Welcome to the 11th Annual
Five Fall Favorites
2026
The Blessings of Life
Day 5
Family
These are my picks for books that
best represent Family.
But when Roddy's gift for examining eyes puts him in the crosshairs of a crime boss, who has no qualms about killing anyone and everyone around them just to keep his identity a secret, Roddy has no choice but to leave the life he has come to love behind. He just wishes he had a chance to say goodbye to Everly Pattinson before he was forced to return to Scotland. But danger follows him and soon the estate and the people he loves and is responsible for are in danger.
This is an intense and engaging read. I love that we are finally able to get Roddy's story and to see how he and his sisters (and their significant others) all come together to protect their home, family, and friends. While navigating this whole "my life and estate are in danger" thing Roddy gets a surprising chance to reconnect with Everly. Of course there is the whole MI6 thing to deal with and his feeling adrift with the sudden responsibility that is unexpectedly and way too soon dropped on him. So yeah, this was a good read with the right balance of danger, suspense, clean romance, and family drama. I personally hope that their will be future books featuring this family but if not, this had a good ending.
About the Book:
The wrong discovery.
The right woman.
Deadly consequences.
MI6 auditor Everly Pattinson’s mother is dying of ALS, and though Everly longs to spend every possible moment with her, the medical expenses require Everly to accept an overseas project assessing suspicious bank activity in the Caymans. Following a hunch, she takes an unauthorized risk and is caught and expelled from the island without a chance to say goodbye to Roddy, the handsome dive instructor she has fallen for. Eager to reestablish her tarnished reputation with MI6, Everly poses as a plus-one for a high-ranking British Intelligence official.
After narrowly surviving an attempt on his life, Roddy retreats to his native Scotland. There, at a glittering social event, he unexpectedly runs into Everly, on the arm of someone else–someone Roddy knows. Before she can explain, the Albanian crime boss walks through the door.
Convinced Everly deceived him from the beginning, Roddy wants nothing more to do with her. When the killer threatens the people he loves, Roddy must team up with Everly and MI6. Hunting a master of deception forces him to confront not only a deadly enemy, but also the painful past that drove him from Scotland–and the possibility that trusting Everly could either heal his deepest wounds or destroy him for good.
Nvani Lachnen has a secret, one that she refuses to share out of fear. Fear that her family will be injured if the truth is ever discovered. Fear that she will be viewed as a monster. But she cannot refuse to use the gift she was given. A gift that allows her to protect her kingdom. And the new guard hired to keep her safe is more than a problem.
I loved how this story included elements of the Twelve Dancing Princesses but was so much more than a simple retelling. No, this story took everything one would expect and crafted and molded it into something new and unique.
And there are dragons! Yes, dragons in the castle. Cute baby dragons! The dragons alone should make you want to read/listen to this book. Add in that it is a clean romance and yes, war, but absent excessive and graphic violence.
The narrator was excellent and presented the story in an engaging manner. Well worth the time and experience.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the second book.
About the Book:
He's a deaf soldier.
She's a princess whose voice could destroy kingdoms.
What good is a soldier who can't hear orders? War left its mark on Finn Akkand...and his hearing. Now thrust into an unanticipated role of bodyguard, Finn thinks all he'll need to do is keep the five princesses out of trouble. But his new job proves to be far from easy when he is assigned to find a mysterious creature rumored to be causing havoc on Lachnen’s shores.
Nvani Lachnen is a princess by day and a guardian by night. Carrying a royal gift that not only allows her to protect her kingdom, but must also remain hidden, Nvani works in the shadows to keep the enemy at bay…until her efforts are branded as dangerous and a price is unknowingly put on her head. As inside forces threaten not only her kingdom, but her family’s safety, Nvani is forced to accept help from unlikely allies while facing increased attacks that threaten her life.
Finn and Nvani soon find themselves navigating mischievous siblings, miscreant dragons, and enemies masquerading as allies. As the storms rise and another war threatens to erupt, two guarded hearts must learn whom to trust before it is too late.
3) The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley
Emmeline Laurent has spent most of her life dancing and hiding. Her parents were victims of a betrayal during the French Revolution, and since then she and her guardian have been hiding her identity, never staying anywhere if danger came near. And Emmeline dances, her skill unmatched, though she stays in the shadows, never a lead dancer. She shares her love of dance with the petite ballerinas as their instructor. But when the future of the Danforth Theatre is in doubt, she begs the new owner not to sell it to a man of pure evil.
Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, did not know that he had inherited a theatre following his father's death. No, he was surprised that this, along with his father's debts, was draining the entire estate, threatening not only the estate's future financial security but also his sister's education and dowries. He sees no way forward but to sell the theatre until a plea of desperation prompts him to look more closely at the situation, to look beneath the facade.
But how can he choose between his family and the young dancers of the theatre? Could Miss Laurent be telling him the truth when she promises that the Danforth will become profitable? And just how will she do so?
This book examines the dangers these young women/girls faced who undertook such a life and why they did so. And the disrespect they faced from society's elite. The term gentleman for some of these men was merely a title to allow despotic behavior with little to no consequences.
What I did like was Grant's determination to not be one of those gentlemen, to be someone who treated people for who they were, not because they had a title or wealth. And Emmeline's story was tragic, and when the full truth was revealed... let's just say this is one that has to be read to fully understand just how great a tragedy it was. And before you start worrying, this book does have a satisfying ending that points to better days and a HEA.
This is a Historical Regency Romance that delves into a world of contrasts while staying true to one's faith and conscience in the face of resistance, fear, and both societal and familial expectations. I'm interested in where this series goes with book two - those involved in the theatre or Grant's younger siblings?
Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, did not know that he had inherited a theatre following his father's death. No, he was surprised that this, along with his father's debts, was draining the entire estate, threatening not only the estate's future financial security but also his sister's education and dowries. He sees no way forward but to sell the theatre until a plea of desperation prompts him to look more closely at the situation, to look beneath the facade.
But how can he choose between his family and the young dancers of the theatre? Could Miss Laurent be telling him the truth when she promises that the Danforth will become profitable? And just how will she do so?
This book examines the dangers these young women/girls faced who undertook such a life and why they did so. And the disrespect they faced from society's elite. The term gentleman for some of these men was merely a title to allow despotic behavior with little to no consequences.
What I did like was Grant's determination to not be one of those gentlemen, to be someone who treated people for who they were, not because they had a title or wealth. And Emmeline's story was tragic, and when the full truth was revealed... let's just say this is one that has to be read to fully understand just how great a tragedy it was. And before you start worrying, this book does have a satisfying ending that points to better days and a HEA.
This is a Historical Regency Romance that delves into a world of contrasts while staying true to one's faith and conscience in the face of resistance, fear, and both societal and familial expectations. I'm interested in where this series goes with book two - those involved in the theatre or Grant's younger siblings?
About the Book:
A burdened earl.
A determined ballerina.
Saving the theatre was part of their bargain.
Losing their hearts wasn't.
London, 1815
Emmeline Laurent has survived by grace and grit. After her parents' execution in France, she has learned to live unseen as a humble ballerina instructing young pupils in a small London theatre. When whispers spread that the Danforth Theatre may be sold to an unscrupulous buyer, Emmeline fears not only for her livelihood but for the safety of her impressionable students. With no time and no options, she does the only thing she knows to do: leap into a moving carriage and bargain with the new lord who holds their fate.
Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has inherited the crushing weight of duty along with a failing theatre, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters to usher into society, and a mountain of his father's secrets. Selling the Danforth is the only way to save his family from ruin. The last thing he needs is a beautiful, infuriatingly determined ballerina turning his careful plans upside down.
But when Emmeline's hidden past begins surfacing and the danger circling the theatre proves far deadlier than either of them realized, Grant must choose between the life he planned and the one God may have been preparing all along.
For fans of Roseanna M. White and Jen Turano — a sweeping Regency romance about the grace found in surrender, the courage it takes to trust, and the God who makes a way when every door seems closed.
Lady Mariah Lyons loves her home at Plumford Manor, especially at Christmas time when she helps transform it into Sugar Plum Manor. Unfortunately as the stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, she'll never inherit her beloved home. No it will be passing to distant relative of the earl's, Cyril Lightbourne.
Cyril was a close friend of Mariah after a delightful holiday while both were still children. But time and a misunderstood conversation have reshaped what everyone expected to have happened. Years have passed Cyril and Mariah finally get a chance to rediscover their bonds of childhood friendship.
This is a lovely story that retells a Christmas Classic without resorting to magic or oversized rodents. My favorite scene involves the Christmas display and all the wonders one could conceive of. And when Mariah plans a surprise with the village children, she changes this holiday into one no one will ever forget. And with a special helping hand, she creates something that also draws her family closer together. Highly recommended if you want a quiet, clean read for the Christmas season.
About the Book:
As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once upon a time, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more—but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruel-hearted Lady Pearl. Now, Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly returns in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family's distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he’d rather forget. Then more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas…and to disgrace Cyril in the process.
Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.
First off, let me just say -"You have to read this book!" The story from start to finish is excellent.
Eighty years ago, the Lang family lost everything to the Nazis when Austria came under their control. The three Lang children managed to survive the violence that came to their home, but it forever separated them in a world being torn apart by war.
Fast forward to today, and we are introduced to the descendants of the Lang children and the descendant of the man responsible for forever altering their lives and their world. Now, these cousins have never met one another, nor were they aware of each other's existence. But somehow they are all finding their way to the truths of their grandparents' (or great-grandparents') pasts. Anna and Cole have been searching with little to no success, while Tess and Lars had no idea of their family's past.
But someone is determined to keep the truth hidden and prevent the Lang children from claiming what is theirs by birth. And if necessary, murder is an option that could be employed to silence them forever. And these heirs have no idea of the danger they are in.
I really enjoyed this book - it was one of those can't put it down books. When you have four authors create a book, one would expect some weak spots where their work comes together, but this book was excellent and seamless throughout the story and during scene/character transitions. This is the first book in two series: one historical romance and the other contemporary romantic suspense. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion if you want to read it as a standalone title, but I love that we get more from the Lang children after their escape from the Nazis, and that the story continues with the cousins in the present.
About the Book:
Eighty years later, it's time to take it back.
The Nazis have taken control of Austria, and wealthy widower Leopold Lang faces a difficult decision: join the ranks of the foreign power that has taken over his homeland or flee with his children to safety. Leopold makes his choice--but too late. His family is ripped apart, never to be reunited. But decades later, fate brings together the descendants of this broken dynasty in the place where it all began — Falcon Point.Anna, Cole, and Tess have never met, each relying on fractured pieces of information to understand their Austrian heritage. But when unforeseen opportunities draw these Lang cousins to Falcon Point, they soon discover they are not alone in their quest to claim the coveted property and the fabled treasure hidden within. Unfortunately, another claimant, one with a much darker heritage, is determined to eliminate the Lang family once and for all.
Bonus books:
This was truly delightful as the ever-helpful noble ladies of court (aka meddlers) have decided that the kingdoms unwed princes need to get married, and a royal ball is the only way to introduce said princes to all the eligible ladies of the land (aka title hunting mothers and daughters).
Prince Ewan Landreth is the youngest and when an accident on the road leads him to rescue one of the seamstresses summoned to design the royal family's ball finery, well things get messy. Like mud messy and it always him to reconnect with Samara Perrson, who is not of the nobility, but she is on Ewan's mind -- a lot. Between scheming brothers and meddling, but well-intentioned noble women one of the Landreth princes just might get a chance at a HEA. Or just really muddy (read the book - you'll get it).
Now I need more stories from this world featuring the rest of the Landreth princes.
Beyond the Bookery invites you to step into a collection of heartwarming, thrilling, and romantic fantasy fairy tale retellings.
A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin
What happens when you combine a matchmaking shenanigans, an ornery dog, and a ball no one wants to attend? When seamstress Samara Perrson agreed to assist with the royal ball, she never expected to find herself unintentionally included in matchmaking shenanigans. She also never expected to fall for Prince Ewan Landreth. Can a troublemaking dog, scheming siblings, and a stitch of love bring these two together?
Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
Betrayed by her lady in waiting, Princess Analise Lockhart of Wilkenshire is forced into servitude in the highland empire of the Aurelian Cliffs. As the royal Goose Girl, she learns about the kingdom’s sudden misfortunes and their desperation for the union to succeed. Will she reclaim her title and save Aurel before the crown prince marries the wrong woman, or remain the peasant goose girl of a dying empire?
Be sure to check out all 14 titles in Beyond the Bookery's Fairy Tale Frenzy collection.
Available at Amazon.
Full disclosure here Water's Gift is my story, but it so fits the family theme.
I totally fell in love with Aveline and Arthyr's story, which is a fairytale retelling mashup of two fairytales both entitled The Water of Life. Both of the original fairytales had three brothers who went in search of the healing water of life. But the reasoning behind the quests differed and I included these differences in my story while weaving them together into something that showcased a deep love of and loyalty to family with my main characters Aveline and Arthyr, who were given the chance at a happily ever after following their mission to find and rescue their older, missing brothers.
About the Book:
Rémy and the Rats by M.K. Minnick
A town beset by a plague of rats. A young man, struggling to make his way in the world. A surprising inheritance that might offer the solution to both. But when Rémy is double-crossed by Saint-Thaddée’s treacherous mayor, he will have to choose between forgiveness and vengeance—either giving up on his dreams, or reaching out to take them by force. Will he take matters into his own hands, or rest in a Hope worth trusting?
Water's Gift by Meagan Myhren-Bennett (me)
When Princess Aveline’s brothers are lost seeking the legendary Water of Life, she joins forces with Prince Arthyr, who seeks the healing water for his father. United by shared loss and guided by their faith, they brave a perilous path into the Alundras Mountains, where obedience means survival and trust is imperative. To save their families, they must trust the Master to guide their steps as their shared quest draws them together.
Princess Coral, fourth in line to Tepor’s throne, refuses to be claimed as a prize in a royal marriage race and flees into the desert, knowing capture means death. Disguised as a servant in a northern palace, she finds hard-won freedom, purpose, and an unexpected connection with a kind prince. But when a Fae-ordained test and a deadly plague threaten to expose her, Coral must choose between hiding in safety—or facing the truth.
Be sure to check out all 14 titles in Beyond the Bookery's Fairy Tale Frenzy collection.
Available at Amazon.
Be sure to visit all of the
Team Mouse sites
Meagan @ Blooming With Books (you are here)
and the FFF hosts for daily freebies
Katja @ littleblossomforjesus.wordpress.com
and
Kate @ onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com
Be sure to enter the giveaway and visit all the sites daily for bonus entries when you comment.
Comments must be made under or signed off with the same name people use to enter the giveaway; otherwise bonus entries are null & void because they cannot be matched to a giveaway entry.
Giveaway runs September 21 to 26, 2026 (11:59 pm est)
The winners will be selected using a random name picker;
Katja and Kate will reach out by email to each after the party.
The prizes:
One international and one U.S. prize.
The U.S. prize is a copy of A Dream of Flight by Kate Willis (paperback for the continuous U.S. only) and either a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).
The international prize is a copy of A Noble Comfort by Katja H. Labonté (paperback for a Canadian address, ebook otherwise) and a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).
