Falling for the Crystal Fae ~ Review

Falling for the Crystal Fae

To Win a Dark Heart #4

By Anabelle Raven

This book captured me from the opening scene: 

My heart never stopped beating, but my imprisonment was its own form of death. It separated me from my throne, my power, and my tea.

This gave me such a sense of Khiona's pain and the reasoning behind her desire for vengeance.

When Khiona finds a lamp, she never expected to find someone imprisoned within it. Someone with the power to release her from her own prison. Someone who needs her as much as she needs him.

Andar has finally found a way to escape his prison, a prison that allows him access to unlimited power, but only at the bidding of another. He plans to help Khiona just long enough to trap her in his prison.

Of course, nothing goes quite to plan. Andar and Khiona are not what the other is expecting. Slowly, they start having trouble. How can you use someone when you start forming an attachment to them? 

I loved watching the transformation as these two made their way from the Winter Kingdom to the Autumn Kingdom. This was a story of second chances and redemption. Excellent reading.

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

About the Book:

A vengeful queen.

A sorcerer chained by magic.

A truce with power to destroy the realms.

Khiona once ruled her fae kingdom with an icy fierceness—until humans twisted her magic into a prison she could not escape.

Andar once collected enough power to control the cosmos, but he was bound so he could only use it at another’s bidding.

Alone, Khiona and Andar were captured, safely removed from society and trapped in prisons as unique as the villains themselves. But when an earthquake brings them together, they both devise ways to use each other to achieve their ever-distant dreams.

Complications arise when those dreams do not align with each other and new feelings interfere with old agendas. Will the most powerful tyrants known to fae finally bring the world to its knees? Or will they destroy themselves with their own opposing plans—especially when none of those plans included falling for each other?

Falling for the Crystal Fae is a fairytale novella that combines fantasy elements of The Snow Queen and Aladdin. Set after the events in each of these stories, it is brimming with new adventures, dangerous dragons, redemption, betrayal, and a no-spice, sweet romance love story.

Falling for the Crystal Fae is the fourth 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.

Falling for the Trickster ~ Review

Falling for the Trickster

To Win a Dark Heart #1

By Lucy Tempest

Falling for the Trickster is a Rumpelstiltskin/Goose Girl mashup that focuses on the maid who tried to usurp her princess. In this retelling, the princess is awful, and no one can blame Ottoline for wanting a better life, considering Princess Gertrude's abuse. 

When she is offered the chance to switch places and get the life Gertrude is assured of, Ottoline takes it. It will only cost her an unknown favor to Roderick. What could it truly cost if he can switch things up so easily?

Yeah, it's never a good choice to make a bargain without knowing the costs. But nothing is as Ottoline, Gertrude, and Roderick expected because the king of Orcage demands that the "princess" turn objects to gold. Her upcoming marriage to the prince is not enough to dispel the debts owed to Orcage. 

Does anyone else see the problem? 

With the assistance of Roderick again, for the price of a kiss, everything will be great. Not so, the king is not so easily satisfied, and Roderick's gold-turning abilities are limited. Everyone needs a reset, but nope, not happening. What follows is a sweet yet dangerous attempt to stop the king and get what both Ottoline and Roderick truly want.

I loved how various aspects of the Goose Girl and Rumpelstiltskin played out. There is a lovely interweaving that allows both tales to be fully present while offering something new and fresh. The villains get their day, and in this retelling, you will be rooting for them to succeed. 

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

About the Book:

Rumpelstiltskin meets The Goose Girl.

An opportunistic maid.

A manipulative faerie.

A gilded deal that binds them both.

Ottoline has had enough. After years of enduring Princess Gertrude’s cruelty, the maid’s patience snaps during their voyage to the foreign kingdom of Orcage, where the princess is to marry the crown prince to settle a royal debt. There, she crosses paths with a silver-haired, silver-tongued man with a penchant for deals and deception.

Cunning and ambitious, fae nobleman Lord Roderick von Ravenstock offers Ottoline the opportunity of a lifetime: to switch places with her tormentor and claim the life of a princess.

With a snap of his fingers, she is set to live the life she had dreamed of at the glimmering court of Orcage...until its superstitious king demands she fulfill her kingdom's debt by turning everything into gold.

Trapped by her own masquerade, Ottoline turns to Roderick again, and he offers to save her, in exchange for a kiss.

One kiss. One favor. One step closer to ruin.

As the king’s demands escalate, so do Roderick’s bargains, each adding another layer to his plot against the royal family, and drawing her deeper into a deadly game of magic and court intrigue. But when the king’s greed spirals beyond control, Ottoline has no choice but to escape into Faerie where she falls from one monster’s grasp into the next.

Risking his plans, Roderick saves her and, as she recovers under his watchful gaze, the forced proximity begins to crack their defenses, revealing who they are underneath their roles as the trickster and the fraud. Villains in the lives of others, but heroes of their own stories.

Together, they plot one last con to bring the king to his knees. But nothing ever goes to plan, especially when hearts are on the line.

Falling For the Trickster is the first book in the To Win a Dark Heart series which retells fairytales as old as time, but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.

The Unending Light ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Unending Light by Brett Armstrong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Unending Light 
Quest of Fire #7 
By Brett Armstrong 

This is the seventh book in the Quest of Fire series that is split between to two eras. In each era, war is consuming the land, threatening those who are Knights of the Light and followers of the King.  

Keeping the faith and holding fast to what you know to be true even in the face of impossible odds is repeatedly played out. As the forces in opposition to the Knights seemingly continue to achieve victory and grow in strength Jason and Anargen find their hearts tested/ Will they hold fast to their vows or fall to their fears? When those we love are in danger what holds the greater sway over us? This is the question both young men face throughout. 

I really appreciated the thorough recap of the previous books in the series it was excellent. 

This book is one that grips you from the beginning. But you MUST read the series in order as each book builds on what came before. There is an obvious faith element through the book and series, but this is what gives this book its depth.

In my opinion, those who have read and enjoyed Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, Lawhead's Bright Empires, and Walley's The Lamb Among the Stars series will find the Quest of Fire series equally engaging in depth and emotional engagement by the reader. I feel that this book is for older teens and up (or advanced younger teens).

My only complaint is that the series is now complete. There were heartbreaking loses throughout but moments of triumph that offered hope that maybe they can succeed. I really appreciate the obvious work the author put into the Quest of Fire. To bring so many threads together, weaving them into a cohesive and epic conclusion is just WOW!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               About the Book

Title: The Unending Light 
Series: Quest of Fire #7 
Author: Brett Armstrong 
Publisher: Expanse Books 
Release Date: December 16, 2025 
Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

War has consumed the Lowlands in both Jason and Anargen’s eras. Each teen struggles to keep true to the Quest as the armies led by the dark powers of the Lowlands edge closer to victory. 

A secret buried in Ordumair can guarantee that evil Monarch Ilyron destroys the Tower of Light Anargen has striven to defend. And Jason’s brother, Dorian, has found an equally powerful weapon in the mysterious land of Jhi. The ancient threat of dragons returning to the Lowlands threatens to plunge the Lowlands into ruin. 

Losses that leave both teens grieving deeply and an ever-diminishing list of allies means they must be willing to give everything to rescue their world from the looming desolation. But they must face the truth that it is still far too little to win, unless they can hold on till the King’s Day arrives.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

      

---

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Tomorrow’s Edge series), and layered, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

Connect with Brett by visiting brettarmstrong.net to follow him on social media and subscribe to email updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card and exclusive Quest of Fire digital content (series theme music and digital maps)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 14, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

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

The Mistress of Wyndham Hall ~ Review

The Mistress of Wyndham Hall

The Widows of Lavender Cottage #3

By Jen Geigle Johnson

Eliza Tyndale is enjoying the unexpected freedom that widowhood has afforded her. Unfortunately, her sisters feel she needs to reintroduce herself to society and remarry as soon as possible. But when the Secret Society of Young Widows reaches out to her, Eliza is introduced to a whole new way of looking at marriage. love, and widowhood.

I found Eliza's sisters totally annoying when they decided to help her. They were like a runaway train and weren't about to stop for anyone. Loved how they were worried that others would try to take advantage of her situation. (Hello, sisters dear, have you looked in a mirror recently?) But her sisters really did care about Eliza and her future.

This was another enjoyable and interesting addition to the Widows of Lavender Cottage series. Eliza's steward Julian Brooks encourages her in finding herself and establishing a place that is of her choosing. But he has secrets that he is keeping; secrets that come as a shock to Eliza. And the truth could change everything between them.

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

About the Book:

A young widow not looking for love and a man who is not who he seems.

When widow Eliza Tyndale inherits her aunt's Somerset estate, she expects solitude and simple country life. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the charming steward who seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. Julian Brooks is everything she didn't know she wanted—intelligent, compassionate, and unafraid of her independence.

But Julian is harboring a secret that could change everything between them. As their friendship deepens into something more meaningful, Eliza begins to suspect there's more to the quiet steward than meets the eye. When the truth finally emerges at a public assembly, she feels betrayed by the man she thought she knew.

Fleeing to the sanctuary of Lavender Cottage and the Secret Society of Young Widows, Eliza must decide whether love is worth the risk of trusting again. Can she forgive the deception that brought them together, or will Julian's secret destroy any chance of a future?

As Christmas approaches and the local foundling home needs their help, Eliza and Julian are thrown together in service to others. Working side by side, they rediscover the connection that drew them together—but can they build a future when trust has been shattered?

In this charming tale of second chances and chosen family, one woman must learn that sometimes the greatest risk is opening your heart to love again.

Abducted in the Woods ~ Review with IG Giveaway

Abducted in the Woods

Forest Ranger Rescuers #2
By Kerry Johnson
Published by Harlequin/Love Inspired

Sarah Brindley thought she was safe. But the men who killed her husband have found her and her seven-year-old son. But why these men are so intent on finding her is beyond her understanding. 

Now she her only hope of rescuing her son lies with the help of her brother-in-law and his K-9 partner. But when she discovers the secrets her husband held, she knows that the men after her won't be satisfied until she is permanently silenced. This Christmas season is anything but jolly!

Abducted in the Woods jumps right into the action from the beginning. As the story unfolds, secrets are slowly unveiled and they don't paint Sarah's just murdered husband in a good light. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. And for kitty lovers there is a cat in addition to the dogs.

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

About the Book:

Pursued by criminals—with a child’s life on the line.

Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother-in-law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black-market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.

Be sure to enter the Instagram Giveaway - You must go to Instagram to enter!

To enter the giveaway go to the following link https://www.instagram.com/p/DRye54TCsVU/

⇒ Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card!

⇒ VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 10, 2025.)

---

Links –

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335957436_abducted-in-the-woods.html

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228126590-abducted-in-the-woods 

And the Mountains in Reply ~ Review

And the Mountains in Reply

The Carols of Christmas

By Sienna Peake

Sarah Gibson is about to become Prescott, Arizona's first teacher. She left behind the life of luxury she was used to living in Philadelphia. Here she's determined that all children will be able to attend her school, and with the help of local carpenter Elijah Phelps she extends the invitation to the children some deem unfit for school.  

Elijah isn't the most sociable of men, nope he has scars both visible and of the soul. For him, his work in Prescott is a temporary stop on his way further west. Helping Sarah with various school related tasks gives him a glimpse into what could be, but he knows if she learns the truth about his past, she'll turn her back on him.

And the Mountains in Reply is a story of grace, second chances, and seeing worth in others. A lovely and sweet romance, perfect for teens and older who want a clean read.

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

About the Book:

The music of Christmas mends hearts in frontier Arizona

When Sarah Gibson arrives in Arizona, she has nothing to her name but the clothes on her back and a set of lesson plans to start her life as Prescott's first teacher. From the start, complications arise, and they all seem to bring her in contact with the same taciturn carpenter: Elijah Phelps. When Sarah's school plans begin to fall apart, she'll need to work with Elijah to prepare a Christmas concert powerful enough to bring the town together and maybe the two of them as well.

And the Mountains in Reply is a stand-alone novella in the Carols of Christmas series of Christian romances inspired by classic Christmas hymns.

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.

Love in the Castle Library ~ Review

Love in the Castle Library

In the Castle Library #2

By Ann Swindell

This is the second book in the In the Castle Library series, in which a small European country attempts to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of its lost queen. Queen Alma disappeared in the night during World War 1, and no one knows just where she disappeared to. For more than 100 years, the people of Lethersby have felt her abandonment as a personal shame. But with word that she may have made her way to England, there is hope that the truth of her life may finally be known. 

In this search for the answers they seek, the Lethersby research team needs access to British records. But to access them, they need a British researcher on their team. In steps Castle Stewardess Delphine DuVert to find their perfect candidate. For the first time ever, Delphine makes a quick decision; she offers the position to Jack Worthington.

Something about Jack just feels right for this position, and she feels a connection she hasn't had with any of the previous candidates. 

This was a lovely story in which both Jack and Delphine delve into the past with it secrets both for the Lethersby people and their own pasts. I loved how the story unfolded with moments where the answers seemed just within reach and moments where failure seemed imminent. Of course, there has to be a villain, and Max is the perfect cringe-when-he walks-into-the-room character. Nasty doesn't do him justice. But through it all faith plays a vital role as Jack and Delphine navigate the complexities of life, love, and traditions.

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

About the Book:

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

Purchase Links

READ | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Ann Swindell is the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses for women across the globe. She lives in West Michigan with her family and writes for many ministries, including Well-Watered Women, Risen Motherhood, and The Gospel Coalition. She has authored The Path to Peace and Still Waiting, and her first novel, Christmas in the Castle Library, released with WhiteCrown in 2024.

You can connect with her at AnnSwindell.com.

Author Links

Instagram | Facebook | Website

Echoes of a Silent Song ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Echoes of a Silent Song 

Melodies and Memories #1 

By Amanda Wen 

Blair Emerson is tired of the revolving door of high school choir directors. She longs for the days when Vic Nelson dedicated decades to the choir, inspiring them to excellence. And she can't understand how he endorsed Callum Knight for the roll. She can tell even before meeting him that Callum's heart isn't into it. 

But everything changes when Blair confronts Callum about his attitude and they discover an unfinished piece of music hidden away in the music library archives. Discovering the story behind this unsigned piece of work becomes their uniting goal. And the truth is more than a little surprising, and yet looking back...

I loved how the ending played out though it was tragic, too, but long hidden truths are finally revealed. The back and forth between past and present gave an added depth to the story as we learn Iris's story as Blair and Callum seek to find the rest of her unfinished piece of music. 

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

About the Book

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song 

Series: Melodies and Memories #1 

Author: Amanda Wen 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: October 21, 2025 

Genre: Split-time Romance 

A split-time romance from an award-winning author

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight's goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible. 

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day. 

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core. 

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town's history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | BookBub | Bookshop

Also Available:

---

About the Author

Amanda Wen is a Carol– and Selah Award–winning and Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including Roots of Wood and Stone, The Songs That Could Have Been, and The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. She is also a professional musician. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

Connect with Amanda by visiting amandawen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Echoes of a Silent Song and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

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

Dark Design ~ Review

Dark Design

The Erin Delaney Mysteries #2

By Nancy Mehl

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has used a murder in her book as part of his bookish killings she is understandably upset. The only plus is that it requires her to stay with her friend Kaley Quinn-Hunter. The negative is that it requires her to leave the safety of her wooded cabin behind.

What follows is a race to profile the killer before he can strike again. But when a killer uses murders from various novelists it is hard to create a profile for a killer that doesn't have an established MO. The only unique clues are poems left with each victim.

Dark Design had some definite twists that kept the killer's identity in the dark. There were a couple of possible suspects in my mind, but they did not bear fruit and were innocents. I appreciated Erin's thoughts as this book progressed, and she began thinking about the influence her writing had in the murder tied to her book. This book is in a way a message on how our actions can affect others in ways not foreseen.

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

Check out my Instagram post and enter the giveaway at https://www.instagram.com/p/DQWvZhYDidI/

About the Book:

As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she’d just made a very serious mistake. . . .

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, her career as an author takes a detrimental turn. She joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, to help identify a suspect, but the team is stumped, and Kaely fears for Erin’s safety as they work to dismantle a web of fear and chaos.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and the claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. But as the enemy looms closer than ever, Erin’s life hangs in the balance.

A Change of Heart ~ Review

A Change of Heart

Hearts of Avarin #1

By Madysin Carlin

Narrated by Sarah Kuklis

When Jo Linnd stumbles into something unexpected she finds herself in a most annoying situation - she is saddled with a bodyguard and the target of criminals. But why? No one can understand the reasoning behind Jo's missing recipe book and why she even came to the attention of these people. Jo refuses to be confined and is not happy having a bodyguard in her kitchen. 

But if Jo is unhappy, Detective Kaden McMartyn is even more unhappy with what he feels is a demotion. How can his father and grandfather see him as worthy of carrying on the family legacy when he can't work on a case?

This was an intriguing book, and the audio version was well presented. I loved how Jo's annoyance was presented. And when Kaden entered the kitchen, I could just see her holding her rolling pin all put out at the disruption to her routine, an invasion of her space. When Kaden was with his family, I could feel his wariness of what his next exposed deficiency would be. Sarah Kuklis's narration was excellent, and I am looking forward to the next book in the Heart of Avarin series. This was perfect for my daily commute and made for a week of enjoyable listening at 7 hours and 27 minutes. This is a clean Christian Fantasy Romance that offers action, suspense, and Cinderella feels woven throughout.

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

About the Book:

She's a grumpy baker. He's a stubborn detective.

All Josephine “Jo” Linnd wants is to prove herself worthy of one day taking over her family’s bakery. Her aspirations are crushed when a seemingly random robbery lands her a bodyguard. It wouldn’t be so bad if said bodyguard didn’t aggravate her to no end. Nor would it be so bad if that irritating personality wasn’t offset by a charming smile and kind eyes.

All Detective Kaden McMartyn wants is to prove himself worthy of his family’s legacy. When he’s assigned as the opinionated and feisty Jo’s bodyguard, he sees his new job as a demotion. Still, despite her propensity toward being more like vinegar than sugar, he’s drawn to her giving personality and gentle heart.

But not everything is cookies and cupcakes. Danger grows, more attempts on Jo’s life occur, and secrets lurk just beyond reach. Can two people who mix as well as oil and water put aside their differences in time, or will evil gain the upper hand…and destroy the growing attraction between Jo and Kaden?

A Change of Heart is a Christian fantasy novel with Cinderella vibes, all the autumnal goodness, and the tropes enemies-to-more and forced proximity.