10.22.2025

Snowbound Threat ~ Review

Cover of Snowbound Threat a multi-author collection of Christian Romantic Suspense holiday stories
Snowbound Threat
Do You Hear What I Hear
By Lisa Phillips, Mary Alford, and Jessica Ashley

This collection will keep you up reading late into the night. Each of the three stories has links to the past that cloud the who-dun-it aspects. But investigating the past brings the danger into the present with lives on the line.

In Home a DEA mission gone wrong when traitors frame him, finds Caleb Rourke hiding out at his grandfather's home. What Caleb didn't expect was getting his grandpa and Tessa Langley, the girl next door caught up in his mess. Lives are on the line and long held secrets come to light in this page turner. And there are plenty of secrets. Now I need a story about Caleb's twin brother Noah!

In Silent Snowfall Secrets Charlie Wells comes home following the unexpected death of her grandfather. But what she finds are the ghosts of her past that had her fleeing Pine Haven all those years ago. But some secrets aren't meant to remain buried forever. But someone is determined to do just that. I was definitely kept in the dark as to who was the killer. Let's just say the suspense was kept at a high throughout. 

In Critical Velocity Beckett Wallace has spent the last ten years convinced that her late husband was murdered. With information, new but vague she sets out to discover the truth behind her husband's death. But to do so, she must reach out to Detective Shawn Sampson, whom she battled against in the past. Will Shawn work with the woman he hasn't heard from in years? And was the information she was given legit? And why now after ten years?  Another page turner high in suspense with hints of potential romance.

This is great way to experience the works of three author in one book. Perfect if you need something with plenty of suspense and a pinch or two of romance. Nothing overly graphic in regard to the suspense department to give you nightmares. And the romance is on the sweet side with a touch of angst.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are mine own.

About the Book:
Home - Lisa Phillips
Left for dead by a treacherous DEA team, Caleb Rourke returns to his quiet hometown in Montana, seeking to escape his troubled past. When his neighbor, Tessa Langley, discovers encrypted documents hidden in her father's secret safe, Caleb’s return takes a perilous turn. He soon realizes that both his enemies and an enigmatic ally know exactly where to find him. Tessa's family becomes a target for those intent on keeping the truth buried. Determined to protect her, Caleb confronts the secrets his own parents concealed for years. Together, they must rely on their faith, each other, and a God who sees what remains hidden. This Christmas isn’t just about the holiday—it’s about the future they could build together.

Silent Snowfall Secrets - Mary Alford
In the snowbound town of Pine Haven, Colorado, Charlie Wells returns home to settle her uncle’s estate—and stumbles into a chilling mystery. Fifteen years earlier, her best friend Abby vanished during a midnight meeting. Now, someone is determined to keep the past buried at any cost. As a deadly blizzard isolates the town, Charlie and deputy Ryan McCabe race to uncover the truth behind Abby’s disappearance and a string of deadly secrets tied to Charlie’s tragic past. But the closer they get, the more dangerous their search becomes—and the killer watching from the shadows will stop at nothing.

Critical Velocity - Jessica Ashley
Ten years after her husband’s plane crash, Beckett Wallace receives proof it wasn’t an accident. To find the truth, she must team up with Detective Shawn Sampson—the guarded man she hoped never to see again. He hasn’t forgotten the sharp-tongued lawyer who nearly wrecked his last case. Working together is a terrible idea… but their only shot. As danger closes in and sparks fly, the truth might cost them everything. And for Shawn, protecting Beckett may mean risking more than his badge—it may cost him his heart.

10.21.2025

Author Interview with Samantha Seidel

 Today I'm thrilled to share a recent interview I did with 
YA Fantasy and Sci-fi Author, Samantha Seidel.

1) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in?


The challenge to find something interesting. Most of my work features explosions, sword fights, harrowing journeys, and the like. Romance and drama aren’t my usual genres, but I’ve learned a lot of important lessons from diving into them. My greatest lesson was the importance and fun of developing caste systems, politics, and the drama between all of it, which is something I avoided writing. Now I can dive into a couple of book ideas with some experience in my pocket.



2) Who, past or present, is one author you would like to mentor you?


This is as difficult as picking a favorite author. I’ll go with J. R. R. Tolkien; I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the effort he put into writing the Lord of the Rings when it comes to world building. I have a fantasy novel I’ve been working on for years and was recently inspired by him to add language barriers and significant cultural differences within people groups. I’d love to pick his brain about world building… or perhaps borrow his brain.


I have to agree, learning world building from Tolkien would be an unforgettable experience.



3) How do you develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?


Pinterest. I have a board just for inspiration filled with forests and cottages and cobblestone streets. Also the world around me, especially nature. I’ll drive back roads and be inspired by how the trees are stacked against each other and the way the water glistens in the afternoon light. Hence why most of my stories aren’t in cities; they’re just so boring.


I love using Pinterest as a repository for ideas! And back roads are the best especially this time of year.



4) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be?


Richard Grayson, aka Nightwing… you said anyone.


Hear me out: he’s the son of a bajillionaire, could do anything with his life, and he spends his nights getting battered by villains with superhuman abilities. All for the sake of protecting people. That’s a level of selflessness and honorability that’s mind-boggling. I’ll transport myself into a comic book and buy him a buffet just to find out how he ticks.



5) What one book would you recommend that everyone read?


The unabridged Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Unabridged is vital; the abridged removes entire chapters and plot points, throwing off part of the revenge scheme.


Count of Monte Cristo is well-woven when it comes to connecting dots and building tension. And unlike many stories today where revenge doesn’t change the person, Count of Monte Cristo reveals the true risk of vengeance and how it steals your soul in the process.



Waking Courage cover art

6) Who is your favorite character in your book/story? 


Prince Percival. I don’t know why, but my male characters tend to be my favorites.


Looking at all the characters I’ve created over the years, Percival’s loyalty and compassion are unmatched. He’s the main reason I decided to try retelling The Goose Girl. His banter with Princess Analise and tension with his older brother are some of my favorite moments to read… and were my favorite moments to write.




7) Is there a specific line or scene from Princess of Mine that you feel directed the entire story in a specific direction? That is, if it were not in the story, everything would have changed?


I can name two, one behind the scenes and one you may write off.

The first is actually the title, “Princess of Mine.” Originally I’d intended to start the story with a poem that Analise’s father would sing to her: “Princess of mine, finer than wine…” I’m not a poet though and it made more sense to start with Percival’s POV, so the whole idea was scrapped (if you subscribe to my email newsletter before January 2026, you can read the poem and original first chapter). An inkling of this remains in the final line of the book and is my secret pleasure: Analise was loved deeply by her father and has now met a man who loves her just as deeply.

The second is a line of dialogue from Percival: “With or without title, a life is a life.” This went through several variations but is the intended theme of the story, that everyone has a purpose and value whether they recognize it or not. I feel like it got lost in the later parts of the story, but this is the heart behind why I chose The Goose Girl and wrote every line the way I did. If only one person is encouraged by this hidden message, then it was worth the work.

Thank you, Samantha, for taking time out of your schedule and giving us glimpse of you and your writing.


More about Samantha:

Samantha Seidel devotes her time to discovering unique vocabulary, designing whimsical websites, and writing thought-provoking fantasies. While she works to get her first book published, she spends her time writing stories that explore complex characters and intriguing plots. Samantha can’t say no to a good book and gets inspired by the world around her. There’s a new experience around every corner if you look with an open mind.



You can find Samantha online at:


10.19.2025

The Bookworm: Christmas Edition is now Available

Looking for something new to read or to gift?
Look no further - The Bookworm: Christmas Edition is here to help you out.
And before you say, "It's too early for Christmas books" The Bookworm offers a wide range of books in a variety of genres. There are over 90 books included!

BTW I've read several of the books listed and I enjoyed them immensely. You can get The Bookworm for free at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/6opw59
1dr1
until December 20, 2025.

10.16.2025

Wasted ~ Review

Wasted
Windy City Westons #2
By Jerusha Agen

Victoria Weston's life starts falling apart when she tries to convince the police that her patient was murdered. But the detective in charge is less than thrilled with what he considers Victoria's interference in what he considers a clear accident. The only person to encourage her to follow this path of thinking is Cillian Doherty, her newest coworker and her high school crush. 

When Victoria's life is threatened and she finds herself on the wrong side of the law, she finds her tight control over her life slipping. What's worse, she's upsetting her father and not the perfect example that her younger siblings need her to be. And she knows that the more she works with Cillian on this case, the harder it will be to make her father happy and keep her heart safe.

Wasted is the second book in the Windy City Westons series, which is a study of family dynamics. I love how Victoria's brothers and sisters rally around her in support and to help her find the truth about the death of her patient. There is a definite whodunit throughout this book. And the ending is just WOW! I love Victoria's dog, Max, and would love to get his backstory.  Books are always better with dogs. This book can be read as a standalone title if you have not read the first book. 

I was provided with a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She always follows the rules. But what are the rules for murder?

Victoria Weston encounters tough things as a home health physical therapist, but this is a first—a dead body. The police call the patient's death accidental. Victoria knows that can't be true. Her efforts to convince the police they're dealing with murder get her labeled a troublemaker by all but one man—the troubler of her youth.

When Cillian Doherty returns to right the wrongs of the past, he finds his high school flame in a different kind of danger than he expected. As a social worker, he's in the perfect position to corroborate her cry of murder or give her what she wanted—to handle her problems without his help.

But someone wants to silence Victoria. When lies escalate to violence and threaten more lives, the Weston siblings join the battle to save their sister. But it will take a God more powerful than all of them for Cillian and Victoria to make peace with their past and catch the killer. Before the killer catches them.

Wasted continues the thrilling Windy City Westons series, featuring five siblings who encounter danger, love, and God in the city of Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as a series installment.)

Long Trail Home ~ Cover Reveal

Long Trail Home JustRead Cover Reveal Takeover

Welcome to the Cover Reveal Takeover Blitz for 
Long Trail Home by Lacy Williams, 

About the Book

Title: Long Trail Home  
Series: Wagon Train Matches #9 
Author: Lacy Williams 
Publisher: Lacy Williams Books LLC 
Release Date: February 26, 2026 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

All roads lead home in the dramatic conclusion to one family’s journey of love, sacrifice, and survival. 

Since the moment he saw her, Coop Spencer has been single-minded in his quest to protect Belle. She’s running from something—someone—and he’s never met anyone so scared. When the wagon master forces an ultimatum: a marriage or Belle is expelled from the wagon train, Coop makes the only choice he can. He’ll do everything in his power to prove he's the kind of man she can trust. But overcoming the mistakes of his past may prove too much... 

Belle knows that the danger she escaped is still out there, still hunting her. Experience has taught her that she can't rely on anyone, not even the man who promised their marriage was in name only. 

As they traverse the Oregon Trail together, Belle is taken in by Coop’s big family, and the more time she spends with her temporary husband and his siblings, the more she starts to long for something she'd forgotten ages ago: home. 

When danger closes in, one of them must sacrifice everything for love...
  • Forced marriage of convenience
  • Redemption
  • Family saga
  • Heroine with a dark past/sworn off men

Ready to see the cover?

Long Trail Home Cover

PRE-ORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon


About the Author

Lacy Williams

With multiple hits on the USA Today and Publishers' Weekly bestseller lists and more than 1 million copies sold, Lacy Williams has won the hearts of readers worldwide with her heartwarming romances set in the rugged beauty of the American West. A proud Oklahoman, she balances writing with the joyful chaos of raising four children and snuggling her fur babies.

Connect with Lacy by visiting lacywilliams.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of A Trail so Lonesome and ebook copies of the rest of the series!

Long Trail Home JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 16, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 2025. 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

10.14.2025

In Thy Tender Care ~ Review

In Thy Tender Care
The Caroles of Christmas
By Courtney Ranger

This was a lovely read.  It kept me reading late into the night because I had to know what happened as schoolteacher Lydia Miller and town doctor Andrew Williams join forces to care for the town's residents who become ill during an influenza outbreak.

In the beginning Lydia has some misgivings about Doctor Williams when he can't save everyone under his care. She is more than a little vocal in her doubts. But when she actually sees him working, Lydia realizes she may have misjudged him. 

And when Lydia questions why this had to happen at Christmas, an elderly patient makes her rethink her understanding of Christmas and its true meaning. This results in some good old fashioned soul searching, especially after Doctor Williams say he is more concerned with a patient's soul health than their bodily health when he is at their side and knows their earthly is near.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

When an epidemic hits their small town at Christmastime, can a schoolteacher with a grudge and a doctor with a secret still share the light of the season with those without hope?

Lydia Miller loves teaching her students and living with her sister and adorable nephew, but her life gets turned upside down when an influenza epidemic hits her hometown right before Christmas. When a man she’s sworn to hate forever, Doctor Andrew Williams, knocks on her door asking for her assistance in providing medical aid to her community, she turns him down flat. However, as the epidemic comes to affect more people she cares about, she finds it hard to ignore the needs in her community and finds herself forced to spend too much time in the doctor’s presence.

As the epidemic rages and broken hearts seek healing, can God reveal that He truly holds all in His tender care?

10.09.2025

Beauty from Embers ~ Review

Beauty from Embers
Beauty from Ashes #2
By Pamela Hart

In Beauty from Ashes Acadia's life was changed when Arnion sacrificed himself for the prisoners of Gehenna. But now she's suffering from the guilt of her past. Acadia feels unworthy of the sacrifice Arnion made and fears what will happen when he learns the truth of who she was. 

How can she prove worthy of Arnion's sacrifices? When Acadia is offered a chance to serve, she volunteers for a mission to her homeland in the hopes of preventing a war. 

Meanwhile the kingdom is reeling from protests against those Arnion brought back from Gehenna. As violence erupts Acadia's fears grow. 

This is a story of heartbreak as Acadia deals with the repercussions of her choices. It is a story of love and forgiveness. I loved how the story unfolded, ringing of authenticity. Acadia's feelings of guilt and fear ring true as does her desire to prove worthy of her redemption. 

This is best read as part of the series rather than as a standalone title due to the needed backstory.  The threads of redemption lend well to those who like LOTR and Narnia though the technology in the book gives it more of a present day or future feel than either of those story worlds.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

For anyone who ever wondered what happened after the prince and the commoner rode off into the sunset…

How far would you go atone for your past?

Acadia’s life hangs on the edge of a knife.

A science fantasy romance with found family, rags to royalty, & slow burn romance.

Torn between her new identity and the demons of her past, she battles increasing prejudice and her own insecurities.

When a series of mysterious disappearances threatens to ignite a devastating war, Acadia sees a chance for redemption and volunteers for a diplomatic mission to her homeland.

New allies are added to her number—a genius mechanic and a young combat prodigy—but the team struggles to work together as a cohesive unit.

As the web of deceptions draws tighter around Acadia, she is startled to discover an insidious enemy much closer to home.

Inspired by Lord of the Rings, Sword Art Online, & The Chronicles of Narnia.