on the Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Cheryl Barker

Image and Bio Courtesy of Amazon

Cheryl Barker is a writer from Kansas who loves the Lord and longs for her words to be a blessing to others. Her heart’s desire is to refresh spirits and nourish souls.

 

Cheryl is the author of Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season and also Mother of the Bride: Refreshment and Wisdom for the Motherof the Bride. Her work has also appeared in magazines, compilation books, and other publications as well as in Blue Mountain Arts greeting cards and also their gift book anthologies and calendars. Her website features her inspirational blog and a blog for mothers of the bride.

 

Cheryl is married to Don and mom to adult daughters Kristin and Kelli and mom-in-law to Shawn and Jake. Each couple has a set of twin sons so Cheryl is now one busy grandma to two sets of twin grandsons (Isaiah and James and Samuel and Silas) and loves every minute of it.

 

When she’s not writing or tending to life’s chores, Cheryl loves to spend time with family and friends, take photos, read, and stay involved in her church and her writers group. Last, but certainly not least, she loves to indulge in chocolate. Connect with Cheryl on her website where you will find her newsletter sign-up and her social media buttons.

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Book Review: Through Water and Stone: A Zion National Park Novel

Image Courtesy of Kregel Publications

Synopsis from Kregel Publications:

In 1948, Zion National Park ranger Henry Eriksson and his wife, Alma, are less than one year removed from their infant son’s sudden death in a flash flood, and the weight of the loss hasn’t diminished with time. When Henry discovers an abandoned baby in a hatbox on his morning rounds, he’s unsure how to react, but Alma is delighted, and she reignites with purpose at what seems to be a miracle from God.

Nearly eighty years later, Talia Eriksson leaves her job at an athleisure company in Palo Alto, California, in disgrace and returns to Zion National Park to reconnect with her grandfather and review her life goals. But when an at-home DNA test exposes family secrets, Talia and her newfound friend, law enforcement ranger Blake Mitchell, work together to search for answers.

Talia navigates the rocky path into her past with Blake by her side, what she discovers may alter everything she knew to be true about herself. With the uncertain future looming, Talia must learn that family is deeper than genetics and that trusting God can mean being still and clinging to the Rock.

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Source: Kregel Reviewers via Kregel Publications & NetGalley

Leslie’s Review: 4 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!!

Karen Barnett’s latest release Through Water and Stone: A Zion National Park Novel takes Readers on a journey during the late 1940s and early 1950s to present day. In the 1940s, Henry Eriksson and his wife Alma are barely existing after losing their infant son. Henry is a Ranger for the National Park Service in Zion National Park in Utah. Alma and Henry are fortunate to live close to Zion National Park and be involved in the day-to-day operations of the park. One day while doing a walk-through of the park, Henry finds an abandoned baby in a hat box near the river. After an investigation, Alma and Henry raise the baby as their own, seeing the baby as a gift from God to heal. But years later, holes in the investigation threaten the family life that Henry and Alma have built. In present day, Talia Eriksson’s life comes to a complete halt when she gets fired from her job after pointing out inconsistencies in the company’s product. Seeking refuge at her Grandfather’s house on the outskirts of Zion National Park to reevaluate her life, Talia secures a job at the Zion National Park’s Gift Shop where Talia meets Blake, a National Park Service Ranger. As Blake and Talia strike up a friendship, Talia decides that they should research their respective family history. When the DNA results come in, it unearths decades of family secrets buried long ago. Through the ripples of their respective timelines, Henry and Alma as well as Blake and Talia learn to Lean On and Trust God through it all.

I loved reading Through Water and Stone: A Zion National Park Novel by Karen Barnett! I felt as though Through Water and Stone took me on a beautiful ride through the 1940s, 1950s, and present day, full of difficulties and finding Peace and Joy through life’s brokenness. I love how seamlessly and vividly Ms. Barnett’s writing took the Reader between the timelines. Through Water and Stone’s plot is unique and is in the vein of Liz Tolsma’s Echoes of the Past series and Carrie Turansky’s A Token of Love. Because of this vein, I thought having the book’s setting mainly in a National Park gave Through Water and Stone a unique edge for me. I loved meeting the Characters. My heart broke for what Alma and Henry went through. I was touched that through it all Alma and Henry held onto God and His Plan. I love seeing the relationship between Talia and her Grandfather. I loved learning a little bit about Talia’s Scandinavian heritage and seeing how important it was to her. For me, one of the most beautiful threads throughout the book was what the title Through Water and Stone truly meant and how the theme of Being Still is woven through the book. I highly recommend Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett! It’s a beautiful read!

Have you read Through Water and Stone? What do you think of the book?

I would like to thank Kregel Reviewers with Kregel Publications and NetGalley for giving me a copy of Through Water and Stone to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Karen Barnett

Book Review: Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight

Image Courtesy of New Growth Press

Synopsis from New Growth Press:

In Darcy Is Always First, children will learn how to show love and patience to their brothers and sisters, even when they annoy each other.

It doesn’t matter that Darcy Duck is only a few seconds older than Delia and Denny—Darcy thinks she should be first at everything. That means that the ducklings always end up fighting to get their turn. Hurt feelings and anger abound until one day when their grandparents fly in for a visit. That’s when Denny’s determination to be first, ahead of Darcy, almost ends in disaster.

Edited by counselor Lauren Whitman, Darcy Always Goes First is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series that brings gospel wisdom and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF’s model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family’s real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus during challenging circumstances.

  • A special section at the end of the book guides parents in having meaningful conversations with their kids about putting others first and living at peace with one another.
  • Children ages four to eight will be captivated by Joe Hox’s colorful, fun illustrations that bring the animal world to life.
  • Teaches children and parents how to apply God’s Word to the inevitable occurrence of navigating sibling conflict.

Publisher: New Growth Press

Source: New Growth Press

Leslie’s Review: 5 Stars/A Favorite of 2025!!!!!

I love being immersed into the world of the Good News for Little Hearts series and the Godly values they present to children and their families. Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight written by Lauren Whitman and illustrated by Joe Hox is an awesome book that deals with sibling rivalry and fighting. Darcy Is Always First is about a family of ducks–a Mama Duck, a Daddy Duck, and three ducklings: Darcy, Delia, and Denny. Darcy, Delia, and Denny hatched the same day, but Darcy hatched first. Since birth, Darcy has always insisted on being first in everything, much to the annoyance of Delia and Denny. The Duck Siblings are excited when they find out that their Grandparents are coming for a visit. Darcy’s desire to be first in everything comes to a head when Denny’s had enough of Darcy’s antics and accidentally puts those he cares about in danger. Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series published by New Growth Press that helps address common issues kids have and walking them through those issues in an age-appropriate way, using Scripture as its guide in the story.

I absolutely love Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight written by Lauren Whitman! As someone who works with kids and teenagers, sibling rivalry and fighting happen regularly, making Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight a timely read. I loved being pulled into the world of Good News for Little Hearts series again and meeting Darcy, Delia, Denny and their Family. I love how the book presented and illustrate the concept of sibling rivalry and fighting at an age-appropriate level. I also love how Darcy, Delia, and Denny’s Parents dealt with all three children together and separately regarding the situation, illustrating from a Biblical perspective how they should treat one another. The Bible verses Ms. Whitman wove into the book hit me in a new way regarding how to treat others and I believe it will impact those reading the book as well. Ms. Whitman’s writing shows Readers that the Parents understood where their children were coming from and respected their feelings, while still pointing them to Jesus and to the way Jesus wants us to treat others. I appreciated the Helps that were in the back of the book and the expertise that Ms. Witman brought to the book. I believe it will help formulate a great discussion with those who read it—whether it is read within a family setting or an educational setting. I highly recommend Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight by Lauren Whitman! It’s a great example of how Jesus wants us to put others first!

Have you read Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight? What did you think of the book? What do you think of the Good News for Little Hearts series so far? Do you have a favorite book?

I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of Darcy Is Always First: When Siblings Fight to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Lauren Whitman | Joe Hox

More from the Good News for Little Hearts series:

Tomas Looks Up and Out: When You Don’t Consider Others

Sadie Finds Her Voice: When You Feel Shy by Aaron Sironi

Henry’s Big Mistake: When You Feel Guilty by Lauren Whitman

Zoe’s Time to Shine: When You Want to Hide by Edward T. Welch

Additional Books Illustrated by Joe Hox:

Who Is Jesus? 40 Pictures to Share With Your Family

Book Review: Project Sentinel

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Under the all-seeing eye of Project Sentinel, the truth is a memory away—and a love she forgot is their only hope.

Her memory is gone. But Faith Flanagan is about to learn what she believed about her past was a lie, and the truth could kill her. Two years after the accident that shattered her world, Faith is haunted by unsettling dreams and the growing suspicion that she’s not who she thinks she is.

When Elijah Knight, a dangerously attractive operative from a life she can’t recall, crashes back into her existence, he brings a chilling warning: her husband was murdered. Faith, he claims, holds explosive files Thad entrusted to her—files that could expose a conspiracy wielding Project Sentinel, a terrifyingly advanced AI surveillance system with the power to predict their every move. Now, they’re on the run, pursued by relentless enemies who will kill to keep their secrets buried and the files out of Faith’s unremembering hands.

As fragments of her past resurface, so does an undeniable, complicated passion for the man sworn to protect her. But in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where betrayal lurks around every corner, can Faith unlock the secrets buried in her mind before they become her undoing? And can a love she doesn’t remember be the one thing that outsmarts the machine and the rogue officials controlling it?

If you enjoy gripping romantic suspense packed with secrets, high-stakes conspiracies powered by chilling AI, and a love fighting to be remembered against all odds, you won’t want to miss Project Sentinel.

Publishing: Faith Writes Publishing

Source: Elle E. Kay

Leslie’s Review:   4.5 Stars/I Really, Really Love It!!!

Elle E. Kay has another hit her hands with Project Sentinel!  Two years after a tragic car wreck that took the life of her husband Thaddeus, Faith still grapples with amnesia, struggling to remember what happened before the accident.  Faith is forced to trust what others have told her, even if she has snippets of memories that say otherwise.  Faith emerges from the wreck to learn that she is a housewife with a deep Faith in God, and a mother to Donovan.  Donovan is married and has a young son, but his wife suddenly leaves everything behind.  But all of that doesn’t match up with the muscle memory skills that Faith displays or the splices of memories that she has.  Plus Faith is grappling to Believe in a God who allows her to lose her memory and her husband at the same time.  When a man named Elijah shows up claiming to know Faith and telling her that her life is in danger, what Elijah says holds some merit for Faith.  Elijah is shocked and thankful that Faith doesn’t remember because it’s keeping her safe, but also sad because the history and love they once shared is also lost. Faith chooses to believe Elijah and soon realizes that her instincts were right all along and nothing is as like what she was told.  Choosing to believe Elijah means the lives of everyone she loves is in danger, but it also means the pieces of her life are being put back together again.

The creativity of Elle E. Kay always fascinates me!  I’m amazed time after time at how Ms. Kay continually comes up with plots and storylines that keeps Readers attention, often keeping them on the edge of their seats, and at the same time weaving God Honoring Truths in the middle of difficult situations and offering Hope!  Elle E. Kay has definitely done this with Project Sentinel!  I thought the plot was unique.  The amnesia part brought back memories of when I read The Years I Lost by Kristina Hall.  I loved that Faith and Elijah were older because in Romantic Suspense the main characters are usually in their 30s.  (When you’re an older Reader it’s nice to have Characters closer to your age bracket doing all the things that you love in a book, not just a desk job or being someone who only offers wisdom and advice.) I love how Faith’s muscle memory of her job came back to her and how Elijah helped her hone in her skills. I truly appreciated and loved that Faith definitely had a struggle accepting God and believing in Him after the accident and how it led her on a unique Journey to Belief. I thought that Project Sentinel was a unique blend of intrigue and Trusting in the Unknown when things are dangerous and murky and you have no choice. If you are looking for a great read that is full of suspense and Truth, then I highly recommend Project Sentinel by Elle E. Kay!

Have you read Project Sentinel? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Elle E. Kay for giving me a copy of Project Sentinel to review and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Learn More About:

Elle E. Kay

Image Curtesy of Elle E. Kay

Elle E. Kay is a Christian fiction author known for her gripping romantic suspense novels. Her journey began in the heart of Pennsylvania, where her love for storytelling was nurtured amidst the rolling hills and serene landscapes. With a background in the legal field and a passion for weaving tales of faith, love, and mystery, Elle crafts stories that resonate with readers seeking both inspiration and entertainment.

Her novels, including the acclaimed Pennsylvania Parks series, are a testament to her ability to blend suspenseful plots with deep, emotional connections.

Join Elle on her literary adventure as she continues to captivate audiences with her unique voice and compelling narratives.

More From Elle E. Kay:

Midnight Offensive: Toxic Truth #1

Corralling the Cowboy: Christmas in Redemption Ridge Book 12

Grave Consequences: Pennsylvania Parks Book 3