The Christmas Book Flood ~ Audiobook Review

The Christmas Book Flood 
By Roseanna M. White

Narrated by Talon David

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

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

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

High Exposure ~ Review

High Exposure

Jagged Edges #1

By Kelly Borjas

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

Connect with the author at her website.

Son of Embers ~ Review

Son of Embers

Blood of Kings: Legends #6

By Jill Williamson and Niki Florica

Okay, first off, you have to read the previous books in the Blood of Kings: Legends series. Okay, okay, you don't have to, but you should so you understand the various references to past events. And because it is a series that builds on the story that came before. And they are all really good. 

In this book, we have three main characters who couldn't be more different.  There is Mezaedo Chevyah, who has spent much of his life as a slavey to a whole plethora of masters and he isn't that old. Then we have Erro Coble, the named heir of a man who was evil and who may or may not be an enemy of the Kingsguard. And last, but by no means least, is Lady Halona Pitney, who is trying to find out the truth about her grandmother's death. And she wears slippers that come equipped with poison, and she's not afraid to use them. 

These three need to get out of Har Sha'ar because they may or may not have bounties on their heads, or, at least Mezaedo does, and it may be tied to something from his past. A past that Erro may know something about. But when betrayal comes calling, Mezaedo and Halona are on their own trying to get out of a land that is filled with people hunting them. Never a pleasant thing. 

This was such a good book, both tragic and triumphant at the same time. This book is hard to describe in a way that does it justice without giving too much away. But whatever you do, do not jump to the end. This is a story that must unfold chapter-by-chapter to experience and appreciate it fully. And the ending - WOW!

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

About the Book:

He's the slave a dozen masters threw away.

She's the lady no one in Er'Rets knows what to do with.

Now, they're both wanted by a town full of traitors… and one another's best chance of escape.

Born to serve, slave-turned-squire Mezaedo Chevyah was sent to Har Sha'ar with a simple plan: investigate a noblewoman's disappearance, and prove to the Kingsguard that he's worth keeping. Instead, he finds a bounty on his head, the voice of a dead villain stirring in the back of his mind, and two unlikely allies — one, a traitor, the other a lady as strange as her poison-toed slippers.

Lady Halona Pitney — anomaly, herbalist, and self-proclaimed harbinger of chaos — came back to Har Sha'ar to find her missing grandmother and confront her childhood friend, Erro Coble. But Erro has changed, and the secrets he's keeping are the kind that get people killed. So when he asks her to help him smuggle a wounded squire out of the village — alive — how can she refuse?

Forced into an alliance no one wants, Mezaedo, Halona, and Erro have one chance to escape Har Sha'ar alive before every bounty hunter in the mountains closes in. But the wilderness beyond the walls hides a darkness worse than any of them imagined. Loyalties will fracture. Secrets will surface. And what's growing between the squire and the lady may cost more than they know how to pay.

To survive what waits, Mezaedo and Halona will have to trust each other — and the God who carried them this far — before the dark swallows everyone they came to save.

Two unlikely hearts. 

Enemies on every side. 

A faith that may be the only thing left standing.

From the bestselling fantasy author of the Blood of Kings and Kinsman Chronicles, Son of Embers is a stand-alone, faith-forward romantasy set in Jill Williamson's beloved Er'Rets — perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance wrapped in quirky characters, courageous faith, and prose that crackles like a hearth in a winter storm.

Blood of Kings: Legends

Book 1: Squire of Truth

Book 2: Lord of Winter

Book 3: Lady of Shadows

Book:4: Heir of Light

Book 5: Queen of Reckoning

Book 6: Son of Embers

Book 7: Guardian of Hope (Coming Nov 2026)

Book 8: Shield of Honor (Coming Feb 2027)

About the Authors:

Jill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written
over two dozen books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of
Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA
magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films
with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at
jillwilliamson.com.

Niki Florica is a full-time story addict and advocate for all things epic. She
believes Latin is immortal, dreams of being in a musical number (or a K-
drama—whichever comes first), and writes to stir the part of our hearts that God
has stamped with eternity. Catch her between writing sessions or overseas
adventures and she’s probably in the clouds; the glassy stare will give her away.
Find Niki on YouTube at Niki Florica. For more information, visit her at
nikiflorica.com.

The Ballerina's Bargain ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Ballerina's Bargain 

Danforth Theatre #1 

By Lorri Dudley 

Emmeline Laurent has spent most of her life dancing and hiding. Her parents were victims of a betrayal during the French Revolution, and since then she and her guardian have been hiding her identity, never staying anywhere if danger came near. And Emmeline dances, her skill unmatched, though she stays in the shadows, never a lead dancer. She shares her love of dance with the petite ballerinas as their instructor. But when the future of the Danforth Theatre is in doubt, she begs the new owner not to sell it to a man of pure evil.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, did not know that he had inherited a theatre following his father's death. No, he was surprised that this, along with his father's debts, was draining the entire estate, threatening not only the estate's future financial security but also his sister's education and dowries. He sees no way forward but to sell the theatre until a plea of desperation prompts him to look more closely at the situation, to look beneath the facade. 

But how can he choose between his family and the young dancers of the theatre? Could Miss Laurent be telling him the truth when she promises that the Danforth will become profitable? And just how will she do so? 

This book examines the dangers these young women/girls faced who undertook such a life and why they did so. And the disrespect they faced from society's elite. The term gentleman for some of these men was merely a title to allow despotic behavior with little to no consequences.

What I did like was Grant's determination to not be one of those gentlemen, to be someone who treated people for who they were, not because they had a title or wealth. And Emmeline's story was tragic, and when the full truth was revealed... let's just say this is one that has to be read to fully understand just how great a tragedy it was. And before you start worrying, this book does have a satisfying ending that points to better days and a HEA. 

This is a Historical Regency Romance that delves into a world of contrasts while staying true to one's faith and conscience in the face of resistance, fear, and both societal and familial expectations. I'm interested in where this series goes with book two - those involved in the theatre or Grant's younger siblings?

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

About the Book

Title: The Ballerina's Bargain 
Series: Danforth Theatre #1 
Author: Lorri Dudley 
Publisher: Wild Heart Books 
Release Date: September 8, 2026 
Genre: Historical Regency Romance

A burdened earl. A determined ballerina. Saving the theatre was part of their bargain. Losing their hearts wasn't.  

London, 1815 

Emmeline Laurent has survived by grace and grit. After her parents' execution in France, she has learned to live unseen as a humble ballerina instructing young pupils in a small London theatre. When whispers spread that the Danforth Theatre may be sold to an unscrupulous buyer, Emmeline fears not only for her livelihood but for the safety of her impressionable students. With no time and no options, she does the only thing she knows to do: leap into a moving carriage and bargain with the new lord who holds their fate. 

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has inherited the crushing weight of duty along with a failing theatre, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters to usher into society, and a mountain of his father's secrets. Selling the Danforth is the only way to save his family from ruin. The last thing he needs is a beautiful, infuriatingly determined ballerina turning his careful plans upside down. 

But when Emmeline's hidden past begins surfacing and the danger circling the theatre proves far deadlier than either of them realized, Grant must choose between the life he planned and the one God may have been preparing all along.  

For fans of Roseanna M. White and Jen Turano — a sweeping Regency romance about the grace found in surrender, the courage it takes to trust, and the God who makes a way when every door seems closed.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Wild Heart Books | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Lorri Dudley is the bestselling author of The Leeward Island Series and The Agents of Espionage Series. She has a master’s degree in psychology and lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a prize bundle with reading blanket, socks, and candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 8, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Recipe for a Princess ~ Review

Recipe for a Princess

Heirs of Peverell #2

By Hannah Currie

Princess Isabella is sure she can help all her friends find love, help Zaria rise above the stigma of being the woman her brother didn't marry, and handle the fund raiser of the century (or whatever they want to call it). She thrilled with how she helped Bailey and Cameron find their love and get engaged. And when it comes to tasty treats she whips up, she's a kitchen wiz. So how hard could it be to take on raising funds for the children's hospital in Peverell? And she knows exactly which of her friends is perfect for who, if only they'll be a bit more receptive to her assistance.

But when things go wrong, they go very wrong. And Isabella makes one wrong decision on top of the other. And too late she realizes that she may have driven away the very man she didn't realize that she loves. Worse everyone in Peverell knows exactly what she did.

Isabella discovers being a princess is more than wearing a crown, ordering people around, and taking credit when things go right. Sometimes it is accepting responsibility for you do wrong, humbling yourself, asking for help, and always seeking God's guidance in all things.

This is a story of forgiveness, of admitting the truth, and accepting God's gift of mercy.

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

About the Book:

Princess Isabella of Peverell couldn’t be more thrilled for her brother’s new romance. Nothing could make her happier, not even a perfectly baked dark chocolate cheesecake drizzled with fudge sauce and topped with strawberries cut into roses. With a few curls of toasted coconut tossed around for that extra flair. Because baking is all about the presentation. But life? Life is all about the romance.

Not that Izzy’s ever experienced romance herself. She knows enough about love to know one can’t force it. At least for oneself. For others? Absolutely. Why wouldn’t the rest of her friends want to be as blissfully happy as her brother? If she can take a few ingredients and turn them into the most beautiful high tea, surely she can find perfect matches for her friends. She’s the princess, after all, and what better legacy to leave as a royal than one of love and care for her people? If she just happens to find a man to love her along the way, even better. Only life doesn’t follow a recipe, and as decisions and their consequences start piling up around her, Isabella finds herself in over her head. And the one man who’s always been there for her just walked away.

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.

An Irish Hope ~ Review

An Irish Hope

Fairall Romance Legacy #2 

By Carolyn Miller 

Aisling Fairall is hoping for a story like her sister Rory and her brother Colin one that is directly related to the Fairall Legacy. A legacy that allows them to instantly recognize their one true love.  The problem is making sure that their true recognizes them.

But right now Aisling is the sister of the groom in a wedding that shut down the hotel that is their family home. Well, except for two guests. One of whom is there celebrating (or mourning) the honeymoon that did not happen one year ago. Not that he minded getting dumped by the woman he thought he'd spend the rest of his life with. Or that her choice was his former friend and teammate. Nope nothing like that going on, but he is not going to let his heart or romance or anything else lead him down the path of romance anytime soon.

But an expected and untimely run-in with a redhead soon has him having trouble sticking to his promise to himself. But Andrew Scott's been down the path of love before and he is going to resist following it again, but there is something about Aisling.

Aisling was madder than a cat that had gone swimming when she and Andy ran into one another at her brother's wedding. Of course, that was before the family legacy let her on a little secret.  But how do you convince a man who wants to avoid romance that he is destined to be your true love? 

An Irish Hope is a Contemporary Christian Romance that features karaoke, too-helpful friends, a family legacy, clean romance, and trusting God. There are ups and downs and some definite bumps along the way as Aisling tries to determine what life and God have in store for her. This was a cute story that offers some depth and one that I would recommend.

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

About the Book:

Aisling Fairall has a big personality and a big heart. But lately she's been feeling a little lost and wondering what to do with her life. Until a mysterious uninvited guest at a family wedding helps her see that maybe she's not quite on her own, after all.

Andrew Scott is used to crushed dreams, which is why he's here at a fancy hotel in west Ireland on the anniversary of what should've been his honeymoon. He's trying to pick up the pieces of his life when an unexpected encounter with a sassy redhead makes his heart beat faster again.

Can these two overcome complications galore and find hope and a future again?

Join Ash and Andy as they discover God may just have good plans beyond what they'd imagined, in this sweet romance filled with banter, Irish pop music references, and a lively Irish family and their gorgeous castle by the sea.

Get all the books featuring the Fairall siblings. 

The Lost Daughter's Irishman features Colin Fairall.

The Fairall Romance Legacy

featuring the Fairall sisters

Aurora, Aisling, and Fiona.