A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment ~ Review

A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment

The Enchanting Confections

By Sarah Carlisle

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

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

A Goblet of Guises and Gooseberries ~ Review

A Goblet of Guises and Gooseberries

Enchanting Confections

By Abigail Manning

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

An Amish Widow's Hope ~ Review

An Amish Widow's Hope

By Pamela Desmond Wright

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book:

Regrets from the past

could lead to a chance for redemption…

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

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

Available to purchase at:

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

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

About the Author:

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

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

Escape to Passignano ~ Review

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

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Escape to Passignano

Carolina Coast Stories

By Normandie Fischer

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

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

Can dreams be trusted when life feels like a nightmare?

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

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

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

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

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

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

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Tour Giveaway

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

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 20, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 27, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Fires of Injustice ~ Review

Fires of Injustice

America's Forgotten War

By Kendy Pearson

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Through Smoke and Secrets ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Through Smoke and Secrets by Rebecca Hemlock, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Through Smoke and Secrets 
Dangerous Heirlooms #1 
By Rebecca Hemlock 

Suffer in silence and with grace; these words have been drilled into Eleanor Blackwood from an early age and marked her adult life. And in 1927, she was afraid and no one took her concerns seriously. After all women in her condition tended to become overwrought.

 In the present day, Annie Whitaker is preparing to open her antiques shop, the culmination of three years of work. But suddenly everything including her life is in danger of being destroyed. 

Annie's one hope of discovering the truth and surviving rests with Jack Calloway, a man from her past. A man, who with Annie's help, has a chance of unraveling a century old mystery that could claim Annie next. But can they hold something, a clue, that "could destroy a legacy built on blood and silence?"

Through Smoke and Secrets is a search for the truth in the face of mounting danger and long-held secrets. It is a story of second chances and faith. This is an engaging story and one that I wouldn't mind revisiting again. I look forward to exploring what comes next in this series.

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

About the Book

Title: Through Smoke and Secrets 
Series: Dangerous Heirlooms #1 
Author: Rebecca Hemlock 
Publisher: Independently published 
Release Date: January 21, 2026
Genre: Mystery Suspense

A century-old secret. A relentless enemy. One Locket that was never meant to be found. 

When antiques dealer Annie Whitaker buys an unremarkable locket at a routine estate sale, she expects nothing more than a quiet ride home through the Smoky Mountains. Instead, a shadowy vehicle sends her car skidding off a cliffside road—and she realizes the attack was no accident. Hidden inside the locket is a key, a cryptic letter, and the first thread of a mystery tied to the disappearance of Eleanor Blackwood, a woman who vanished over a hundred years ago. 

Someone has killed to keep that secret buried. 

And now they’ve set their sights on Annie. 

Her shop is ransacked. Her inventory destroyed. Her building intentionally set ablaze. With no phone, no transportation, and nowhere safe to go, Annie is forced to seek refuge in the only place left: the remote mountain ranch of Detective Jack Calloway, a man who once shared her obsession with cold cases—and who may be the only person she can trust. 

As Jack digs into the evidence Annie uncovered, the danger spirals. Break-ins, threats, shadows stalking the ranch at night—each clue reveals a darker truth. The locket isn’t just a forgotten keepsake; it’s the final piece in a long-buried murder. And someone with power, reach, and generations of secrets will do whatever it takes to silence the truth forever. 

With Annie marked as the next victim, Jack races to unravel a century of lies before time runs out. Every revelation tightens the noose around them both—and with Annie constantly in his line of fire, Jack’s focus fractures between the case and the woman he’s never been able to forget. The closer they come to exposing the killer, the more Jack realizes he may lose her long before the truth sees daylight. And every step forward draws them toward a final, deadly confrontation neither of them may survive. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author| Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Rebecca Hemlock is an award-winning Christian Fiction author whose love for mysteries began in childhood when she first fell in love with all things Nancy Drew. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for crime-solving stories, complex puzzles, and characters who must fight for truth even when the world around them is dark and uncertain.

Her novels are known for realism, emotional depth, and suspense that stays tightly wound until the final pages. Rebecca creates characters who face danger, trauma, and moral crossroads — moments that either test their faith or ignite a brand-new relationship with God. At the heart of every story lies her guiding verse and creative compass, Romans 12:21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Before writing fiction full-time, Rebecca spent four years as a freelance journalist, where she honed her ability to spot the thread of a story, ask the right questions, and build tension from real-world details. That experience sharpened her voice and laid the foundation for the 15 books she has now published, ranging from romantic suspense and mystery to historical-tinged thrillers. She also writes children’s fiction under the pen name R.C. Burch. 

Rebecca is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime, and she’s passionate about uplifting stories that blend danger, courage, heart, and hope. With a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing — plus an Appalachian Studies certificate — she brings layered settings, emotional authenticity, and cultural richness to her work. She continues to pursue further writing education, always seeking to grow as a storyteller. 

When she’s not writing, Rebecca enjoys traveling, reading mysteries, exploring historical places, and spending time with her family. Her work is written for readers who love suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat — and faith that keeps you anchored through the storm. 

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a book-themed prize bundle, including a tote, a mug, a kindle dust protector, a bookmark, and a $25 Amazon Gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 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!

Falling for the Wolf ~ Review - Release Day

Falling for the Wolf

To Win a Dark Heart

By Megan Charlie

Tasia may have told Prince Frank something about her family that she shouldn't have. Well, that was the last time she'd be able to spill the beans and betray their trust, because she was sent to a different kingdom to relatives she had never met. Talk about culture shock. What's worse, no one wants anything to do with her. Which is problematic when she needs to get a job and contribute to the household. 

What's a girl to do when there are no available jobs for her? Take the only one available—delivering medicine to an old woman known as Grandmother. One delivery a week, surely Tasia can handle that, can't she? Evidently not, because she gets lost in the woods. She needs help and happens to stumble upon Mitch.

Mitch is cursed. There is no other word for it, and now he's saddled with Tasia because she stumbled upon his secret. Now he's stuck helping her get from town to Granny's house. He's counting down the days until he can leave the town behind and start over somewhere else again. And he refuses to be anything but brusque and surly with Tasia. No way is he ever helping someone willingly again. 

Nope, not happening ever. 

So, yeah, that changed. And now the two of them must work together to stop an evil plot that could totally ruin their lives for however long they live. Right sounds totally dire. But they have a plan. Or will have a plan. They need to think of a plan. 

This is a cute story that brings together the villains from Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella in a delightful, fun reimagining from the POV of the other side of these well-known fairy tales. Mitch and Tasia are such opposites that they truly need one another to thwart the danger that has surrounded them and maybe their own Happily-Ever-After.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.   

About the Book:

A woman who betrayed her family

A rogue hiding a hairy secret

And a blackmail arrangement with unexpected consequences

After her stepsister marries the crown prince, Tasia is shipped out of the country to live with relatives she’s never heard of before. Blamed and scorned for her role in that debacle, Tasia struggles to make a new life for herself amongst a community that doesn’t care for outsiders. But even that is less nerve-wracking than her weekly trips through the woods to deliver a basket of “goodies” to the sinister old woman known only as Grandmother.

Mitch helped a naive girl travel through the woods once before. After having his heart viciously yanked out and stomped on, he’s not doing that ever again. When Tasia comes along, all innocent smiles and no sense of self-preservation, he vows to stay far away. But she stumbles upon his furry little secret and he reluctantly agrees to play protector in exchange for her silence.

What seems like a simple arrangement soon becomes complicated as enemies from the past begin cropping up in unexpected places. When Mitch and Tasia stumble onto a villainous plot with far-reaching consequences they must choose between looking out for themselves or risking everything for faceless strangers. With lives–and possibly their hearts–on the line, how will two recovering villains decide what to do? And will their choices be compatible? Or just another betrayal?

Falling for the Wolf is a retelling that combines elements of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella. Set after the events of each of these stories, this no spice romantasy is the 8th book in the To Win a Dark Heart series which retells fairy tales as old as time, but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.

Love and Baseball AND The Cinderella Plot ~ 2 Book Reviews and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Love & Baseball by Jaime Jo Wright (with Chloe Joanne) 

AND 

The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Love and Baseball 
By Jaime Jo Wright with Chloe JoAnne 

First off this was a cute read. Brielle is being pressured by her friends in school and her loving aunts (yes plural aunts as in four) to find a boyfriend. Talk about a whole ton of unnecessary pressure. Yikes! I believe me I can totally sympathize having been on the receiving end myself from "loving" relatives.

But Bri is all about her books and baseball and doesn't want to take time away from either for finding and having a boyfriend, so she turns to AI create a fake boyfriend.  But when her fake made-up AI boyfriend has a total like-alike show up at her school with the same name she created for her boyfriend things get complicated.

Brooks Mason's first day at the new school he's starting mid-year is just odd. People seem to know him and are excited that he's there and they keep mentioning North Carolina and Bri. Whatever?  

Soon the keep from having the truth come out they are in a fake relationship. How hard can it be to pretend for just a short time and then have a breakup. But to do this they'll need to spend some time together, follow all her dad's rules, and deal with all the hype this awkward coincidence has caused. 

This is a cute, sweet read that features real life drama that stresses teens out while offering a fun twist to it. This book is free of most of the darker aspects and depressing issues that drive most YA fiction. This a refreshing read that has true life feel to it that most teens could relate to. Highly recommend to tweens and teens.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Love and Baseball 
Author: Jaime Jo Wright with Chloe JoAnne 
Publisher: MadLit Publishing 
Release Date: February 10, 2026 
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy

She needed a boyfriend. AI came to her rescue. But then her fake boyfriend showed up at school. 

Brielle has never wanted a boyfriend. She's happy with her book boyfriends--purely fictional, right? Easy to maintain. She's also not a huge fan of sports, except baseball. Not playing it. No. Again, books and cozy afternoons are her thing. But Brielle can get into baseball with the best of them when it comes to watching, repeating stats, and wearing her favorite jerseys. But apparently, that's not enough in life. At least according to her four nosy aunts, who all think she needs a boyfriend, people at school who are convinced Brielle is a closet serial killer because she's happier with her books, and yeah. Valentine’s Day is on the calendar. 

There is a purpose for AI, and Brielle decides the genius thing to do is make a fake boyfriend. Complete with deepfake photos, Brielle creates the perfect boyfriend, and no one needs to know he's entirely fictional. They just need to believe she met him over summer vacation, and he lives somewhere in North Carolina. Only he doesn't. When baseball catcher, Brooks Mason shows up at high school, a lookalike to Brielle's AI boyfriend, her entire world becomes a dog-eared, bent pages book nightmare. 

Brooks is getting sick of all the girls at school wanting to date him. He wants to play ball and hang out. So, yeah. It makes sense to help Brielle out. Fake date? Why not? But once together, dating for show becomes an act that both Brielle and Brooks aren't quite prepared for, and dealing with unexpected attraction, complicated situations, and interfering aunts and bffs?  

It's a grand slam of problems just waiting to happen, plus a game-changing shot at a championship home run at love.  

** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Authors

Jaime Jo Wright is a multi-award-winning author of gothic historical mystery novels that weave suspense through dual timelines. Her debut novel, The House on Foster Hill (2017), won both the prestigious Christy Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award, establishing her as a compelling voice in inspirational fiction. An ECPA and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author, Wright specializes in chilling mysteries stained with history's secrets, drawing readers into haunting tales set primarily in turn-of-the-century Wisconsin. Her work has earned praise from Publishers Weekly for skillfully wrapping intricate mysteries around dual timelines with enough surprises to captivate lovers of gothic fiction. When she isn’t writing mysteries, she co-authors YA RomCom with her teenage daughter, Chloe JoAnne, with a passion to provide sweet and witty romance for teenagers with no apologies needed. Residing in Wisconsin's rural woodlands with her husband and their two children, Wright is a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast and lover of all of her rescued felines.

Connect with Jaime Jo by visiting jaimewrightbooks.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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The Cinderella Plot

By Pepper Basham

What if you felt invisible to everyone around you? This is just how Paisley Harper feels. After all, even her dad doesn't want her, and she lives with her aunt and uncle. Books are her thing, but she wants something more - like an invite to Homecoming. But when no one really sees you, you're forgotten.

But Paisley is determined to switch things up, starting with her appearance. It worked in The Princess Diaries, so why can't it work for her too? And she may have come across the perfect way to transform herself into someone who will be noticed The Cinderella Plot.

But her BFF has a different perspective that if you have to change outwardly to catch someone's attention, then they still aren't seeing you. But what does Chris Benson know? He's just a guy after all. But there is something different about the way he's looking at her and even the things he's saying lately.

As Paisley changes she is faced with some questions about the person she is becoming. 

This is actually a really good book for making one stop and think. What is more important? Being someone noticed by all the popular people? Or being someone who has a few close friends? Self-centered or giving?

I love how Paisley's ah-ha moments give her pause. She doesn't always pick the right thing, but when she remembers who she is and the basics she was given she realizes what is truly important and what is worth pursuing. 

This was a cute read that touches on a timely topic with all the pressure tween and teens face in this time of social media and peer pressure. School has always been a place that demands conforming even without today's external factors and that makes this book timeless in the lesson it shares. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: The Cinderella Plot 
Author: Pepper Basham 
Publisher: independently published 
Release Date: March 19, 2026 
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy

Paisley Harper is invisible. 

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way. 

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed. 

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date. 

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first. 

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question: 

What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself? 

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.  

** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is the wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a prize pack of Brielle's Faves (an signed copy of Love & Baseball, a copy of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, a Milwaukee Brewers lanyard, and a Brewers Christian Yelich baseball card) and Paisley's Faves (a signed copy of The Cinderella Plot, a Cinderella carriage jewelry holder, and a beautiful copy of Emma by Jane Austen)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 2, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 9, 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!

Shadow of Ice Island ~ Review

Shadow of Ice Island

The King's Spies #1

By Jill Williamson

This book is just SO good. I love the banter between the characters as they try to break into the prison on Ice Island. Cole Tanniyn's uncle is being held there, framed for a crime he didn't commit. Now Cole has to figure out how to get in undetected, not get caught, and get out. But when Mistel Wepp manages to follow him into danger after being told she wasn't supposed to, their plans are quickly altered to include her as Cole's cousin. Never mind that they look nothing alike. (Okay, I take that back, they both have two eyes, noses, two hands... Well, you get the picture.) Passing for cousins seems a stretch, especially with both having feelings for the other. But Mistel is correct, Cole, Kurtz, and those helping them need Mistel and her talent for grabbing attention and creating a distraction.

I love how the blood-speaking of the author's previous series continues on in this one. This book captured my attention and kept me up WAY too late and getting up WAY too early just because I needed to know what was happening next and if they could get out of their latest unplanned trouble. Highly recommended reading for teens and adults.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

What happens when a reluctant spy discovers his greatest mission is protecting the woman who stole his heart?

Cole Tanniyn thought his days of danger were over when he traded his sword for a lute. But when the king sends him north as an undercover minstrel to investigate mysterious disappearances from the infamous Ice Island prison, Cole's carefully ordered world changes—especially when Mistel Wepp, the fiery-haired songstress he's falling for, secretly follows him into mortal peril.

She was supposed to stay safe. He was supposed to stay focused. Neither of them expected to fall this hard.

Posing as traveling performers with Kurtz, a gruff former prisoner seeking justice, Cole and Mistel must navigate dangerous taverns thick with secrets while their fake "cousin" relationship becomes increasingly difficult—especially when every shared glance and gentle touch threatens to reveal their true feelings. But when Cole's personal quest to visit his imprisoned uncle becomes entangled with a deadly conspiracy, and Mistel's bold curiosity lands her in trouble, everything changes.

Now Cole must choose: the mission that could free an innocent man... or the woman he loves.

As a web of corruption reaches the highest levels of power, and villains from Cole's traumatic past close in, he faces an impossible choice. With Mistel's life in danger and dark family secrets threatening to surface, Cole must find the courage to fight for love—even if it means defying orders and confronting the demons of his past.

Perfect for fans of the sweet romance and swashbuckling adventure, this story weaves together tender love, heart-pounding action, and the kind of connection that transforms two hearts.

Because sometimes the greatest adventure is finding someone worth everything

Romance tropes readers adore:
• Sweet forbidden love (fake cousins!)
• Protective hero who'd do anything for her
• Brave heroine who stands by his side
• Tender moments stolen in secret
• "I'll keep you safe" devotion
• Adventure that brings hearts together
• That perfect first "I love you"

Continue the beloved Blood of Kings adventures today!

Whispers in the Snow ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

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

Whispers in the Snow 

Heartwarming Christmas 
By Heidi Eljarbo 

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

 

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

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

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

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

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

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Tour Giveaway

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

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

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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