The Tale of Capri ~ Review

The Tale of Capri

A Story Inspired by MerMay 

The Capri Saga #1 

By Kathleen Solis

When Capri is injured and hunted, she has no choice but to make her way to land if she wants a chance at surviving. But she never expected that she would have to allow a human to help her. 

She doesn't trust humans, and doubts she ever will, she's seen the destruction they've caused, the pain, the suffering. But Eden is different. He seems kind, caring, and respectful. 

The Tale of Capri is a sweet story, but it is also a warning as Eden is given a chance to experience life in the ocean through Capri's eyes. The filth and destruction caused but humanities carelessness. The trash and contamination allowed to destroy the oceans. But it is also a love story and a lesson on the fragility of love when secrets are kept. 

This story is, in my opinion, a small gem of delight that is appropriate for teens and adults who are looking for a clean read and what a mermaid tale that is more than a retelling of The Little Mermaid. I love that it is inspired by Mer-May.

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

P.S. Content warning: Drinking is discussed - it is warning against the consequences and even choosing your friends wisely.

About the Book:

Eden, a kind young lifeguard, rescues an injured mermaid named Capri, who absolutely doesn't trust humans. With no chance at survival at sea, Capri has no choice but to remain under Eden's care in his secluded saltwater pool. 

Over time, Capri's guarded heart begins to melt as she discovers a different side of humanity...and Eden begins to inadvertently fall in love with her while hiding a secret that would shatter the trust he's built with her. 

When Capri offers him a single wish, Eden's choice will change their lives forever, launching them into an adventure filled with wonder, love, and secrets that neither of them could have bargained for.

Scoundrel of Claymore Keep ~ Review

Scoundrel of Claymore Keep

The King's Spies #2

By Jill Williamson

First thing you need to know is you must read Shadow of Ice Island before you read this book. The two books go together, and Scoundrel of Claymore Keep picks up where Shadow left off.

Kurtz Chazir, Zanna tan Quelle, Cole Tanniyn, and Mistel Wepp are continuing to search for answers to the questions that they came across in Shadow. And Kurtz is looking for the woman responsible for putting him Ice Island for thirteen years. He seeks justice for the woman who framed him for King Axel's murder, though some might call it vengeance, or revenge.

But when things start to go wrong Kurtz must face the truth—there's his way or the Arman's way. Then there is Zanna whom for some strange reason has become important to him, after viewing her as an irritant and nemesis for so long.

I love how this series has added to itself over the years. And this companion/spinoff series is an excellent addition to the Blood of Kings story world. I love the subtle and not so subtle nuisances. 

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

About the Book:

THE SCOUNDREL

Kurtz Chazir isn't looking for redemption—he's hunting for revenge.

Thirteen years in prison for a crime he didn't commit taught him three things: trust no one, question everything, and never forgive the woman who destroyed his life. Now free and working as one of the king's spies, Kurtz has a chance to track down Careeanne Nariel, the seductress who framed him for King Axel's assassination.

But first, he must lead a team into Barth, a city shrouded in supernatural darkness where magic and conspiracy intertwine. His mission: find a missing land warden and expose a trafficking ring selling innocent women. The catch? He has to do it while pretending to be a singing minstrel.

Kurtz may be many things, but a performer isn't one of them.

THE WARRIOR

Zanna tan Quelle doesn't take orders wellpespecially from arrogant former prisoners.

A half-giant soldier with more combat experience than patience, Zanna is assigned to Kurtz's team to provide protection. What she gets instead is endless bickering, impossible decisions, and a man who thinks he knows everything.

He's stubborn. Reckless. Infuriating.

And somehow, he's the only person who sees past her warrior's exterior to the woman beneath.

When their undercover mission goes sideways and ancient blood magic resurfaces, Zanna finds herself fighting battles on two fronts: against the black knights closing in, and against the unwanted feelings stirring in her heart.

THE CONSPIRACY

Duke Falkson's fortress holds dark secrets—human trafficking, demonic altars, and a thirteen-year-old murder conspiracy.

As Kurtz and Zanna infiltrate the nobility's inner circle, they discover the truth runs deeper than either imagined. The black knights aren't just soldiers—they're part of a network stretching across the kingdom. The missing women aren't lost—they're enslaved. And the darkness covering Barth isn't natural—it's powered by blood sacrifice.

When Zanna is captured inside Claymore Keep and Kurtz must choose between his quest for vengeance and saving the woman who's become everything he never knew he needed, he'll learn that some battles aren't won with swords.

They're won on your knees.

PERFECT FOR FANS OF:

Enemies-to-lovers romance with scorching tension
Action-packed fantasy with sword-wielding heroines
Inspirational fantasy grounded in faith
Found family and loyal friendships
Telepathic bonds and forced proximity
Undercover spy missions
Justice, redemption, and second chances

Continue the beloved Blood of Kings adventures today!

Loving Sarah ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Loving Sarah by Jo Huddleston, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Loving Sarah 
By Jo Huddleston 

Sarah Cunningham loves the life she lives in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She runs the candy shop she inherited from her mama, and she's engaged to her high school sweetheart.  

But everything gets thrown into chaos when Robert Clanton comes to town following his daddy's accident. Sarah and Robert have an instant connection, almost as if they have known one another forever. 

This naturally causes Sarah all sorts of doubts. How could she have this familiarity with someone she's never met before? And what about William? Sarah is so confused about what the future holds for her.

This is an interesting read. As the reader, one has insider information that allows one to know what is going on. But one feels the frustrations and conflict that the main characters are going through as they have to work through everything. I know a few times I was like, "No, no, no!" and "Choose so-and-so!" 

The ending had a satisfying resolution with the story complete as is but there was a little wiggle room if the author decided to do a sequel. I think teens and adults who read Janette Oke or grew-up with Maddie Books would enjoy this book.

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

About the Book

Title: Loving Sarah 
Author: Jo Huddleston 
Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications 
Release Date: May 12, 2026 
Genre: 1950s sweet small-town romance  

Sarah wears William’s engagement ring. Then, Robert arrives in town. 

In this love-triangle story, Sarah cheerfully manages the candy shop she inherited from her mama. Being engaged to be married to Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s most eligible bachelor, makes her life pretty much perfect. But then she meets Robert and has an unexplainable sense they’ve met before. 

Robert travels from Michigan to operate Gatlinburg’s main-street SkyLift attraction while his dad recovers from a fall. He’s miserable being relocated to this Tennessee mountains hick town. That is, until he meets Sarah and feels an instant attraction to her. He’s unaware that the town’s biggest secret involves him. 

Although she’s engaged to another, Sarah and Robert are mysteriously drawn to each other. This woman and her beloved mountains curb his desire to return to Michigan. Will Sarah give in to her feelings for Robert or be true to the man she’s promised to marry? 

Loving Sarah is steeped in the easygoing culture and traditions of the Smoky Mountains in the 1950s. The story is a sweet, small-town romance with a heart-wrenching battle to make the right choice. This book will keep you turning pages with its mix of loyalty, betrayal, uncertainty, and emotional stakes.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Author

Jo Huddleston writes sweet Southern romances set in the 1950s, where you can escape into wholesome, faith-based love stories of deep commitment, hope, and happily-ever-after endings. Readers describe Jo as a wonderful storyteller whose books are sure to inspire and entertain you. Reviewers say her books should be Hallmark movies.

  She likes to laugh with people, but not at people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. She’s a spectator fan of several sports, with tennis being her favorite. She doesn’t enjoy being in the dark and is fearful of snakes! 

Jo holds a BA degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), where she is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned the MEd degree from Mississippi State University. 

Please visit Jo's website and get a free book when you sign up for her newsletter.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card + eBook of Loving Sarah!

(2) winners will each receive the eBook of Loving Sarah!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight May 12, 2026, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 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 delivery restrictions. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment ~ Review

A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment

The Enchanting Confections

By Sarah Carlisle

When Bryony's father does a great service to the crown, he rewarded and Bryony finds herself marrying a stranger. After all, one doesn't refuse an honor from the king. Bryony just wishes the king hadn't felt the need to force such an honor on both her and her new, strange husband. 

And Aberarth, the place she's supposed to call home? Well, we'll just say it needs lots of elbow grease. Fortunately, Bryony isn't afraid of hard work, after all she's only married into the nobility, not born into it. But it isn't just the house that needs work, no the land too is affected by the curse that has fallen over everything. 

Bryony is more than a little confused by her new husband. Arthur always keeps a distance between them. He disappears and she never sees him during the day. And his office/study she is to stay out of it, no matter what, even if he blows things up on occasion. Then there is his talk that all she's doing is worthless if he can't fix something with his magic.

As the story progresses one begins to wonder if Bryony will ever discover what Arthur's secret is. I know I wanted to know what he was doing. This was a fun read based on a retelling of East of the Sun and West of the Moon. I found it to be very engaging and loved how we never are quite sure what to make of Arthur, who at times could be sweet and charming and at other times a grumbly grouch.

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

About the Book:

The proudest day of Bryony’s life is the day her father, the village carpenter, is knighted for saving the king. The worst is when she learns the king has a reward for her, too: marriage to a stranger. Not just any stranger, but an earl with a frightening reputation.

Bryony arrives at Aberarth expecting polished floors, bustling servants, and a grand welcome. She’s met with an empty, neglected house and withered fields.

But Bryony isn’t delicate. She’s a village girl with stubborn optimism and capable hands. No servants? A new husband who's too busy making mysterious magical explosions in his study to help with the laundry? Fine. She’ll rebuild Aberarth herself. First step: leave milk on the hearth for the household brownies. Then she'll roll up her sleeves and get to work.

Because Bryony isn’t alone. Brownies, gremlins, dryads, kobolds—the fae have had reason to stay hidden. As Bryony coaxes the estate back to life, old magic stirs. And so does something dangerous and tender between her and the eccentric young earl. But Aberarth’s decay is a warning. Is Bryony the key to waking its true power—or the bait that triggers what’s buried beneath it?

A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment, a retelling of East of the Sun and West of the Moon, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes such as arranged marriage, friends to lovers, and villager to countess. It is part of The Enchanting Confections series, a collection of clean and cozy stories guaranteed to delight your sweet tooth.

The Escape Game ~ Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Escape Game by Gina Holder, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Escape Game 
The Game Masters #2

By Gina Holder

Okay, I'll admit it right here, I love a good suspense-filled read. And this book has it--a long-missing father, a sister who has disappeared, and a pop-up escape room all at the very beginning. What more could you want to entice you into an all-night read-fest?

Maybe a concerned, handsome brother? Or an order to vacate the family home? Or a long missing journal with a clue? Yup, this book just kept pulling me in with every flip of the page. But when Demi and Liam get caught in an unexpected visit to the ultimate escape game, they are unprepared for just how deadly this challenge would be.

More than answers rely on their escape; lives are also at risk. But the deeper Demi and Liam get into the game the more questions they discover, the biggest being why.

This is an all-night page turner so start your reading as early as possible because once you start the clock begins its countdown. Tick...tock...tick...tock.

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

About the Book

Title: The Escape Game 
Series: The Game Masters 
Author: Gina Holder 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: May 5, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. 

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. 

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. 

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. 

They’re players. 

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face. 

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape. 

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.  

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb? 

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you'll never see coming.

She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. 

 

She published her debut novel, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles. 

 

Gina is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews. 

 

Her first traditionally published novel released in June 2025 with Scrivenings Press LLC, after winning their ""GetPubbed"" contest's grand prize. 

 

Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card and a copy of The Escape Game (eBook or paperback, Winner's Choice)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 12, 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

A Goblet of Guises and Gooseberries ~ Review

A Goblet of Guises and Gooseberries

Enchanting Confections

By Abigail Manning

First off this is an adorable book! I absolutely loved the Goose Girl twist. Princess Emaline is finally going to get to meet her betrothed and get married. 

But her journey finds a tag-along goose hitching a ride on the top of her carriage. This is just the first oddity in her whole trip. And when she has a mishap with a mud puddle, she is unfit to meet the king and queen (aka her future in-laws). Whoops! Then one thing leads to another and a lack of listening finds Emaline and her handmaid Corrine switching places in a case of mistaken identity. 

Can Emaline find a way out of this mess she finds herself in? Who heard of a princess working as a field laborer? Yet Emaline finds herself in just such a role, but with the help of a fellow farmhand named Dane she at least has a few hours in the castle, not that it helps her regain her identity. 

This was the perfect weekend read. Fun and entertaining and perfect for most readers (I'm thinking 10+ would enjoy it). Even better there are no Grimm attributes to make this a scary read, just a disgruntled goose. 

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

About the Book:

A basket of berries, a dash of wild goose chases, and an identity swap that is nothing to honk about.

Princess Emaline has waited long enough for her betrothed’s family to invite her into their kingdom after the lengthy acquisition of a workers’ agreement. Accompanied by her new handmaiden and joined by a freeloading goose who rides valiantly on the carriage roof, Emaline is eager to explore her new kingdom–until her first exploration gets up close and personal with a local mud puddle.

A less-than-cordial exchange with their goose stalker leaves Emaline completely unsuitable to meet her future in-laws. In a desperate attempt to save face, her handmaiden kindly offers to greet the royals in her honor. Which would have been a grand solution had they not mistaken the polite maid for Princess Emaline…

Muddy, lost, and ready to pluck a goose, Emaline hunts for a discreet place to tidy up before rescuing her maid from the mix-up. But during her hunt for clean water, she stumbles onto the slave master's property and is taken in as a new worker. With no way to prove her identity or get in touch with her maid, Emaline must rely on the help of a smooth-talking farmhand who just so happens to be head over boots for the new princess. Now tasked with making the gooseberry wine for her own table, can Emaline reclaim her crown? Or is it all destined to be a wild goose chase.

An Amish Widow's Hope ~ Review

An Amish Widow's Hope

By Pamela Desmond Wright

Evan Miller left his Amish roots behind sixteen years ago, following a personal tragedy. But he left more than a way of life behind when he chose a law enforcement career; he left his family, the woman he loved, and his peace. Everything he has given up becomes clear when he answers a call at Isla Stohl's home. Regrets have never tasted so bitter. 

When Evan left without a word, Isla's world and life were thrown into chaos. She married and had a family, but it wasn't the life she and Evan had planned. Now Isla is widowed and struggling to make ends meet when she is robbed. She never expected Evan to walk back into her life, leading the investigation as sheriff.

As Evan does what he can to solve this rash of burglaries in the Amish community, he is put at a fork in the road, so to speak. What does he want from the rest of his life?  And then there is Isla. Could they have a chance at the future they had once dreamed of before he made a decision that should have been theirs to make, not his?  

An Amish Widow's Hope is a story of second chances, new beginnings, and finding one's way back home. There is a touch of mystery involved, but the focus is on rebuilding what has been lost and family. All said, this was a lovely read, and one I would highly recommend to those looking for clean reads and love stories that feature the power of redemption and forgiveness.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Regrets from the past

could lead to a chance for redemption…

After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope.

Available to purchase at:

 ChristianBooks.com,  Target.com, Walmart.com, Amazon.com

You can find more of  Pamela's Amish books online at Harlequin.com.

About the Author:

Pamela Desmond Wright
New York Times & Publishers Weekly bestselling author Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of the olden days: old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove, and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparents' cabin. The cabin was later donated to The Muleshoe Heritage Center in Muleshoe, Texas, where it can be viewed by the public. 

For more info, visit Pamela online at: www.pameladesmondwright.com

Escape to Passignano ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Escape to Passignano by Normandie Fischer, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Escape to Passignano

Carolina Coast Stories

By Normandie Fischer

This was an interesting read. I will admit I had a little trouble getting into it at first. But I'm glad I pushed past my reader's block because once I was past I really got into this book. There is a bit of a mystery, a touch of romance, guilt, grief, and a glimpse into the spiritual aspects of the human heart. 

Sophia has been exploring Italy, the home of her late husband. She is seeking the peace he talked of and experienced. While there, she meets a young girl, Noemi, who captures her attention and maybe a bit of her heart. Turns out Noemi is in her aunt's care while her father grieves a great personal tragedy.

Things begin to happen that unsettle Sophia. One thing leads to another, and soon Sophia and Neomi's father, Dr. Luca Moretti, are searching for the young girl. This is when the mystery and the story's spiritual aspects come into play. 

This is a book that engages the reader on multiple levels and is well worth the journey, and one I'm glad I took.

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

About the Book

Title: Escape to Passignano
Series: Carolina Coast Stories
Author: Normandie Fischer
Publisher: Sleepy Creek Press
Release Date: March 31, 2026
Genre: Christian Women's Fiction

Can dreams be trusted when life feels like a nightmare?

Sophia chose to honor her deceased husband’s wishes by visiting his hometown of Passignano sul Trasimeno in the Umbrian region of Italy. She’s trying to find the peace he promised, really she is, while she studies his language and sips caffè with a view of mountains and lake. Only, things begin to happen involving a red-haired child who speaks of things she cannot know—and the child’s father whose very presence challenges that peace. 

Dr. Luca Moretti still wrestles with guilt three years after the death of his wife and older children. Overwhelmed by grief, Luca gave the care of his toddler daughter, Noemi, to his sister. It was supposed to be temporary; it wasn’t. Now, Luca wants Noemi back. 

When his sister flees, taking Noemi into hiding, Sophia joins forces with a desperate Luca to piece together dreams and voices and supernatural nudges to retrace Noemi’s steps. It’s going to take trust, though, something in short supply for both Luca and Sophia. They’ll have to learn to trust in one another, and, more importantly, to trust in God—that a God who would allow such pain really does mean to work it all out for good. For Noemi. For the two of them. And for a troubled woman from North Carolina who enters their orbit with her own demons, demons God uses—and dispels—as He wills.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Normandie Fischer had the best of several worlds: a Southern heritage, access to schooling in the DC area (which meant lots of cultural adventures), and several years of sculpture studies in Italy. It might have been better for her if she'd used all these opportunities more wisely, but it's possible that the imperfect and the unwise also add fodder for the artist and the writer.

She writes Christian and Southern fiction as well as romantic suspense from her waterfront base in coastal North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, their two dogs, and a once-feral cat. If only her children and grandchildren lived within hailing distance, life would be just about perfect.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive three books of their choice by Normandie Fischer!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 20, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 27, 2026. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Fires of Injustice ~ Review

Fires of Injustice

America's Forgotten War

By Kendy Pearson

When this book opens, we are introduced to Avery and Cait Mitchell, missionaries to China who are being forced out of the country by the government. And it is in this touching and tragic scene that a pivotal moment takes place, one that forms a thread that subtlety weaves its way through the story and Yakira "Kira" Mitchell's life.

Yakira's life is devoted to freeing Chinese girls being ill-used in California's Chinatowns. But many factors are working against her-the men who have bought these girls and the anti-Chinese sentiments sweeping through California. It is amazing the prejudicial sentiments so prevalent against people who were wanted for the labor they performed yet degraded because of their differences. 

Seven years ago, Grant Campbell walked away, no he ran away from his home, his family, his friends, his loss, and his guilt. But now he's back, trying to carry on his late father's work by defending Chinese immigrants who are being downtrodden and being presented as lesser people. He wants, yet dreads, reconnecting with his family and Yakira, yet he knows that it is long overdue.

In a place being torn apart by deep-seated fears and biases Yakira and Grant are brought together to fight for those who are denied a voice. But California is a powder keg waiting for someone to strike a match. The match has been struck and Grant and Yakira are in a race against time to keep it from being dropped in their fight to save the people they have come to care about deeply, physically and spiritully.

This is a book for fans of American Historical Fiction who enjoy reading about those who stand firm against injustice, no matter the personal cost. I highly recommend this book and personally look forward to more books from this author.

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

About the Book

Title: Fires of Injustice
Series: America's Forgotten War
Author: Kendy Pearson
Publisher: Pear Blossom Books
Release Date: April 15, 2026
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

"A story of resilience, redemption, and love, FIRES OF INJUSTICE blazes with the courage of those who dared to stand against the darkness."

She is fighting for the innocent.
He is fighting for a second chance.

Yakira Mitchell has devoted her life to rescuing the forgotten from the clutches of exploitation, and now her dream of opening a mission home for Chinese girls is within reach. But as anti-Chinese sentiments sweep through the West, Yakira finds herself at the center of a storm of hostility and prejudice. She is building a home for the broken, but her own foundation threatens to crumble with new revelations about her past.

Attorney Grant Campbell, the boy who once held Yakira’s heart, returns to San Francisco to atone for his past mistakes and face the secret that drove him away. He is determined to defend Chinese immigrants and to reconcile with his family and Yakira. But old feelings flare—and so do old wounds.

When flames of injustice consume communities, violence rages, and lives hang in the balance. As Yakira fights to protect her girls, she must face the truth of who she really is—and who God has called her to be.

In the ashes of hatred, Yakira and Grant both discover a love stronger than fear and a purpose forged in fire.

For fans of historical fiction and stories of resilience, FIRES OF INJUSTICE is inspired by real, untaught horrors of the Chinese Exclusion era—when towns forcibly erased entire communities by fire, expulsions, and boycotts.

Set just twenty years after the American Civil War, this gripping tale of resilience, romance, and courage reveals another dark chapter of division—and the light that defied it.

Queen of Reckoning ~ Cover Reveal

Today I'm thrilled to be part of Sunrise Publishing's Cover Reveal for Queen of Reckoning Blood of Kings: Legends #5 Jill Williamson presents Kelly Fernlake

Title: Queen of Reckoning

Series: Blood of Kings: Legends, Book 5

Authors: Jill Williamson and Kelly Fernlake

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $4.99 (ebook)

Retail price after release: $7.99 (ebook)

Release date: June 23, 2026

Available in ebook, print, and audiobook

Sunrise Shop: 

https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/blood-of-kings-legends

Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2SRVN6

SYNOPSIS

She’s a queen. He’s her kingdom’s most inconvenient problem.

And they might just save each other.

Mandzee Hamartano has her crown—but barely. The new queen of Jaelport rules a city on the edge of revolt, bound by a treaty she didn’t want with a king she doesn’t trust. Every reform she dares to make earns her another enemy. And she’s already running out of friends.

The last person she needs walking through her gates is Lovell Dunn—King Gidon’s royal envoy, devastatingly charming, and predisposed to distrust every mage he’s ever met. She throws him in a dungeon. He talks his way out. She offers him a tunnel out of the city. He refuses to leave.

When dark forces inside the city align with a threat she never saw coming, Mandzee must navigate a deadly mage tournament, a treacherous brother returned from the grave, and a half-blind envoy who sees more clearly than anyone around her. If she’s going to save her kingdom, she’ll need to trust him—and maybe even trust the God he serves.

But in a city built on power and magic, falling for the one man immune to both might be the most dangerous thing she’s ever done.

For fans of Shari L. Tapscott and faith-forward fantasy romance, Queen of Reckoning delivers enemies-to-more slow burn, political intrigue, and a romance worth fighting for.

Blood of Kings: Legends
Book 1: Squire of Truth
Book 2: Lord of Winter
Book 3: Lady of Shadows
Book:4: Heir of Light
Book 5: Queen of Reckoning

About the Authors: 

Jill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over two dozen books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at jillwilliamson.com.

Kelly Fernlake loves writing fantasy adventures spun with a touch of romance and timeless truth. Besides reading and writing, her favorite things include roaming through castles; classic old movies; comfy sweatshirts; dark chocolate; and hockey. A North Dakota native, she now lives in Florida with her husband, two teenagers, and a furball pup. Learn more at kellyfernlake.com.

Primary Tropes

• Enemies-to-More

• Slow Burn

• Forced Proximity

• Queen & Commoner

• Reluctant Protector

• Magic Healer Heroine
  
  

Queen of Reckoning is a faith-forward romantasy featuring:

• Enemies-to-more slow burn romance that simmers on every page

• A fierce, morally complex queen learning to lead with mercy instead of fear

• A half-blind hero whose wit is sharper than any sword

• Forced proximity, interrupted kisses, and one very inconvenient dungeon

• Political intrigue, a deadly tournament, and shadow forces threatening an entire city

• A faith journey woven through the action—hope, redemption, and trusting in something greater

Edge of Truth ~ Review

Edge of Truth

By Janice Cantore

Narrated by Jeannie Sheneman

Fifteen years ago, Lainie Jensen made an arrest that she thought was a career changing moment. It was but not in the way she imagined. And when an opportunity to again bring this criminal to justice occurs, the FBI in the form of Special Agent Ben Issacs swoops in cutting Lainie out.

Soon Lainie has bigger worries when her sister Evie goes missing in Hawaii. And the story her brother-in-law is selling, well Lainie isn't buying it. 

When Ben Isaacs shows up in Hawaii, well, let's just say Ben's case and missing partner are about to converge with Lainie's suspicions and her past case-gone-bad. And someone seems determined to keep them from discovering the truth. But what is the truth and how does it link to Lainie's missing sister. Lainie can't help but wonder just what and who will be left when the dust settles, because it is obvious someone is targeting her family.

With her life at a low, Lainie reconnects with the Savior she pushed out of her life years ago. Loss has given her a different perspective on events from the past. And now she has no one else to turn to who can give her the answers she seeks, and she is tired of regrets. 

The narration of this book was good, though like most audiobooks I did speed up the playback to 1.3. The overall feel pulled me into the story, and the twists were well presented, though I guessed the big one right away. Overall, I felt engaged by the story throughout.

About the Book:

One case almost destroyed her career.
Now the past seems to have caught up with her.
And as a high-stakes game of truth and lies unfolds,
someone's out for retribution at any cost.

As a detective in the Long Beach Police Department's violent crimes division, Lainie Jensen is no stranger to hard-to-crack cases and unusual disappearances, but then her sister Evie vanishes on a trip to Hawaii. After traveling there to look for her, Lainie quickly realizes her brother-in-law Stan is telling law enforcement a story that doesn't appear to add up.

FBI special agent Ben Isaacs has spent six months collecting evidence to take down a money laundering operation. While his fellow agent Efren Gomez goes undercover to infiltrate the ring, Ben investigates those connected to it, including Stan Moffitt, who Ben believes could help lead to the criminal kingpin. Then Stan's wife goes missing just days after Ben contacted her seeking information, and he knows there's more to this case, especially when he loses contact with Efren and law enforcement comes up short in their search for him.

When Ben's and Lainie's investigations converge, Lainie's not eager to work alongside Ben given their complicated history, but she's willing to do so if it means figuring out what Stan knows and locating Evie. Soon, Lainie can't deny Ben's dedication to finding the truth or her growing admiration for him. And the more the two examine the evidence, the more they suspect Evie's disappearance is tied to a highly publicized criminal case from Lainie's past . . . and someone is playing a perilous game aimed at personal revenge.

• Great for fans of thrillers by Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, and Allison Brennan
• Police procedural featuring a detective and an FBI agent written by a former police officer
• Clean, stand-alone romantic suspense novel filled with high stakes, edge-of-your-seat adventure, elements of mystery, and themes of fighting for justice
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs