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

---

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.

---

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

---

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

Cold Case Arson Investigation ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Cold Case Arson Investigation by Kerry Johnson, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Cold Case Arson Investigation 
Forest Ranger Rescuers #4 
By Kerry Johnson 

When a mission went tragically wrong, Clay Reiger walked away from the woman he loved. He was a failure and she was too good for him. But now Autumn Jennings is back in his life and a serial arsonist from the past (or a copycat) has set his (or her) eyes on Clay. As the attacks become more targeted and deadly in their intent, Clay and Autumn must confront their past and use their skills to determine who is behind these blazes.

As this story unfolds one is left wondering why Clay and Autumn are targets of this arsonist. Yes, their job description clearly marks them as investigators who are out to stop the perpetrator, but it almost seemed focused on them really early on as if it was a game.

And then there is this secret that is between Clay and Autumn, one that has been there nearly as long as Clay disappearing from her life. (You may be able to guess it, but the fact that it is not mentioned in the blurb it shall remain unmentioned here.) But since leaving, Clay has made efforts to change his life around, trying to put his less-than-ideal childhood behind him and finding hope in God.

This is story of second chances, found family, and redemption. Sometimes the most difficult act of forgiveness is that of oneself, and one I feel is Clay's biggest obstacle in finding the true peace he has accepted into his life. There are some definite moments of drama throughout, and as someone who has experienced the devastation and tragedy that fire can cause I can so empathize with the various individuals who are faced with this powerful element that can be both beautiful and deadly. 

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

About the Book

Title: Cold Case Arson Investigation 
Series: Forest Ranger Rescuers #4 
Author: Kerry Johnson 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: October 27, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

A decades-old crime.  

            A secret ready to explode. 

Trapped in a burning barn, fire ranger Clay Reiger barely escapes with his ex-girlfriend, fire marshal Autumn Jennings, as the inferno rages out of control. Soon a chilling pattern emerges—fires eerily similar to those set by a serial arsonist who disappeared years ago. As the past resurfaces, the danger becomes impossible to ignore. With their lives under attack and a long-buried secret threatening to reignite old wounds, Clay and Autumn must confront their shared history. Can they unravel a deadly mystery and stop a vengeful criminal before more lives are lost?

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

More in This Series

---

About the Author

Kerry Johnson spent a magical childhood in New England roaming the woods, climbing mossy boulders, and reading everything she could get her hands on. She moved to Florida as a teen, reluctantly exchanging dirt for sand and snow for sunshine. Kerry lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her patient engineering husband, two college-aged sons, and her teen niece. Their busy home also includes a lazy boxer, one very temperamental sun conure, a spotted leopard gecko, plus any stray cats who need food and TLC. (She still dreams of owning a horse one day.) She’s a longtime member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and FHLCW (Faith Hope Love Christian Writers). Her stories have won two ACFW Genesis Awards (2017 & 2020), RWA-Georgia’s Maggie Contest (Unpublished, 2019), and a First-Place Selah Award for Romantic Suspense (2025). She writes for Harlequin/Love Inspired Suspense, and you can find her list of books on her Amazon page Amazon.com: Kerry Johnson: books, biography, latest update

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of all four books in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series (Hunted in the Forest, Abducted in the Woods, Targeted in the Swamp, and Cold Case Arson Investigation) plus a scripture bookmark & tea bags!

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 27, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 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

---

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

The Stand-In ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

The Stand-In by Kit Hawthorne, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Stand-In 
By Kit Hawthorne 

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

About the Author

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

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

---

Tour Giveaway

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

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 19, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

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

To Win a Wager ~ Release Day

It's Release Day!

   To Win a Wager
Best Laid Plans #3
Grace Hitchcock

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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

Connect with her online at gracehitchcock.com.

Sanctuary and Sabotage ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sanctuary and Sabotage 
Guarded Hearts #2 
By Lori DeJong 

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

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

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

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

About the Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

More in This Series

---

About the Author

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

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

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

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

---

Tour Giveaway

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

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

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

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.

Of Sound and Silence ~ Review

Of Sound and Silence

Crowns of Corrend #1

By Madisyn Carlin

Narrator Gillian Wiggin

Finn Akkand feels as if his life is over when he survives an enemy attack and is left deaf. As an orphan he was always made to feel as if he was less than anything and now, he knows it. So, when a captain pulls him out of the hospital to serve as a personal guard in the royal household, he is more than surprised. Even more surprising is the fact that the king and queen approve of his appointment to protect the princess and to find a siren who is destroying their enemies. That's a good thing, right?

Nvani Lachnen has a secret, one that she refuses to share out of fear. Fear that her family will be injured if the truth is ever discovered. Fear that she will be viewed as a monster. But she cannot refuse to use the gift she was given. A gift that allows her to protect her kingdom. And the new guard hired to keep her safe is more than a problem.

I loved how this story included elements of the Twelve Dancing Princesses but was so much more than a simple retelling. No, this story took everything one would expect and crafted and molded it into something new and unique. 

And there are dragons! Yes, dragons in the castle. Cute baby dragons! The dragons alone should make you want to read/listen to this book. Add in that it is a clean romance and yes, war, but absent excessive and graphic violence. 

The narrator was excellent and presented the story in an engaging manner. Well worth the time and experience. 

I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the second book.

About the Book:

He's a deaf soldier. She's a princess whose voice could destroy kingdoms.

What good is a soldier who can't hear orders? War left its mark on Finn Akkand...and his hearing. Now thrust into an unanticipated role of bodyguard, Finn thinks all he'll need to do is keep the five princesses out of trouble. But his new job proves to be far from easy when he is assigned to find a mysterious creature rumored to be causing havoc on Lachnen’s shores.

Nvani Lachnen is a princess by day and a guardian by night. Carrying a royal gift that not only allows her to protect her kingdom, but must also remain hidden, Nvani works in the shadows to keep the enemy at bay…until her efforts are branded as dangerous and a price is unknowingly put on her head. As inside forces threaten not only her kingdom, but her family’s safety, Nvani is forced to accept help from unlikely allies while facing increased attacks that threaten her life.

Finn and Nvani soon find themselves navigating mischievous siblings, miscreant dragons, and enemies masquerading as allies. As the storms rise and another war threatens to erupt, two guarded hearts must learn whom to trust before it is too late.

Of Sound and Silence is a Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Featured tropes include found family, deaf rep, opposites attract, and royalty x commoner. There are also dragons.

Darkwater Descent ~ Review

Darkwater Descent

Roxburgh Scions #2

By Paige Edwards

This is the second book in the Roxburgh Scions but the fourth book in the Roxburgh story world (Roxburgh Heirs). This time we are introduced to the estates heir Roddy Henderson who has been living the last few years as business owner and diver master in the Cayman Islands. So may have labeled him as a shirker and a well-to-do-bored-rich-guy but Roddy had his reasons for living away from the estate that would one day be entrusted to his care. He never expected to connect with anyone from Scotland, much less an auditor who captures his attention. But Everly manage to do just that in the midst of her investigation for MI6. Things do not go well. Nope not a bit and she doesn't even get the opportunity to explain what happened to Roddy before she's on her way back home.

But when Roddy's gift for examining eyes puts him in the crosshairs of a crime boss, who has no qualms about killing anyone and everyone around them just to keep his identity a secret, Roddy has no choice but to leave the life he has come to love behind. He just wishes he had a chance to say goodbye to Everly Pattinson before he was forced to return to Scotland. But danger follows him and soon the estate and the people he loves and is responsible for are in danger.

This is an intense and engaging read. I love that we are finally able to get Roddy's story and to see how he and his sisters (and their significant others) all come together to protect their home, family, and friends. While navigating this whole "my life and estate are in danger" thing Roddy gets a surprising chance to reconnect with Everly. Of course there is the whole MI6 thing to deal with and his feeling adrift with the sudden responsibility that is unexpectedly and way too soon dropped on him. So yeah, this was a good read with the right balance of danger, suspense, clean romance, and family drama. I personally hope that their will be future books featuring this family but if not this had a good ending.

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

Darkwater Descent is releasing September 15, 2026.

About the Book:

The wrong discovery. 

The right woman. 

Deadly consequences.

While exploring a shipwreck in the Cayman Islands, Scottish dive master Roddy Henderson discovers a hidden underwater listening device and unwittingly places himself in the crosshairs of a ruthless Albanian crime boss–an elusive master of disguise who has evaded capture for decades. Now Roddy may be the only person who can identify him.

MI6 auditor Everly Pattinson’s mother is dying of ALS, and though Everly longs to spend every possible moment with her, the medical expenses require Everly to accept an overseas project assessing suspicious bank activity in the Caymans. Following a hunch, she takes an unauthorized risk and is caught and expelled from the island without a chance to say goodbye to Roddy, the handsome dive instructor she has fallen for. Eager to reestablish her tarnished reputation with MI6, Everly poses as a plus-one for a high-ranking British Intelligence official.

After narrowly surviving an attempt on his life, Roddy retreats to his native Scotland. There, at a glittering social event, he unexpectedly runs into Everly, on the arm of someone else–someone Roddy knows. Before she can explain, the Albanian crime boss walks through the door.

Convinced Everly deceived him from the beginning, Roddy wants nothing more to do with her. When the killer threatens the people he loves, Roddy must team up with Everly and MI6. Hunting a master of deception forces him to confront not only a deadly enemy, but also the painful past that drove him from Scotland–and the possibility that trusting Everly could either heal his deepest wounds or destroy him for good.

Start at the beginning with the Roxbury Heirs

and continue with the Roxburgh Scions

When the Silence Breaks ~ Review

When the Silence Breaks

Mercy Ridge #1

By Elizabeth Goddard

When a decades old secret is revealed, Sarah Ellison's life is changed forever. Her late grandfather revealed a secret that Sarah feels is directly related to her brother's death--a death she is convinced is murder. With what's left of her family in hiding, Sarah goes searching for answers on a mountain within the Cascade Mountains--a mountain that is even now looming large and deadly--threatening her search for the truth.

But to uncover that truth, Sarah needs Ryder Goodwin's help to get up the mountain. But going up the mountain is the last thing Ryder wants to do; to him it is the site of his greatest failure, and all signs are pointing to danger and a growing threat. 

Prepare yourself for betrayal and unexpected twists. Who will live? Who will die? My lips are sealed and my fingers are off the keyboard. 

If you have never read this author before this is a perfect time to introduce yourself as this is the first book in a new series Mercy Ridge which also happens to be the location of the book. If you like suspense, mystery, danger, decades long secrets, and romance with nothing graphic or overly descriptive thrown in, this is the book for you.

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

About the Book:

A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers--and danger closing in.

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather's deathbed confession connected to her brother's murder, she's determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand.

After his father's death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can't stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.

This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.

Anchoring You ~ Review

Anchoring You

The Wright Heroes of Maine #9

By Robin Patchen

When pirates try to take the yacht she is transporting, Kenzie Wright isn't about to be taken without a fight, not when the lives of her crew depend on her. There is just one little problem: she is woefully unprepared for an attack, with weapons at a minimum, and no safe space to hide. YIKES! But she's a Wright, and Wrights don't give up!

Jasper Aylett has a reputation, and it's not good. Nope, he's bad news. He abandoned his family and is living the life that would have made his late mother shudder if she could see him. But Jasper, aka Jax, made his mistakes and now has to live with the consequences. Consequences that forced him to give up one thing he loves most in the world. But he's fighting back the only way he knows how; unfortunately, saving Kenzie is about to upset his carefully crafted cover. 

This is a contemporary romance with faith elements, but it is not in-your-face, preachy. No, for Kenzie, it is just part of who she is. For Jasper, it was part of his past, but now, with his life spiraling out of his control, it is something knocking on his soul. These aren't perfect characters; they have flaws and failings, just like everyone else, which is what makes this book a more compelling read.

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

About the Book:

On the glittering waters of the Caribbean, 

a yacht captain’s fight for survival forces her to 

rely on a man she swore she’d never trust.

A fiercely independent yacht captain, Kenzie Wright has spent her life disregarding her family’s expectations. She thrives on freedom, charting her own course, and never staying in one place—or with one person—for long. But when a routine voyage thrusts her into the crosshairs of a deadly drug cartel, her carefully crafted agenda is blown apart. Her last hope to save herself and her crew is the partying playboy, Jaz.

DEA informant Jasper Aylett has spent years hunting the cartel leader known only as the Ghost. The mission has cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his chance at redemption. When a beautiful yacht captain gets caught in the Ghost’s web, Jaz risks his life to rescue her. It’s his last chance to secure the information he needs to take his enemy down—and get his life back.

Kenzie is forced into hiding with Jaz, and now two cartels want her dead. With their lives on the line, Kenzie and Jaz must work together to unravel the Ghost’s network before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth—and to each other—the more their past wounds and buried fears threaten to tear them apart, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy who won’t stop until they’re both destroyed.

From a USA Today bestselling author… Don’t miss this heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance as Kenzie and Jasper discover their fight for survival—and for love—can only be won together.

Buy it online  

The Tale of Capri ~ Review

The Tale of Capri

A Story Inspired by MerMay 

The Capri Saga #1 

By Kathleen Solis

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book:

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

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

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

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail by Katy Lee, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail 

K-9 Search and Rescue #18 
By Katy Lee 

Hunter Shelton's made mistakes in the past and he is filled with regrets about what he should have done differently. But he's turned his life around and hopes that his changed heart is a reflection of that change. But when he is called to a crime scene his past is there waiting for him. His ex-fiancée is the victim and her daughter is missing. Donna is dead and Nancy Sue may be in the hands of drug runners. But to find Nancy Sue before it is too late, Hunter reaches out to Marlee Price, who blames Hunter for the death of her brother. But Marlee is the best, and only the best has a chance at saving one little girl from these dangerous people.

Yeah, Hunter has a load of guilt he's dealing with, and this case bringing back old feelings and memories. But he has a job to do, and that includes keeping DEA Agent Marlee Price and her K-9 partner, Gustav, alive. It's hard to do with a bounty on their heads, but Hunter refuses to not be there for Marlee in her hour of greatest need. If only she could see past the anger and bitterness of the past.

This is a story of second chances and the healing power of accepting the redemptive power of God's love. But like everything, unless we accept the offered gift, we cannot enjoy the freedom it gives our heart and soul.  

As this is an offering from Love Inspired Suspense, you are assured of a book with a satisfying ending and content that won't leave you cringing. Hunter and Marlee are flawed and have to deal with the choices they have both made, but the story offers hope even at their darkest, most desperate hour. 

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

P.S. 

I will admit some of the subject matter was more disturbing than most LIS books I have previously read, but I believe it was handled in a sensitive way that did not offend.

                                             

About the Book

Title: Tracing a Kidnapper's Trail 
Series: K-9 Search and Rescue #18 
Author: Katy Lee 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: February 24, 2026 
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Solving an abduction case  

means a relentless K-9 manhunt… 

When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he's attacked. Soon, he realizes the little girl may have been taken by drug runners, and could possibly be his own child. With no one else to turn to, Hunter teams up with DEA Agent Marlee Price and her narcotics K-9, despite their rocky history. As they face escalating threats and uncover a rising body count, an old enemy from Marlee's past resurfaces. Will they be able to rescue the child and bring dangerous criminals to justice before time runs out? 

 From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub | Other Places to Buy

---

About the Author

#1 Publishers Weekly, best-selling author Katy Lee writes character-driven romantic suspense that thrills and inspires her readers, keeping them coming back for more. She is a multi-award winner and nominee for the Rita Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, Holt Medallion, and Selah Award, celebrating excellence in mystery and suspense. Katy lives in Utah's beautiful, rugged mountains and is also a special education teacher. She runs a literary nonprofit called Story Haven Writers, helping people write their healing stories from trauma. Keep up with Katy and her latest news, including her monthly newsletter, "Novel Ideas" at www.KatyLeebooks.com.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 VISA gift card with a plush Bloodhound and a matching signed bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 3, 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

---

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

Deadly Currents ~ Review

Deadly Currents

Hidden Bay #3

By Elizabeth Goddard

Cressida Dane is trying to complete the book her father was researching when he was killed. She has his notes, at least most of them, and Hidden Bay is next on her list. But hidden danger awaits and she is soon being protected by Braden Sanders, a county detective, who has his own closely guarded secret.

But the danger that hunts Cressida is of the deadly variety and could be tied to her own father's death. Worse, whoever is behind the attacks on Cressida seems determined to not only stop her research but to end her life. The question is why? Why would someone care about research concerning lost ships? As Cressida and Braden search for answers the danger only grows as do their feelings for one another. But Braden knows once Cressida learns the truth, she'll never forgive him.

This book opens with the danger present, and it slowly builds throughout the story leaving one in doubt as to the identity of just who is out to stop Cressida and why. And we finally get to know more about the secretive Evelyn Monroe! Get ready for the unexpected. I know I didn't guess what the enticement of the Specter's Bounty was. 

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

About the Book:

USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard Presents a Gripping Thrill Ride

Investigative journalist Cressida Dane arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father's manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the "ghost ship" Specter's Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind--Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces.

County detective Braden Sanders is in Hidden Bay for one reason--to get his niece lifesaving medical treatment. To do that, he is assigned to protect Cressida from a revenge-driven enemy. Together, Braden and Cressida dig deeper to discern the myth from the facts surrounding the Specter's Bounty.

But more is brewing under the surface than they could ever imagine. Entangled in secrets, they must unravel the past before the current sweeps away their future.

Praise for the Hidden Bay Series
"A thrilling ride, perfect for devouring in one sitting."--Lynette Eason, bestselling and award-winning author, on Storm Warning

"Fans of Lynette Eason and Nancy Mehl will love this thrill-a-minute ride from Goddard."--Library Journal on Storm Warning

Brace yourself for Elizabeth Goddard's final adrenaline-inducing installment in the Hidden Bay series. This clean romantic suspense combines maritime mystery with protective hero romance that readers of Dani Pettrey and Nancy Mehl will enjoy.