A Bookshop for Christmas ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

A Bookshop for Christmas by Heidi Chiavaroli, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

A Bookshop for Christmas 
By Heidi Chiavaroli 

The Chilton family is fractured, and they have been for years, but with the sudden and unexpected death of their grandparents, the Chilton cousins are given an opportunity to fix what is broken. 

Seven cousins, six related by blood, two single mothers, one widow, and a whole lot of baggage and regrets follow them into the lawyer's office, where they learn what's coming next.

When it's revealed that the seven cousins are to work together to turn an old church into a bookstore, they are not pleased. Except for Brooke and Jeremiah, the rest are less than thrilled at the prospect of the work and the time commitment.

This is a chance to reconnect with the values they were raised with, to let go of the past, to seek forgiveness, and to seek out God's will as they go forward. There are bumps along the way that could further destroy what they are seeking to rebuild, or these bumps could be an opportunity to grow closer and stronger together. 

This book deals with several sensitive/trigger issues, including a recovering alcoholic, teen pregnancy, loss of a spouse, and an affair - all of which I was unaware of before reading A Bookshop for Christmas. But this book focuses on forgiveness, second chances, and hope for what is to come. Everything comes to a head just in time for the planned Christmas opening when the past and the present collide, long-held secrets and resentments are confronted, and nature's wintry presence makes itself known. 

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

About the Book

Title: A Bookshop for Christmas 
Author: Heidi Chiavaroli 
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers 
Release Date: October 20, 2026 
Genre: Christian Women's Fiction

Seven estranged cousins. 

           One ambitious project. 

                        A hundred ways it could all go very wrong. 

When Brooke’s beloved grandparents die unexpectedly, their final wish brings her scattered family back to Hope Creek, including Jeremiah, the boy she once loved—the same boy who abandoned them when the Chilton clan disintegrated years ago. Despite the long-held grudges and awkward secrets that kept them all apart, Brooke and Jeremiah convince the Chilton cousins to help honor their grandparents’ last request: to take the old church they saved from destruction and turn it into a bookshop that will serve their beloved community. 

And to do it all before Christmas. 

But repurposing the church building may be easier than healing the deep wounds that tore their family apart. Secrets, both old and new, threaten to destroy Brooke and Jeremiah’s hope that this project could be a new beginning for all of them. With the bookstore’s opening day fast approaching and everyone’s lives upended, each cousin must discover for themselves that the greatest inheritance their grandparents left behind wasn’t a building—it was the gift of forgiveness, the power of second chances, and the enduring hope of Christmas.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Heidi Chiavaroli is the award-winning author of several books, including Freedom’s Ring, The Orchard House, The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, and the bestselling Draw Close to Jesus: 40 Encounters with the Savior for the Sacred Season of Lent. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and their two sons.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of A Bookshop for Christmas and a $75 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 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!

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.

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.

Her Reluctant Amish Heart ~ Review

Her Reluctant Amish Heart

Humble Blessings #3

By Pamela Desmond Wright

Elam Muller pulled away from his Amish roots following the death of his parents. He sought a feeling of belonging, and he thinks he's found that in the Englisch world and his love of fixing automobiles. But when he makes a decision that could have cost a young man his life, Elam's life is upended, and he finds himself doing community service on the very farm of the young man who was hurt. 

Anika Glick's life is a mess. After a tragic accident changed everything, the last thing she needed was for her younger brother to be injured when a former Amish young man makes a selfish decision. When Elam Mueller shows up at her door to work off his community service hours, well, she is not pleased. 

But as Elam helps out, Anika comes to realize just how much her life has changed in the last couple of years, of how much she has lost. And Elam discovers how much he gave up when he left the faith and beliefs that guided him before he lost his way. But can he give up the outside world, the excitement, the cars, the racing for a simple life?

This was a good read that showed how loss affects people differently. Both Anika and Elam respond differently, but at the root of both their reactions is pain and grief. As they work together, their lives begin to change, and their hearts open up to new possibilities. But can they truly break free of the shackles of their old destructive choices? If you're a fan of sweet romance, second chances, and Amish fiction, I would recommend this book, which can be read as a standalone title. And as this is a Love Inspired title, you can be assured of a clean read, wholesome level one romance, and a satisfactory ending with a happily-ever-after in their future.

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

About the Book:

Can her guarded heart

find its way to love and redemption?

When a reckless street race injures her brother, Anika Glick wants nothing to do with the man responsible—especially when he’s sentenced to help her family. But Elam Muller is desperate to prove he’s changed. As they work together on her family farm, Anika finds herself drawn to Elam’s remorse and kindness. But when they're presented with one last risky race that could secure their future or destroy it all, everything they’ve built is put to the test. Will their growing love survive the pull of the past—or will it all come crashing down?

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

Until I Knew You ~ Review

Until I Knew You

By Tanya Eavenson

Jacob Michaels never liked his best friend's wife. He couldn't see why Clay Logan wanted to marry Olivia. But when the unimaginable happens and Jacob is named Olivia's trustee, he begins to see her in a new light.

Until I Knew You takes the reader on a journey of understanding and looking beyond labels. Olivia is autistic, an artist, a widow, and grieving. Jacob is a photographer, an orphan, a former child, and he too is caught up in his grief.

Shared loss forces Jacob and Olivia to spend time together, but this allows Jacob to finally see the woman that his best friend fell in love with. But Olivia is also a reminder of his guilt concerning Clay's death.

I appreciated how the author portrayed Olivia-her strengths, her weaknesses, her quirks-she was presented as multilayered woman who knew her own mind yet was limited by what others viewed as limitations. I admired Clay for having the foresight to pick someone who would honor his wishes regarding Olivia, someone who would fight for her, allow her to grow, to see past the limitations and labels others placed upon her. This is a book about second chances.

I highly recommend this book that is emotionally moving while celebrating the beauty of God's creation and His love.

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

 
About the Book
Title: Until I Knew You
Author: Tanya Eavenson
Publisher: All Roads Publishing
Release Date: 4/21/26
Genre: Christian contemporary romance, women’s fiction

Photographer Jacob Michaels has spent his life running, from foster homes, from emotional attachment, from anything that asks more of him than a fleeting moment through his camera lens, except for Clay Logan, his one true friend and the only person who ever saw past the walls.

Olivia Logan lives in a world of color and quiet, expressing through art what words cannot, and Clay understood her without explanation, offering a steady presence in a world that often feels overwhelming.

But when a hiking trip ends in tragedy and Jacob returns alone, everything changes, and Clay’s final request becomes Jacob’s new reality: take care of Olivia, protect her, don’t walk away.

Now her legal trustee, Jacob steps into a life he never intended. Bound by grief and a promise neither asked for, he and Olivia are drawn into a fragile closeness they don’t know how to navigate.

And perhaps God isn’t finished mending what was never meant to be broken.

Available at:

ttps://www.amazon.com/Until-Knew-You-Tanya-Eavenson-ebook/dp/B0DKG9NTBQ

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250723324-until-i-knew-you

Available in Kindle Unlimited

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

Out of Time ~ Review

Out of Time

Undaunted Courage #3

By Irene Hannon

Cara Tucker has the opportunity of a lifetime: to study a dying language with one of its last speakers. Natalie Boyer has journals from her late great aunt Marie describing life in the Old Mines community. But there is a mystery surrounding Marie's death that Natalie hopes going through the old journals might shed some light on the nearly hundred-year-old mystery.

But as Cara and Natalie work together, oddities begin occurring on the Boyer estate. Are they just a coincidence or something darker? Sheriff Brad Mitchell doesn't believe in coincidences, but with little evidence that anything else is happening, there isn't much he can do. And the body found could have been a tragic accident... 

Out of Time really grabbed my attention. It was so hard to know who the true villian was. There were several possible suspects, and oh my, the slow reveal was well worth the reading. The suspense was at the perfect level of intrigue, but not over the top. The following statement came to mind as I read: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The motivation behind the evil deeds is just so sad, and secrets and hidden truths were at the heart of it all. My thought at the end was, "What if so-and-so had just explained and asked for what they needed instead?" This was an excellent look at the human heart and its motivations. Excellent reading.

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

About the Book:

A century-old mystery, a hidden treasure, 

and an isolated estate where danger lurks in every shadow.

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and century-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begins to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.

Sheriff Brad Mitchell has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues.

But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  

The Queen of Romantic Suspense presents another page-turning, clean thriller in her Undaunted Courage series. Fans of Colleen Coble, Patricia Bradley, and Terri Blackstock will find this shadowy tale electrifying.

On the Edge of Trust ~ Review

On the Edge of Trust

A Logan Point Novel

By Patricia Bradley

Tori Mitchell has avoided home and her father for years. She can't get past the part he played in her mother's death. But when her teenage nephew finds himself on the wrong side of a murder investigation, Tori returns to Logan Point.

Tori is dedicated to finding justice for those she feels were wrongly charged with a crime and found guilty. Over the years, she's ruffled a few feathers. Now she finds the occasional threat has actually become a reality. In addition to helping her nephew, she will also hide out from the person who seems intent on stopping her current investigation. And if her current investigation leads her back home to Logan Point, so much the better.

What she didn't expect was for danger to follow her home and endanger her family. Nor did she expect to reconnect with Scott Sinclair. With her life in danger, Scott is unofficially asked to help protect her, but with an injury that has him unable to use his right hand, Tori is skeptical of his usefulness. But to keep her family safe she agrees to the plan. 

On the Edge of Trust is a page turning read. Yes, this was a late night/early morning read that had me guessing up until the reveal as to the identity of the guilty party. The old adage about webs of lies leading to problems is so true. Adding to this is Tori's unforgiveness and her belief that people cannot change, which has damaged her relationship with her family. Overall this was an engaging and action-filled book. Reading the previous books in the Logan Point series is not necessary to enjoy this book.

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

About the Book:

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, 

the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.

About the Author:

Patricia Bradley is the author of multiple romantic suspense novels including the popular Pearl River and Logan Point series. She is the winner of an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, a Selah Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. Bradley was selected as a Carol Award finalist, and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She makes her home in Mississippi. 

Learn more at PTBradley.com.

So, To Honor Him ~ Review

So, To Honor Him

The Carols of Christmas

By Alice Monday

Elizabeth Parks finds her shaky faith tested when her husband dies from yellow fever. Before he is even buried Elizabeth finds that she must determine where her future lies. Does she stay in the South with its ties to slavery or does she move North where slavery is not allowed. But when war divides the nation, she finds herself on the wrong of the conflict.

But she is where God needs her to be when a young drummer boy is injured during the fighting. Samuel needs nursing and Elizabeth is willing to provide it and help him return to his home in the North. Helping Samuel is the first step in the healing she needs, but it also allows her to reconnect with the God she blames for her loss. Could God have an even better future for her than she expected? Elizabeth is about to discover the future she never expected and with it a second chance at love.

Discover the abiding love of God in this Historical Christmas Romance that will take you from sorrow to joy in this moving story.

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

About the Book:

A Civil War nurse’s journey from heartbreak to hope.

Set during the American Civil War, Elizabeth Parks renounces her faith in God in the wake of her husband's sudden death by yellow fever. Feeling lonely and trapped, she throws herself into the nursing of wounded soldiers following the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, and hopes she will find some comfort in helping others. When a gravely injured, drummer boy soldier named Samuel Gordon arrives at Charlottesville General Hospital, Elizabeth finds purpose in nursing the child back to health so that he can make it home for Christmas.

With Samuel’s Christmas wish driving her forward, Elizabeth leaves her home in Virginia to accompany Samuel back to his father’s home in Maryland where he hopes to play his drum for his father, Thomas. Along the way, war and loss continues to threaten them at every turn, but Elizabeth also catches a glimmer of hope against such suffering as Samuel relays Bible stories, including the story of Jesus’s birth, to Elizabeth. When they finally reach Samuel’s father Thomas, Elizabeth’s heart begins to heal. As she helps care for Samuel and spends time with Thomas, Elizabeth questions whether she should remain in mourning or open her heart to new love and embrace the peace that only comes through trusting in His plan.

Inspired by the song, “The Little Drummer Boy,” So, To Honor Him released on October 27, 2025. It is part of The Carols of Christmas, a multi-author series, though it can be read as a standalone novella.

In Thy Tender Care ~ Review

In Thy Tender Care
The Caroles of Christmas
By Courtney Ranger

This was a lovely read.  It kept me reading late into the night because I had to know what happened as schoolteacher Lydia Miller and town doctor Andrew Williams join forces to care for the town's residents who become ill during an influenza outbreak.

In the beginning Lydia has some misgivings about Doctor Williams when he can't save everyone under his care. She is more than a little vocal in her doubts. But when she actually sees him working, Lydia realizes she may have misjudged him. 

And when Lydia questions why this had to happen at Christmas, an elderly patient makes her rethink her understanding of Christmas and its true meaning. This results in some good old fashioned soul searching, especially after Doctor Williams say he is more concerned with a patient's soul health than their bodily health when he is at their side and knows their earthly is near.

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

About the Book:

When an epidemic hits their small town at Christmastime, can a schoolteacher with a grudge and a doctor with a secret still share the light of the season with those without hope?

Lydia Miller loves teaching her students and living with her sister and adorable nephew, but her life gets turned upside down when an influenza epidemic hits her hometown right before Christmas. When a man she’s sworn to hate forever, Doctor Andrew Williams, knocks on her door asking for her assistance in providing medical aid to her community, she turns him down flat. However, as the epidemic comes to affect more people she cares about, she finds it hard to ignore the needs in her community and finds herself forced to spend too much time in the doctor’s presence.

As the epidemic rages and broken hearts seek healing, can God reveal that He truly holds all in His tender care?

Watch of Wand'ring Love ~ Review

Watch of Wand'ring Love

The Carols of Christmas

By Kendall Hoxsey

Constance Everston is determined to hold onto Star Ranch as she awaits word on her husband Johnny. Johnny is serving in the Mexican-American war and it has been months since Constance has heard from him. She's barely keeping the creditors away and each day she's slipping further behind.

When she finds a wounded man in her barn, Constance nurses him back to health. But this stranger is keeping a secret, a secret that could change Constance's life forever.

Adam McCleary wasn't just wounded in body but in spirit. He is carrying a secret guilt that could turn Constance against him, and he wouldn't blame her. Worse the secret he's keeping has put Constance and her home clearly in the sights of a dangerous foe, who will do anything to break her completely.

Adam and Constance need a Christmas miracle and a reminder of the gift of God's redeeming mercy and love.

Take a step back in time to 1848 with Watch of Wand'ring Love, a lovely and moving novella that is an enjoyable read. This book is part of the multi-author Carols of Christmas series, and is a standalone title celebrating new beginnings, second chances, and triumph over tragedy.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In the quiet hills of 1848 California, love is both a refuge—and a reckoning.

Constance Everston doesn’t know if her husband, a soldier fighting in the Mexican-American War, is dead or missing. Star Ranch—her home—is surrounded by opportunists, and she can’t run it alone. Haunted by grief, she’s nearly forgotten what it means to hope—until a wounded stranger collapses in her barn.

Adam McCleary carries more than scars from the battlefield. He holds a final message from Constance’s husband... and a dangerous secret that could cost them both everything.
As Christmas nears and old ghosts stir, Constance must decide whether to bury the past—or let love find her again. But when powerful enemies threaten to steal the ranch and lies twist loyalty into betrayal, she and Adam must stand together to protect the land, the truth, and a second chance neither expected.

A story of resilience, romance, and redemption set against the rugged beauty of Alta California, Watch of Wand’ring Love is a heart-stirring novella about loving after loss—and the courage it takes to begin again

Western danger with plenty of romance, Watch of Wand’ring Love captures the rugged land and strong souls in nineteenth century California. A tale of heartbreak and hope.
~Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Of Silver and Secrets

Filled with heartbreak, redemption, and hope, Watch of Wand'ring Love is a story that explores loss and the unconditional love that can restore the most broken of hearts. A tale to savor and an author to watch!
~Tara Johnson, Christy and Carol award finalist of Engraved on the Heart

Watch of Wand’ring Love by Kendall Hoxsey is a tender romance that paints a vivid picture of the west in the nineteenth century—a story rich with heartbreak, resilience, and hope. A new author to be watching.
~Ane Mulligan

Kendall Hoxsey shines in this heartwarming Christmas novella. With romance and intrigue, she wraps a delightful story around two wounded hearts. For readers who love Tracie Peterson or Janette Oke, this author is one to watch!
~Publishers Weekly Best-Selling Author, Jaime Jo Wright - The House on Foster Hill

Of Sea and Sorrow ~ Release Day Review

Of Sea and Sorrow

Victorians at the Beach

By Heloise C. Kensington

Edith Linton's younger brother, Theo, is ill with consumption, and the only hope for him is the seaside town of Weymouth, although Edith has reservations about its curative qualities and the doctor overseeing his care. 

Dr. Henry Forester's new medical methods are viewed with suspicion. These include opening windows, frequent hand washing, changing linens, and disposing of soiled rags. Henry hopes he can aid Theo, but the long-term outlook is not good due to the length and severity of his illness.

As Henry becomes more involved in the Linton family, friendships form. Edith continues to hold him at arm's length until an accident allows her to see him with new eyes.

This book is a moving story of hopes, broken hearts, and misunderstandings. Both Henry and Edith manage to not share their thoughts when it is most important. Instead, misunderstanding and loss threaten to separate them forever. Edith is very stubborn and is her own worst enemy. She shares one trait with Mr. Darcy; her good opinion, once lost, is not easily changed. But overall, this was an easy read. Fortunately, her brother Theo opens Henry's eyes to the reasons behind Edith's "prickly exterior."

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

About the Book:

Disappointed in love, Edith Linton has given up on her dreams of matrimony and a home of her own. Concerned about her beloved brother’s health, she acquiesces to a summer by the sea after her mother determines it is the only way to improve his health, setting aside her own worries about her future.

Recently returned from the war in Crimea, Dr. Henry Forester hopes to improve medical practices in the seaside town of Weymouth, England. Not everyone is receptive to his new methods, especially his new patient's protective older sister.

Will Edith and Henry find a way to see past their differences? Or will all hope for the future pass before it has a chance to thrive?

Part of Victorians at the Beach, a series of standalone sweet Victorian novellas. Of Sea and Sorrow is a standalone novella in the Victorians at the Beach series, where seaside summers meet sweet romance.

Daylily ~ Review

Daylily: A Snow White Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales

By Madeline Kersberger

Daylily is the princess of Blumen who spends much of her time among the castle's gardens. She has skills with a needle and has her looks to recommend her. But she knows she has little to offer besides her beauty, and her stepmother has decided the best way she can serve her country is by marrying as soon as possible. The first potential suitor is tolerable and, with time, could prove to be something more.

When tragedy strikes and Lily is forced to flee, she is forced to become someone with more substance. She must find a strength she never knew she possessed to survive and reclaim her rightful place. With a small contingent of loyal servants and soldiers willing to protect and give their lives for her, she must fight for what is hers.

I really enjoyed the first release in the Garden of Fairy Tales collection, which retold Snow White. The writing was engaging, and the characters came to life throughout. I recommend this book for tweens/teens and up. Overall, this is a clean read with some violence because battles are never friendly. I loved seeing Lily's growth and would love to step into this world again if given the opportunity. 

About the Book:

Amid tragedy and betrayal, will Daylily find her true worth?

Daylily, the undeniably beautiful princess of Blumen, is unprepared when her family is betrayed. Finding herself thrust into a role she never expected to take, Lily must dig beyond the beauty she was taught to treasure and find the strength to meet the challenges she faces.

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds ~ Review

The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds

By Jennifer Moorman

Josephine Reynold's is lost. Her whole being was wrapped up in her late husband, and now she is floundering. Her withdrawal from the world outside her home has caused her sister Katherine to speak up. 

This intervention results in Josephine selling the home that Nate designed to his tastes. In a lucky happenstance, her great-grandmother's house comes on the market. But when Josephine starts restoring the house's outer appearance, including the front door, strange things begin happening. Cue the creepy music!

Josephine can now enter 1927 with its Jazz music, speakeasies, prohibition, and unique clothing! She is so out of her element, but she needs to spend some time-period cramming when she discovers she has wished herself out of existence piece by piece. Yikes!

But how do you undo a wish you made at a low point? Josephine needs to save her great-grandmother's life and restore her family's history before it is erased forever.

This is an interesting premise, the ability to erase one's entire existence through a wish made in grief and despair. When I was presented with an opportunity to read this book, I thought it was published by Thomas Nelson (Harper Collins Christian). No, rather, it was published by Harper Muse, totally my mistake as it was noted in a smaller font. So, there are a few elements that I was surprised to discover within the pages. Nothing graphic, but it does depict the era in its glitzed-up party atmosphere - smoking and drinking and hints at relations outside of marriage. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can one thoughtless wish erase a life?

Widowed at thirty-five, Josephine Reynolds wishes she could disappear, but her concerned sister convinces her to buy their ancestral home, a Craftsman bungalow in disrepair and foreclosure. It's a welcome distraction, and Josephine can't believe her luck when she finds the home's original door in a salvage yard.

When she installs the door and steps through it, Josephine is transported into 1927, where she meets her great-grandmother Alma, a vivacious and daring woman running an illegal speakeasy in the bungalow's basement. Immersed in the vibrant Jazz Age, Josephine forms a profound bond with Alma, only to discover upon her return to the present that history has been altered. Alma's life was tragically cut short in a speakeasy raid just a week after their fateful meeting.
Josephine has a chilling revelation--her own existence is unraveling/vanishing--and she must race against time to rewrite history. Josephine is desperate to not only save Alma but save her own future in a time-bending journey where past and present intertwine in a desperate battle for survival.

Infused with Jennifer Moorman's signature blend of magical detail and heartfelt storytelling, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is a tale of resilience in the face of loss and a testament to the timeless bond of family.

The Color of Home ~ Review

The Color of Home

By Kit Tosello

Audrey Needham is counting on getting a promotion, but on the day of her big presentation, Murphy's Law struck, and she didn't even see it coming. With her past and present about to meet, she's dealing with all the pain that she's tried to leave behind. Her great-aunt Daisy needs her help, and from what Audrey can see, she's needed it for some time as great-uncle Dean's Alzheimer's becomes too much to handle alone anymore.

But Charity Falls, Oregon, is more than Daisy's home; it is also where her father lost his life in a tragic fire. A fire that chases Audrey in her sleep, hiding her happy memories. Could this be just what she needs to confront the pain of the past and find her true place?

Change is never easy and when it involves the past, pain, and family it is doubly hard. But sometimes all you need is to hear or share another part of the story.  Different perspectives can change the colors we view our life through.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Audrey Needham, Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, is down to her last nerve. Her boss is impossible to please, her future is in jeopardy, and her great-aunt Daisy needs support as her husband descends into Alzheimer's.

When Daisy enlists Audrey's help preparing for a move to assisted living, Audrey risks her career to return to the idyllic small town of Charity Falls, Oregon, the summer stomping grounds of her childhood. But Charity Falls was also the place that broke her heart when her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago.

Despite Audrey's intent to avoid emotional entanglement, the pull of home is hard to resist. Something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain.

Join award-winning writer and debut novelist Kit Tosello in this lyrical and often humorous exploration of how God redeems brokenness and draws us to the life we're meant to find.

Cornered ~ Review

Cornered

  By Lynette Eason, 

          Lynn H. Blackburn,

              and Natalie Walters

This is a fun and engaging chance to explore the writings of three different authors. They have created three stories for this collection that are set in their established series. However, reading their previous works is not required to enjoy these new offerings. This is a great way to introduce yourself or a friend to a new author (or two or three).

In the Dark is by Lynette Eason, and gracious tension runs high as Steph Cross deals with the fallout of her coworker's death when she cleans out her desk and finds a hidden notebook. If you see DANGER flashing bright red, you are there. On the plus side, she meets Detective Tate Cooper, who seems interested in her. First, she'll have to survive the person or persons intent on keeping what she found hidden. The question is why and who. Time to cue the Jaws theme. (No sharks were involved in this story, but that music is so dramatic!)

In Lynn H. Blackburn's Downfall, a long-held family feud comes into play when Cassie Quinn fills in for the local mountain resort. The other family owns the resort, and Cassie is dealing with a lot of baggage when someone suddenly decides to make it personal. With the kitchen trashed, the police are called in, and of course, the lead detective is the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. Ugh!!! Donovan Bledsoe knew he was in trouble. Yes, he broke up with Cassie but never kicked her out of his heart. Keeping her safe is now the only between him and asking for a second chance. If they can figure out why she's become a target, they may discover who is determined to shorten her life. The feud between the two families has never been violent before. Could something have changed? A pulse-pounding climax is coming your way with this one! 

Natalie Walter's Perilous Obsession is more than a little scary for Lahela Young. Lahela finds herself getting empty phone calls (the scary kind that you know someone is there, but they say nothing). She asks for help from Briggs Turner. As a former police officer, she knows he can help her and offer advice. But things get worse as whoever is watching her ratchets it up. Soon, it is no longer a nuisance but a danger. Lahela doesn't want to leave Texas and her new friends behind, but would returning home to Hawaii be safer, or will she just bring the danger with her?  This story links to The SNAP Agency series. (Must read!!!)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker's desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend's car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can't refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she's forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession 

of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a 

police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect--especially for Lahela.