The Stand-In ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

The Stand-In by Kit Hawthorne, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Stand-In 
By Kit Hawthorne 

It took a bit for me to actually get into this story and what was going on. Things like why Tamryn was so opposed to seeing anything beyond her bedroom walls, her barely suppressed anger at her mother, and such. Now don't get me wrong, I could easily disappear from the outside world and be content hanging with my dogs, but I'm not seeing Tamryn chilling out with pets, nope she stuck in a hole of depression and anger. 

Enter mom with a plan, a plan that brings Halverson (call me Hal now) Ramsay Ford back into Tamryn's life when mom organizes a pool party for an informal high school reunion/get together to hopefully knock her daughter back into life from her self-imposed prison of solitude, dark bedroom, and noise cancelling-earphones. (Yup that was one wordy sentence.) But guess what? Mom knows best, as you'll soon discover, at least in getting Tamryn to acknowledge that there is something worth exploring beyond the walls of her room.

This book then takes us on a discovery about who we are and can one reinvent oneself following tragedy or a life changing event. How do we know when this change in others is honestly who they have become or a carefully constructed mask? Can hurts and betrayals of the past keep us trapped in the past, the familiarity of pain more comforting that the possibility of something better? These are the questions that Hal and Tamryn must face as they navigate the new and unfamiliar path before them set in motion by a concerned and loving parent.

This was an interesting read that falls into the realm of contemporary romance with all its confusion of questions and emotions what should I do, what do I want? 

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

About the Book

Title: The Stand-In 
Author: Kit Hawthorne 
Publisher: Highsmith Books 
Release Date: October 13, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

He reinvented himself. Now the truth could cost him everything. 

For years, Halverson Ramsay Ford cultivated a reputation for brilliance and reckless arrogance. But after a devastating accident leaves him with a permanent limp, the notorious biotech genius disappears from public view…and emerges as a very different man. 

Intelligent, sensitive, and scarred by a past betrayal, librarian Tamryn Page has no interest in falling for a charming billionaire—especially one with Hal’s history. Yet the man she comes to know is thoughtful, vulnerable, and kind, with a love of history and literature to match her own. 

But the relationship is built on a lie. And when the truth comes to light, it threatens to destroy not only the future of Hal’s company, but the trust of the only woman who has ever truly seen him. 

Now Hal must choose whether to step out from behind the identity he created—or lose the woman he loves forever.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KitHawthorne.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

A lifelong resident of the American South, Kit Hawthorne lives on a Texas farm that’s been in her husband’s family for two centuries. She used to play in a Celtic folk band, and the only sport she understands is Highland games.

Connect with Kit by visiting kithawthorne.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a copy of The Stand-In and a $30 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 19, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 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!

To Win a Wager ~ Release Day

It's Release Day!

   To Win a Wager
Best Laid Plans #3
Grace Hitchcock

As the third and final book in the series, one would think that Tess would have an easier path to finding love than her friends, but hers just might be the most fraught with danger. It seems the truths she's always accepted about herself are about to be turned over all topsy-turvy, her father's life is in danger, and she is on the run. And her only hope at setting things right is slipping away.

Okay, this book keeps building danger and feelings of betrayal on top of each other as Tess grapples with who she really is and her feelings regarding Jamie Malcom the former spy who has tracked her escape and who may be her only hope for the future, a future neither of them expected or wanted-at first.

To Win a Wager is filled with the unexpected, though not necessarily in a bad way. But when tragedy strikes, they must discover who is behind it if they have any hope for a future. 

Okay, I got such mixed feelings about Tess's father from concern to well-he-got what-was-coming and back again through the cycle. And then Jamie's cousin, totally ugh! While Jamie, even while hunting Tess, came across as someone with integrity, with lines that wouldn't be crossed. 

This was a good read and one that could be enjoyed without reading the first two books in the series. I recommend it to fans of clean, no/low spice romance, who want faith elements driving their main characters. Overall, a good and enjoyable read.

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

 

About the Book:

A Regency-era enemies-to-lovers romance set in the magnificent Scottish Isles

Tess Hale has always been taught to fend for herself, but she never needed to until the night bounty hunters come knocking. It’s 1813 in Great Britain, and Tess’s best laid plans crumble when her father sends her alone in the dead of night to an island cottage to escape them. She finds herself in a world of warring clans she didn’t know existed.

After a decade as a spy separated from his clan, Jamie Malcom has a duty to fulfill as next in line as chief—but his absence means he must earn his people’s loyalty. He pursues a treasure stolen from his clan long ago, and it leads him straight to Tess.

As Tess grapples with her past, Jamie vows to protect her future—but lies revealed shatter the trust they had been building. For purposes beyond themselves, they are thrust into a marriage neither of them wanted . . . at first.

In the finale to the Best Laid Plans series, Grace Hitchcock invites readers to the sweeping Highlands and beautiful Scottish Isles with a romance guaranteed to delight.

Available to purchase at:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook 

About the Author:

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of the Best Laid Plans series and other historical novels and novellas. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. She lives near New Orleans with her husband, sons, and daughter. 

Connect with her online at gracehitchcock.com.

The Beastly Curses have been revealed!

Beastly Curses have been revealed!

The covers are not to be missed. 

(Full disclosure: as one of the authors, I am biased)

What are the Beastly Curses?

The Beastly Curses were each written as part of an Arista Challenge (organized by Kendra Ardnek), and each belongs to the author's own series and world. They're connected by one thing only: they're each retellings of Beauty and the Beast, and they will be released one day at a time at the very end of December!

Featured books are:
The Beastly Cinderella by Kendra Ardnek @fairytalearista December 28, 2026.
Bound by a Rose by Meagan Myhren Bennett @bloomingwbooks December 29, 2026.
Bride of the Jackal by Wyn Estelle Owens @wordsmithofwhimsy December 30, 2026.
Blossom, Beauty, Beast by Sarah Pennington @sarah.taleweaver December 31, 2026.

You can request to review these books via the following form: https://forms.gle/Van5vUjAn52yV7ra

The Christmas Courier ~ Review

The Christmas Courier

By Roseanna M. White

For Madeleine (Mado) Perrin, Christmas this year will be very different. Her father's death has marked her family, and she wants to be there for her mother, so the time off from teaching will allow them to be there for one another. And it will allow her to pass on information to the French Resistance in the papers she has managed to smuggle home hidden in the essays she needs to grade. 

But when childhood friend Daniel Raymond shows up in her family's apartment seeking help, Madeleine and Daniel have a second chance at a future together. But in occupied France, second chances are hard to come by with betrayal lurking just around the corner. And Daniel's Jewish heritage and ties to the Resistance make him the perfect target for betrayal.

With the future she has long dreamed of about to be stolen away, Madeleine, along with her family, plots the perfect way to rescue Daniel and the future that is slipping away. 

The Christmas Courier is a quick read and one that, if you are like me, will keep you reading. This book is set at Christmas, which gives it an added attraction. The fact that it is based on true events from World War Two added a historical factor that I loved. This book gives a rollercoaster of emotions as Madeleine and Daniel navigate the world in a state of chaos, hate, fear, and hope. Determination drives them to right the wrongs that have come upon them. I loved the faith elements that were present throughout and the importance of waiting on God's timing in all things. 

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

About the Book:

1943. 

Lyon, France. 

After bidding her students farewell for the holidays, Madeleine Perrin is looking forward to a quiet, simple Christmas at home with her mother. With the war raging on and rations tight, she knows it will be up to her to make the day festive and find special ways to remember the papa she lost and honor his love for Christmas. But first, Madeleine must smuggle secret messages hidden in her students’ essays to the Resistance network. She never expects the person waiting to receive them is her childhood best friend, the man who broke her heart.

Daniel Raymond has thrown himself into his work as a courier for the Resistance, carefully concealing his Jewish ancestry that, if discovered by the Nazis, could put his life at risk. Haunted by regret about the day Madeleine professed her love, and he turned her away, Daniel longs to make things right. When he sees her again, he dares to hope for reconciliation―and realizes the love he once denied has only grown deeper.

As Christmas nears and Daniel recovers from a wound sustained in a courier run, forgiveness and romance soon blossom between Daniel and Madeleine, and the two begin planning a future together. But when a mission goes wrong, and Daniel is captured by the Gestapo, Madeleine must turn to her Resistance allies―and a centuries-old law―to attempt a dangerous rescue before it’s too late.

Boots and Roses ~ Review

Boots and Roses: A Retelling of Puss in Boots and Beauty and the Beast 

The Roumaterra Chronicles #6

By Erin Halbmaier

Narrated by Elaine K. Schultz

The Roumaterra Chronicles are best enjoyed by reading or listening to them in order. You don't have to, but some aspects of the story make more sense if you do. Boots and Roses is the sixth book in the series and is an enjoyable mashup of Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots. This book covers much of the same time period as book five Trials and Command and these two stories are definitely intertwined (not saying more in case you haven't read it).

Liesl thought Tobias had feelings for her and was interested pursuing a relationship with her, but then he left without revealing his heart in search of a missing princess (from book 4 Arrows and Gems). Tobias's only companion was a black cat, whom he talks to, constantly.

When Liesl finds herself separated from her travel companions, she is thrust into a world cut off from everyone and everything she knows. At least Tobias's beloved cat, Puss is still at her side. But there is a murderous ogre called Beast, a village of suspicious people, and a magical barrier keeping her trapped in this valley.  But Liesl is determined to think positive thoughts-- Tobias isn't dead, Beast isn't as violent as the villagers think, and she will escape this valley.

Beast has been told he murdered all the men in the village 20 years ago, but his memories of the past are hard to recall. When Leisl stumbles into the valley she brings a change with her. She is not frightened of him, well not very frightened, and he'll do anything to keep her and her cat safe.

This was an enjoyable retelling of Beauty and the Beast that gave a unique twist by adding in the retelling of Puss in Boots. The two interwoven stories blended into the Roumaterra Chronicles story world in an altogether satisfying way. These books are definitely ones for the reread/relisten to shelf. Yes, they are that good and there are always little hints one has missed in the past that afterwards, I'm like, "Oh!" And comparing Liesl to her older sister Katy (book 2 Songs and Spun Gold and book 3 Spirits and Pacts) it is obvious they are sisters.  So maybe you should read the previous stories first to fully enjoy the experience of Boots and Roses.

I also enjoyed this book as an audiobook (purchased) and the audio was so good, The narrator does the voices so that one can recognize the different characters. I did listen at 1.25 times so it better matched my reading speed, but even at the slower speed of 1.00 it did not drag. Excellent and highly recommend for those commuting or suffering from eye fatigue after a day at the computer.

I was provided a complimentary advanced copy of the digital book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Liesl is determined to find the man who broke her heart. 

Getting trapped in a cursed valley with a dangerous ogre isn’t part of the plan.

Tobias gave Liesl a reason to hope when he offered her the rose from his waistcoat, but then he volunteered to search for the missing princess he’d been half-heartedly pursuing. Liesl refuses to admit she cares, but when she learns he’s vanished without his beloved cat, concern overrides her hurt. Something is wrong, and she’ll track him down to ensure he’s safe – and to demand the answers she deserves.

Beast has no memory of who he is, only the desperate need to complete a task the valley’s magic won’t let him leave to finish. When Liesl appears with a familiar cat at her heels, eerily realistic dreams begin to trouble him. They feel like memories, but they can’t be. Because in the dreams, he’s human.

Liesl struggles to believe the villagers’ claims that Beast is violent, but she has a reason for ingratiating herself to him: she believes he knows something about Tobias. He isn’t averse to her company, but the mission Beast can’t recall doesn’t allow for a future with Liesl. And if he could remember, he wouldn't confess the reason.

Because some secrets must be kept. Even if his silence costs him the woman he loves.

Fans of K.M. Shea and Melanie Cellier will love this clean fantasy romance retelling of Puss in Boots x Beauty and the Beast, where quiet connection, magical mysteries, and impossible choices take you on an emotional journey. Pick up Boots and Roses and fall into a cursed valley where the truth can be dangerous – and love demands everything.

Available from Amazon 

Coordinates of Death ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Coordinates of Death 

Arctic Protectors #2 

By Darlene L. Turner 

Corporal Aurora (aka Rory) Hunt's past is about to become part of a serial killer's twisted game of cat-and-mouse. Her deepest-held secrets are about to be held against her, taunting her, wounding her all over again. She is determined to get the person who eluded her two years ago. But she needs help, so she reaches out to childhood friend Kordell (aka Kord) Greene, as part of the Canadian Watchers Squad for assistance.

Kord has his own painful past, one filled with secrets, foster homes, and time as a teen runaway before he was adopted by Maxwell Greene. (I'm not sure how Rory reconnected with him or what his former last name was.) But he is determined to do what needs to be done to help her and keep her safe. The feelings they felt as teens are given a chance to be revisited after years of separation, and when a serial killer has you in their sights, that is not a good thing.

I found this book to be much darker than I had anticipated. The murder scenes had some definite eww factors, nothing overly graphic, but still disturbing, which may or may not have been made worse as I was suffering from a nauseating headache during the reading (full disclosure here).  And the killer, yeah, truly sick. (Can't say more because it would be a spoiler even if subtle.) Would not recommend reading right before bed; aim for daylight hours and go outside for breaths of fresh air and sunshine.

This book was decidedly twisted, delving into past pains, manipulating people, and just plain evil on the part of the villain. And the climax definitely played into creepy vibes as Aurora, Kordell, the Watcher Squad, and the Sweetwood Falls police force work to outsmart a killer who is more than two steps ahead of them in this twisted "game" of revenge.

There are potential triggers in this book that I was unaware of before I agreed to read it that you may want to be aware of: (in the past, various characters experienced) rape, miscarriage, kidnapping, abuse, and death of a loved one.

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

About the Book 

Title: Coordinates of Death 
Series: Arctic Protectors #2 
Author: Darlene L. Turner 
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: October 6, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Thriller

A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness. 

Sweetwood Falls, Yukon, has seen too much terror for one small town. Corporal Aurora Hunt still blames herself for not catching the Shadow Box Killer before five women lost their lives. The killings stopped two years ago, and her colleagues believe the murderer is dead. But Aurora isn’t convinced. 

A chilling discovery on a winter’s morning confirms her fears. The crime scene is all too familiar—a woman’s mutilated body, and beneath it, a box containing a gruesome souvenir. But this time, there’s a special message, daring Aurora to play a game that will lead her into the wilderness to try and save the next victim. 

Canadian Watcher Squad survivalist Kordell Greene is part of the past that Aurora has tried to put behind her. He’s also the only person equipped to guide her through this deadly terrain. But somehow, the killer knows all their secrets. Solving cryptic clues as they battle the elements, Aurora and Kordell must confront dark truths they’ve withheld, even from each other. And always, the Shadow Box Killer is one step ahead, drawing them deeper into a twisted game where the slightest mistake may be their last.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

 

Darlene L. Turner is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 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/CAN 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!

Sanctuary and Sabotage ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sanctuary and Sabotage 
Guarded Hearts #2 
By Lori DeJong 

Guilt over a failed mission finds Trevor Paxton returning to his hometown of Bandry, Texas, but when an emergency finds him reconnecting with a childhood friend after sixteen years, he's more than shocked at the changes in her life. Kinsley Talbot has taken over her late father's veterinary practice, turning it into a world-class operation. She's no longer the pigtailed tomboy who tagged along with her big brother Eli, and Trevor's best friend.

When a series of suspicious incidents start occurring at Kinsley's clinic, Trevor suspects someone has nefarious intentions and is targeting Kinsey or her clinic. The question is who and why. Soon Trevor has a list of possible suspects who have motives, but can he convince Kinsey to let him help her with what he does best?

Sanctuary and Sabotage is the second book in the Guarded Hearts series and is as good as the first book, but it can be enjoyed without reading the first book. This is one book I kept reading wanting to get the end just to find out who was trying to hurt or destroy Kinsey. And then waiting for Kinsey and Trevor admit to each other what was weighing so heavily on their hearts and minds, I was like, "Just say something, it's obvious that they know you are not admitting what is really bothering you." But overall, this was a good read that I'm pleased to recommend if you are looking a new Romantic Suspense option to add to your TBR pile.

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

About the Book

Title: Sanctuary and Sabotage 
Series: Guarded Hearts #2 
Author: Lori DeJong 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: September 15, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them. 

Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future. 

When Kinsley’s clinic is sabotaged and her barn goes up in flames, Trevor’s instincts tell him she's in danger. But Kinsley refuses his help, determined to protect her family’s legacy without revealing the secret that could bring it all down. 

As threats close in and old feelings rekindle, Trevor makes a quiet choice that could cost him her trust. To save Kinsley, he’ll have to expose his own subterfuge—and convince her that love sometimes means standing guard, even from the shadows. 

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. 

Lori loves to write about love and romance with a touch of suspense, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly. 

Lori is an ACFW Genesis Award winner, four-time Selah Award finalist, two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, has been awarded an Angel Award, and placed second in the FHL Reader's Choice Awards. She's also a member of several organizations, including ACFW, Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers, Novel Academy, CenTex Christian Writers, among others. You can visit Lori at https://loridejongwrites.com and sign up for her newsletter for writing updates, book recommendations, a monthly giveaway, and more.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus a signed copy of both Mistletoe and Malice and Sanctuary and Sabotage!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 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!

Cascade ~ Review

Cascade

The Waterfall Mysteries #3

By Linda K. Rodante

The book opens with Sid Martin and his friend Richard climbing a Waterfall early one morning while Christa Henson feels an internal prodding to head to the same area. What follows is a double shooting and unanswered questions about who and why that Sid and Christa decide to investigate. 

Now this book has two main characters with a whole lot of baggage in their pasts and of course it plays into the current day. Sid and Christa develop feelings during the course of their investigation, an investigation that brings them into even more danger. There are bears, killers, and a bunch of angry people who may or may not be involved in the initial shooting.

This was a shorter read that would appeal to readers who don't wants lots of graphic descriptions. I found the romance to be a bit rushed and had a bit more kissing than I prefer, but nothing overly descriptive, just my personal comfort reading level preferrence.

I will say that it was not surprising that the victim (not Sid's friend Richard) was shot, not that I think that is the answer to handling anything, but I could see how it happened. The guy was a jerk, and that is being kind. 

There are references to past relationships that were not chaste, nothing is shown just referenced. Additional issues that are referenced include spouse loss and drinking which the MCs are dealing with and are major points in their pasts that find them in the here and now of this book.

I have not read the previous books in this series but was able to easily read Cascade as a standalone title.

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

About the Book:

A fresh start in the Tennessee mountains was supposed to bring peace. 

Instead, it brought a killer.

Crista Henson fled to a quiet Tennessee town to rebuild her shattered life, trading her past for a fresh start as a vacation planner and a deeper reliance on God. She wants peace. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a deadly web of secrets with enough suspects to challenge Hercule Poirot himself. She never planned on playing amateur sleuth—and she certainly didn't plan on Sid Martin.

Sid is running from his own devastating past, swearing off the wilderness forever.
But when a friend lures him back, a desperate cry for help and a brutal attempted murder force him to confront his guilt and his fears.

As their investigation expands and danger closes in, can Crista and Sid narrow the suspects in time to prevent their own demise?

Clean Romance
Brainy Mystery
Multiple suspects
Twists and turns
Suspense
Small town
Tennessee mountains
Rock climbing
Beautiful waterfalls
Swoony hero
Strong, relatable heroine
Faith and forgiveness

Throne of the Heavens ~ Review

Throne of the Heavens

The King's Men #4

By Connilyn Cossette

With the release of Throne of the Heavens we finally to learn more about Shay, the longtime missing cousin who has been feared dead by some. But his cousins have held onto hope for thirteen years that he is still alive.

For thirteen years Mattaniel has been a slave, rescued from an injury that robbed him of his memories, his past, and his name. Now he must tutor the daughter of the king of Tyre in the ways of a "pirate" culture to prepare her for her role as bride to a prince/king. 

Elissa knows her duty, but she cannot leave her mother or sisters for a distant land of savage pirates. But how can she prove to be an unfit bride when she is being tutored in the ways of a people she doesn't know?

This set up of course is going to prove the driving force in this whole book as Mattaniel starts having dreams or memories of his past. Why now and what does it all mean. Soon the kingdom of Tyre and the royal family are facing danger and Mattaniel and Elissa form a friendship that is forbidden. Yet this very bond is about prove pivotal in this book.

This book is excellently written and could be read as a standalone if you haven't read the previous books, but is better IF you are familiar with the first three, just saying. Mattaniel's (Shay's) story is a moving one that started thirteen years ago at the age of fifteen, now he is a man serving as a slave when he was meant to serve as a priest, a Levite.  A story of doing what is best for others at one's own expense, for following God's will, not one's own.

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

About the Book:

Flashes of his past life are all Mattaniel remembers from the time before he was taken captive by Sidonian traders. When a shocking revelation forces him into the service of the king of Tyre, he finds his future and his freedom hinge on a captivating woman far beyond his reach.

As the daughter of a king, Elissa knows her duty is to secure her father's ambitions with an advantageous marriage. Yet when her brilliant and enigmatic tutor uncovers a conspiracy that drags them both into a deadly game of treachery, she begins to understand that so much more is at stake. As more fragments of Mattaniel's past come to light, enemies close in, loyalties fracture, and their forbidden bond will ignite a chain of events that could reshape the destiny of nations.

The early years of King Saul's reign come to life in bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette's compelling, biblical-inspired tale. For fans of The Chosen, House of David, ancient historical fiction, Francine Rivers, Mesu Andrews, Lynn Austin, and Jill Eileen Smith.

Lorelei and the Traveler ~ Review

Lorelei and the Traveler

Once by Shore #2

By Sienna Peak

Author Sienna Peak has done it again, creating a delightfully engaging story that will enchant you. Well, I hope it does.

Lorelei Baird and her father are gathering a collection of stories, oral histories in rural Prussia, when Trig Hillam and Mr. Davies happen upon them. Trig is on his grand tour of Europe before he should take on the responsibilities of life. But Lorelei and the Prussian countryside have him, for once, not eager for his next adventure. Instead, he decides to help the Bairds with their project. 

I loved when the group went to Herr Muller to hear his tales. It was an unusual experience for them; a trade, if you will, for the stories he kept. I refuse to say more because it must be enjoyed as written without giving away any hints.  

This book can be enjoyed over a long afternoon and be read as a standalone without having read the previous one in the series. This series is a retelling of lesser-known fairy tales and legends tied to water. I love how there is a Regency aspect to them that further ties the stories together by era rather than a set locale.

This story offers a clean, wholesome, no-spice story that is suitable, in my opinion, for younger teens and up.

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

About the Book:

Where fairy tale charm meets Regency romance

Trig Hillam has been (almost) happily avoiding his impending responsibilities, spending time exploring and scaling mountains during his Grand Tour. Everything changes when he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman seated atop a rocky cliff. For the first time in months, Trig finds a reason to stay put, finding joy in a new project and especially in his growing connection to the mysterious young woman.

Lorelei Baird has spent her life helping her father collect and preserve folktales and oral histories throughout rural Prussia. Though she enjoys her work, she longs to find her place, yet she struggles to trust again after suffering an unexpected betrayal by her father's handsome assistant.

When a dangerous threat resurfaces, will Trig and Lorelei find their true place is with one another?

Lorelei and the Traveler is part of the Once by a Shore series of Regency fairy tale retellings inspired by water-based fairy tales and legends. The stories in the series are clean and wholesome and can be enjoyed in a single afternoon. Each story is a stand-alone work and may be read in any order.

Available to purchase from Amazon.

Sabotage Games ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sabotage Games 
Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #3 
By Danielle Grandinetti 

First off can I just say, I love the cover of this book. Oh wait, I just did. But it is super cute and works so well with the main character's love of sports. Emma Hancock loves sports, especially baseball, and she is super excited that she will be reporting from the third Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. As a female sports journalist, she's thrilled with the opportunity.

But soon she is putting her investigative skills to a much bigger task when various athletes are forced out of their competitions. Conveniently timed illnesses seem too suspicious in Emma's journalistic mind.  

So, what's girl to do?

Investigate, of course.

If you loved girl sleuths of the past, think Nancy Drew, Donna Parker, Trixie Belden, and Brenda Starr (used bookstore junky here), you will love Emma Hancock, the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, and their journalists. 

But there is more to this book than Emma Hancock and the investigative nature it delved into. We are introduced to the Callahan family, Ryan who is competing as a speed skater and Meg who is demonstrating the same sport in the hopes it will become an official Olympic sport in the next Olympic Games.  The Callahan family opened their home to Emma and her fellow journalist, Lena Carney, so that they would have a safe place to stay during their time away from Chicago.

As Ryan and Emma begin working together they discover an unexpected connection that could lead to something more. But both have plans for their future and live in different areas of the country. But as a friend points out to Ryan, he's an athlete hoping to compete in the Summer Games in Los Angeles later that year and Emma is a sports journalist. I have say it was strange thinking of Olympic taking place in the same year, I mean I know it used to be that way, but not for awhile.

I found the mystery aspect of this story interesting and was a tad shocked when a climactic moment occurred - let's just say I never saw it coming. Overall, I give this book a resounding Must Read to Reread vote. A want to reread is the ultimate like of a book in my opinion.

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

About the Book

Title: Sabotage Games 
Series: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #3 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: September 22, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

Who will pay the ultimate price for Olympic Gold? 

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock is determined to claim her place in the press box, despite the male colleagues who slam the door in her face. But when a mysterious illness begins systematically sidelining athletes, Emma’s gift for spotting patterns reveals a plot far more sinister than mere competition. 

With the Games in his own backyard, Olympic sprinter Ryan Callahan laces up his speed skates to compete in his first winter games. He has no time for distractions—especially not the inconvenience of the beautiful female journalist staying as a guest in his family’s crowded home. 

But when the pattern of sabotage deepens, Emma and Ryan must work together to follow the threads before they become the next targets to fall. 

La Verità con Integrità. 

Truth with Integrity. 

The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.  

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery This page-turning novel offers a sweet, slow-burn romance mixed with cozy suspense. Set during the historic III Olympic Winter Games—the first year women’s speed skating was featured—it unfolds against the snow-covered, high-stakes press boxes of Lake Placid, New York, in 1932. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and J’nell Ciesielski looking for an inspirational read.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Danielle Grandinetti's Shop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Undercover Wish & Eyewitness Sketch!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 29, 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!

Watched ~ Review

Watched

The Windy City Westons #3

By Jerusha Agen

"Some things are worth risking everything for." I loved this quote when I came across it while reading Watched.  In this book, we focus on big brother Robert Weston, who finds himself facing a malpractice lawsuit after a tragic incident involving one of his patients. While dealing with this situation, Robert begins experiencing some troubling memory issues, issues that he fears may be signs of something life-altering and debilitating.

Monty Montgomery is ready to dislike Robert Weston; after all, it was his testimony that destroyed her client's life and practice. She is more than a little surprised that he seems like a genuinely nice guy. But when he 

But something more is happening, something that could get Robert, his attorney, and his siblings killed. Can Robert, Monty, and the rest of the Westons discover who is behind these attacks and stop whoever it is before it is too late? 

I love that this time the main non-Weston character has such a great family behind her. That being said, I hope the Montgomery family of lawyers is back in the spotlight. I loved the dynamics between them as they worked together, lived really close together, and, unlike the Westons, shared an extra bond because of their beliefs as Christians. 

I have to say the Weston family gets themselves into some real doozies of a mess, and Wasted is no exception. I'm looking forward to the next Windy City Westons release as we are down to Hank and Tereese.

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

About the Book:

His mind is a steel trap. He didn’t know it could trap him.

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

Watched is Book Three in the thrilling Windy City Westons Christian romantic suspense series that features five siblings who encounter danger, love, and God in the city of Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

If you enjoy psychological twists, enemies-to-lovers romance, and faith-infused reads that bring you closer to God, then you’ll love Jerusha Agen’s spine-tingling suspense novel.

The Christmas Book Flood ~ Audiobook Review

The Christmas Book Flood 
By Roseanna M. White

Narrated by Talon David

This was such a fun read/listen as a surprising number of books ordered for Christmas nearly overwhelms a small publishing company. With a coming together, the staff manages to fulfill every order that comes pouring in. While at the same time a young woman - Tatiana Eliasdottir, who is secretly a writer, connects with Anders Johannsson - a fellow writer (and her editor - she knows who he is, but he's in the dark) over her young niece and the scurry of making Iceland's readers happy with a book-filled Christmas during the trying days under the threat of war (WW2 - 1944).

In this story, the publisher Tatiana and Anders work for is a small, self-contained community of co-workers who pull together to ensure no reader is disappointed during the Christmas season. Along the way new friendships are forged and the seeds for romance are planted, sprout, and bloom.

About the Book:

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

High Exposure ~ Review

High Exposure

Jagged Edges #1

By Kelly Borjas

Julia Stevens is running from the past and its pain as a travel blogger. She promised to return home after two years; her assignment in Silverberg, Colorado, will be her last. But when she discovers a body, she finds herself determined to learn more about the man and how he died. She owes it to him and her late sister. But Cade Haskins, Julia's guide for the duration of her stay, seems determined to thwart her attempts, but Julia is not about to let him keep her from doing what she feels she needs to do.

Cade Haskins's life is overwhelming. He feels like he failed everyone on his last mission with the DEA. His dad has cancer, so he's filling in for him at the Silverberg Hotel, and now he is stuck showing a travel blogger all the places to explore and experience in Silverberg. What he didn't expect was her determination to become a journalist, leading her into a potential meth ring, or his feelings for her (something he does not have time for). 

But dangerous situations keep popping up wherever Julia is. Is it just coincidence, or has someone targeted her? Cade is convinced that it is the meth lab operation she unknowingly stumbled upon. And he can't warn her about the potential danger she's in because of his past and current associations with the DEA. But how do you keep someone safe without revealing the truth about what they have stumbled upon? That is the newest worry keeping Cade awake way too late and waking him way too early. 

There are tons of twists, so it is really hard to determine who is the villain in this book. Seriously, there were so many possibilities that the reveal was legitimately good, in a bad sort of way, because you know killer.

This is an intriguing debut novel that has intrigued me enough that I want to see what happens in book two, for which there was a teaser. 

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

About the Book:

This riveting start to an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from a debut author

Determined travel blogger Julia Stevens is on her final assignment in snowy Silverberg, Colorado. She's running from her past—and God—but the charm of small-town life brings little comfort when she's face-to-face with the winter sport that killed her sister: skiing. Upon her arrival in town, she discovers a dead body and is quickly compelled to research the situation, give justice to the man's story, and kick off her new career in journalism.

Cade Haskins is back home after a failed mission and his subsequent retirement from the DEA. His father's declining health has pushed Cade to prioritize family, and he helps at the historic Silverberg Hotel on his dad's behalf. When Julia shows up at the hotel, Cade becomes her local contact. He quickly realizes she has a knack for sniffing around where she shouldn't, and he attaches himself to her side.

With the local death connected to a meth ring, Julia's investigation has unknowingly put a target on her back. As the danger increases and she begins to learn more about Cade and his family, she finds herself trusting the God she was running from. And Cade? He doesn't want to get dragged back into DEA work, but it seems like he may not have a choice if he wants to protect Julia . . . and his growing attraction to her.

Connect with the author at her website.