Blooming with Books

2.25.2026

Whispers in the Snow ~ Review with Giveaway

Whispers in the Snow JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for

Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Eljarbo,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Whispers in the Snow
Heartwarming Christmas
By Heidi Eljarbo

This was a cozy, sweet read featuring Cornelia Gran, a frustrated amateur detective who is inspired by the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I loved how this book is set in Norway and that it would have been during the time that my great-great-grandparents were still living there.

Cornelia is supposed to be looking for a husband, sort of. But she is of a mind that she is not going to marry just to be married. No, only love will tip her to accept a proposal of marriage, and the town she is living in has no one to tempt her heart into fluttering. Instead, she fills her days with reading books, magazines, and newspapers. If she finds something to spark her curiosity, she is ready to investigate.

When an article sparks Cornelia's curiosity about an abandoned home, she decides to investigate and find the long-gone owners. But soon, Cornelia's investigation leads to the discovery of a "ghost" related to the house. Then, strange men take an interest in the same house as Cornelia, and Cornelia finds that her life and anyone connected to the abandoned house is in danger.

This book is an easy read and isn't at all graphic. I would have no issue recommending this book to tweens or my grandmother because of content. I would also love additional stories featuring Cornelia Gran and her sleuthing.

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

About the Book

Title: Whispers in the Snow
Series: Heartwarming Christmas
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: independently published
Release Date: ‎ January 27, 2026
Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery Romance

Of course, a young woman in Norway during the late nineteenth century can be a successful amateur sleuth, and goodness knows, Cornelia’s days are always more exciting when she can devote her time to resolving a local mystery.

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief.

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband.

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality.

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.

Set in a fictitious town in Norway in 1891, this cozy historical mystery is perfect for those who enjoy curious and determined women sleuths, clean and wholesome romance, and the discovery of buried secrets in an abandoned house.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Whispers in the Snow and The Relic Thief, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 2, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

2.24.2026

Last to Fall ~ Review February 28

Last to Fall
Gossamer Falls #3
By Lynn H. Blackburn

In Last to Fall, we finally get to the heart of Mo and Bronwyn's story and why they haven't been speaking to one another for YEARS! In the previous Gossamer Falls books, we were given hints that they had once been close and may still harbor feelings for each other, but we didn't know why.

This is definitely a second-chance romance book that may not have happened if Bronwyn's family hadn't been trying to get rid of her. And not get rid of as in an extended vacation. Nope, someone wants her gone permanently, and the Pierce family will never be the same once the dust settles in this high-tension read.

This was a page-turner from the opening sentence, and it never let go of my attention. I may have been tempted to forego sleep just to find out what happened next. I totally love the Quinn family; they are such a stark contrast to Bronwyn's family. The Pierces are just awful, and nothing throughout this series has convinced me that any of them would be worth getting to know, with the notable exception of Bronwyn.

I loved how the book gave me glimpses into the past so I could understand how Mo and Bronwyn got to where they weren't speaking to one another, to the consternation and frustration of Mo's family.

This book can be read as a standalone, but it is best read in series order to get the lay of the land. This book definitely has lots of suspense as Mo, Meredith, Cal, Gray, and the rest of the Quinn clan try to keep Bronwyn alive long enough to figure out where the threat against her is coming from. And there are suspects aplenty to keep one guessing.

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

About the Book:

She's caught in a deadly game. He's the only one who can help her win.

Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family's exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface and the numbers suggest something far darker than simple mismanagement, she's forced to call on the one person with the skills to help her: Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can't walk away--especially when it's clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites long-buried feelings neither of them are ready to face. And when the evidence points to an unexpected culprit, Mo faces an impossible choice: trust the proof in front of him or trust his heart.

With danger closing in and no one else to turn to, Bronwyn must break years of silence with Mo to uncover who's trying to destroy The Haven. They'll have to risk everything--including their hearts--to expose the truth before it's too late.

The finale to Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series is an exhilarating romantic suspense novel packed with tension. This gripping read will hook fans of the family rivalry, bodyguard, small town, second chance romance, and forced proximity tropes.

2.17.2026

Deadly Currents ~ Review

Deadly Currents

Hidden Bay #3

By Elizabeth Goddard

Cressida Dane is trying to complete the book her father was researching when he was killed. She has his notes, at least most of them, and Hidden Bay is next on her list. But hidden danger awaits and she is soon being protected by Braden Sanders, a county detective, who has his own closely guarded secret.

But the danger that hunts Cressida is of the deadly variety and could be tied to her own father's death. Worse, whoever is behind the attacks on Cressida seems determined to not only stop her research but to end her life. The question is why? Why would someone care about research concerning lost ships? As Cressida and Braden search for answers the danger only grows as do their feelings for one another. But Braden knows once Cressida learns the truth, she'll never forgive him.

This book opens with the danger present, and it slowly builds throughout the story leaving one in doubt as to the identity of just who is out to stop Cressida and why. And we finally get to know more about the secretive Evelyn Monroe! Get ready for the unexpected. I know I didn't guess what the enticement of the Specter's Bounty was.

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

About the Book:

USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard Presents a Gripping Thrill Ride

Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father's manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the "ghost ship" Specter's Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind--Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason--to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge-driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter's Bounty.

But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.

Praise for the Hidden Bay Series
"A thrilling ride, perfect for devouring in one sitting."--Lynette Eason, bestselling and award-winning author, on Storm Warning

"Fans of Lynette Eason and Nancy Mehl will love this thrill-a-minute ride from Goddard."--Library Journal on Storm Warning

Brace yourself for Elizabeth Goddard's final adrenaline-inducing installment in the Hidden Bay series. This clean romantic suspense combines maritime mystery with protective hero romance that readers of Dani Pettrey and Nancy Mehl will enjoy.

2.12.2026

Eye of the Mind ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for

Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Eye of the Mind
By Sara Davison

Be careful, little eyes, what you see...

Jules Adler is less than thrilled when her two BFFs set her up on a date through a dating profile. They think she needs to get out and find someone. Well, her date is anything but stellar, and if she never sees Dante de Marco again, it will be too soon. At least until she witnesses a murder and needs the police. Yup, that date was with a police officer.

Dante didn't want to go out on a date, but his sisters pushed him into it. And charming is not what he's going for. But when his date ends up witnessing a murder and is seen by the killer, well, he has a major guilt trip. Because Jules can't identify the killer, she can't visualize his face. And now the killer is toying with her. She's the mouse to his feral cat.

But as Jules and Dante work together to keep Jules and those she loves alive, they work on discovering who the killer is. And just maybe they'll realize that they should have given the other a chance on that not-to-be-forgotten awful first date.

This was an intense read as Jules and Dante come face-to-face with a killer who can only be described as pure evil. To survive, they will need to lean on more than their own strengths and skills. This is a book of second chances, faith, and suspense.

This was a well-written book that pulled me into the story from the first line. Highly recommend for those who want intense suspense without all the gory details or foul language, who want their main characters to be flawed and yet followers of Christ.

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