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 21, 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

Welcome to the Cover Reveal Takeover Blitz for 

Long Trail Home by Lacy Williams, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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

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Ready to see the cover?

PRE-ORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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About the Author

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.

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Tour Giveaway

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

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

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

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?

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.

Sense and Suitability ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sense and Suitability 

By Pepper Basham 

Two years ago, Emmeline Lockhart's heart was broken. He had promised to ask for her hand. Then he left with her reputation in shatters. Now under her aunt's insistence she is entering her third season. Aunt Bean has declared Emme will end the season with a husband. But with her literary secret Emme sees no need to settle for anything less than love. She isn't about to be tempted by her aunt's list of eligible men. 

Simon Reeves thought life was perfect, until it all crumbled around him, just like the estate he's inherited. With his assumed debt growing every day Simon needs to marry well. If only his heart did not lead him back to the only woman he's ever loved. The woman whose heart he broke. The woman who says she now despises him. If only he could believe her, he might be satisfied with marrying out of duty.

This is a fun and enjoyable Regency read, sweet and clean. As much as I loved Emme and Simon's story I really loved Emme's cousin Thomas. I loved his protective but good-natured personality. And Simon's younger siblings, goodness what a handful. And some of their antics. I can so see this. I loved how the author brought Jane Austen's works into this story. Loved this book with its blend of humor and seriousness, and would love if this became a series the characters are that engaging.

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

About the Book

Title: Sense and Suitability 

Author: Pepper Basham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: September 23, 2025 

Genre: Clean Regency Romance (Rom-Com) 

In this clean Regency romance, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love--until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong? 

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel--until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson learned: never fall for a man known for his charm. 

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them? 

But fate--or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs--has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend. 

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic--no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be. 

There's just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Thomas Nelson | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Bookshop

Also Available:

 

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About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is the wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Connect with Pepper by visiting www.pepperdbasham.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of Sense and Suitability (or winner's choice of Pepper Basham's books) and a $25 Amazon gift card!

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 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview with Megan Charlie

Today I'm pleased to welcome author Megan Charlie to share a few thoughts with us.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

My favorite comfort read author is either K.M. Shea or W.R. Gingell. It just depends on what flavor of comfort I need. Kitty’s books cover fairy tale retellings, urban fantasy, and original fantasy, so I can pretty much always find something to fit the bill. Wendee’s books also have a good spread and when I need something a bit more offbeat or a little grittier, she’s my gal. I have read everything from both those authors at least three times. Some of the books have been read ten or more times. (Melanie Cellier is a very close third!)

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

So far, my writing all falls under the fantasy heading, whether it’s retellings, romantasy, cozy, or a mix. My favorite part of writing fantasy might be the utter lack of concern for “real life”. When creating a story set in a unique world of my own devising, I don’t need to worry about how current events would affect my characters or if the slang I use or technology I reference is going to be obsolete and confusing to readers in a few short years. My focus can be purely on worldbuilding and character development. And dragons, of course.

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

Settings are an important aspect of storytelling. But that doesn’t mean I can explain how I develop them! My process seems pretty straightforward to me. My characters need to have specific things happen to or around them, so I stare into space until an appropriate environment takes shape in my head. Sometimes a particularly interesting location or photograph will inspire me to write something that will fit there, but that’s kind of rare.

4) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend?

If and when someone asks me for an author recommendation, I check what genres they read, then overload them with several options. The following is a list of the first authors to come to mind for each genre. I’m sure several of my favorites have been accidentally omitted because I love so many.

Fairy tale retellings: K.M. Shea; Melanie Cellier; Deborah Grace White; W.R. Gingell

General fantasy: K.M. Shea; Patricia C. Wrede; David Eddings; Megan Whalen Turner; Kate Stradling; W.R. Gingell

“Younger than Adult” fantasy: John Flanagan; Brandon Mull; Eoin Colfer; Shannon Messenger

Historic fiction (with or without magic): K.M. Shea; Patricia C. Wrede; Sarah M. Eden; Jane Austen; Georgette Heyer

Rom Com: Melanie Jacobson; Jennifer Peel

Mystery: Elizabeth Peters; Lillian Braun; Agatha Christie

Urban fantasy: K.M. Shea; W.R. Gingell; Kenley Davidson

Sci-fi: W.R. Gingell; Kaci Linden/Kenley Davidson

5) Who is your favorite character in your book?

My favorite character always seems to be from my current writing project, or the most recent one. Consequently, my current favorite character is Bernie from Dust Cloths and Dumbbells (part of the Evermore anthology).

Bernie is an undermaid serving in the Beast’s castle. Since none of the other curse breaking candidates have been able to save the prince, she takes it upon herself to uncover the solution. Through meticulous recordkeeping! Bernie has notebooks absolutely filled with details about each woman’s attempt to fall in love with the prince. I may or may not have an affinity for notebooks (and I definitely have a pen addiction), so that was fun to include.

Sweet Bernie is also fairly oblivious during social interactions. It was soothing to write her into a found family situation where the tight knit castle staff make allowances for her quirks and honestly enjoy her company.

Megan recently released a story in one of the Fairy Tale Frenzy series collections. 

Her newest story, "Dust Clothes and Dumbbells," can be found in Evermore. 

The link to purchase the book on Amazon is http://amazon.com/Evermore-Collection-Fantasy-Retellings-Frenzy-ebook/dp/B0F78NBPXR/

You can find Megan Charlie online at the following links:
Website: https://www.megancharlieauthor.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/megancharlie86
Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099075884487810
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megancharlieauthor/