Review: Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

On September 4, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800744731 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:09/02/2025 Pages:176

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn’t helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas—by herself—bah humbug! But bad weather and God’s radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt’s farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas—one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

My Thoughts

This novella offers a sweet Christmas story with family drama and a developing romance. Carol is planning a Christmas vacation from Washington state to the Bahamas but gets stranded in Michigan when a big winter storm grounds her plane there. Fortunately, she has an aunt she doesn’t know well living close enough to get to, so she ends up at her Aunt Maria’s house to wait out the storm. She makes a new friend named Victor, once a restauranteur but now just caring for his elderly parents. He is a good cook and an all-around kind man who chauffeurs Carol wherever she wants to go, so they get to know each other. I really enjoyed how the story was woven around Carol’s disdain for Christmas and the way she gradually comes to accept the holiday and then actually enjoy it. I liked most of the townspeople and thought that all of the characters were well-developed, even the secondary ones. There is one character who was perfect for her part, but she wasn’t particularly likable and that was purposeful. The pace was moderate, a perfect way for a developing romance to be showcased as I got to know each character’s strengths and backstories. There were multiple themes to the story, all based on faith and including self-discovery, forgiveness and kindness to strangers and estranged family members. This is a perfect story for the Christmas season as it embodies giving, sacrifice and love in one beautifully written story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest.

To purchase your copy:

The Promised Land (Reblog from 5 Minutes of Hope)

On September 3, 2025 By vickleaIn promises, Re-blog1 Comment

5minutesofhope.com/2025/09/03/the-promised-land-2/

Please go to the original post and follow Doug. His words of encouragement have helped me frequently and today was especially good. Enjoy!

Tuesday and All is Well

On September 2, 2025 By vickleaIn Scripture, testimony6 Comments

Those of you who read my posts regularly know that I recently posted that our church was considering a merger with another church that is slightly larger than ours. I am out of town right now and Sunday, I started getting messages one after another on my phone from our Bible Study group. They were all happy about the news announced in church that day. Since I hadn’t been there, I asked “What news?” The news was that the pastors and elders of our church had decided to no longer pursue a merger. Hallelujah! No real details were given about their decision, just “after careful consideration and prayer…”

So, the scriptures prove true once again. No surprise there! We were all in a dither about what we would do if the merger happened, especially since the way it was presented to us, it seemed like a “done deal.” Most of us in our group planned to start looking for another church if the merger came to be. But we all determined to pray, speak out about our reasons for reluctance for change and then wait for God to act. Somehow, in some way, he touched minds and hearts and they changed. It is definitely a God thing to do and we are thankful. So, worrying doesn’t do any good. It just brings stress and anxiety and maybe some health issues. Just turn things over to God and wait for Him to act! I am still very unhappy with the noise level of the bass and percussion at our church, but I am still praying and still expecting God to act. I don’t want to take any action that God is not the leader of. Out of His will is NOT a good place to be!

Knock and keep knocking until there is an answer! Yes, No or Wait are all answers, although they may not be the one we want or expect.

Review: FALLING FOR HIS NASHVILLE NURSE by Janice Lynn

On September 1, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

Dr. Wryn appears happy-go-lucky, but past pain bubbles beneath the surface. So it’s a surprise when Nashville Medical Clinic’s captivating new nurse, Everleigh, has his traitorous heart racing…which only worsens as he gets to know the single mom and her adorable son. Wryn should keep his distance—Everleigh swore off romance following her divorce. But when she admits to feeling the same, his restraint shatters. If a fling is all they can have, he’ll treasure every moment. Falling for Everleigh was never part of the plan.

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335993267 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Pages:240

My Thoughts

Although I don’t generally read romance books, this one captured my attention from the beginning with relatable characters and a compelling story. Dr. Wryn Cooper is a real heart throb who turns heads everywhere he goes, but he also distances himself from anyone who has children because of an unfortunate part of his past. When Everleigh Bennett finds herself working with him at the clinic where she is a new nurse practitioner, she can’t deny the attraction but shies away from relationships since her husband walked out on her and Hayes, her young son. The two have a meet-cute at the park and there seems to be a magnetic pull between the three of them. Because Wryn is hiding a secret, there is a plot twist and a lot of drama before the two can get to their happily ever after. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially the precocious Hayes and the dog Brandy who provides a lot of entertainment for Hayes and for me, too as I read. The plot was paced perfectly to keep me engaged in the story and there were a few twists that kept me wondering how the couple would ever get to an HEA if they had so many problems and differences. The author did a masterful job of bringing everything together in a realistic and heartwarming way and managed to make me want to read more of her medical romance books since this one was so good.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Janice Lynn lives in Tennessee with her Prince Charming, her vivid imagination, an adorable Maltese named Halo who’s the true princess of the house and a bunch of unnamed dust bunnies who took up permanent residence after Janice started her writing career.

After writing more than thirty books for Harlequin, Janice began writing heartwarming sweet romance stories featuring the Quilts of Valor Foundation. As a Blue Star Mom, the organization is dear to her heart.

Janice’s stories have won numerous awards including the National Readers Choice Award, The Golden Quill, The Golden Pen, the Holt Medallion Award of Merit, and RT Book Club’s The American Title Contest. She’s a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best-selling author.

In addition to writing romance novels, Janice has a Master’s in Nursing degree and works as a nurse practitioner. She’s a quilter, an exercise queen, a military mama, and a member of and supporter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Just kidding on the exercise queen. Website: Janicelynn.com

Please follow this link to purchase your copy:

Harlequin and other retailers

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

A Reminder

On August 31, 2025 By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

Payday is here! The day when I can finally buy the thing I have been waiting to get…but then I think about it some more and realize that I no longer really want it enough to pay the money for it. The desire for it has diminished with time. When we want something that is earthly, sometimes those desires change. But when we set our real affection on God and the things that are important to Him, then we are focusing on what will last, like God’s love, His love for others that He wants us to demonstrate, mercy, grace, forgiveness. The cost was tremendous since it cost Jesus everything. But the gift for us is free. We just have to want it enough that we cherish it and pursue it daily.

Review: ALIBI FOR MURDER by Debra Webb

On August 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

When Allie Foster becomes the prime suspect in a murder, the small-town loner reaches out to the one person she can trust. Convinced Allie’s innocent, Colby Agency investigating attorney Steve Durham uncovers a shocking connection to a decades-old cold case in her past. The twisting path to the truth unleashes an attraction that plunges the high school friends into deeper danger. Now Steve and Allie must outmaneuver an elusive killer in a case where nothing and no one is what they seem.

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335690142 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Colby Agency: The Next Generation , #2 Pages:224

My Thoughts

The latest Colby Agency book has so many head-spinning twists and turns that it had me wondering what would happen next, and I loved playing the guessing game as I read. Allie Foster becomes a suspect in the murder of a man she never met before, but he does have a past relationship with her deceased parents. She calls on her friend, Steve Durham who is an attorney with the Colby Agency and he rushes to assist her. In the investigation that the two of them pursue, they discover secrets that have remained hidden for decades and someone wants them to remain hidden. Thus their lives are in danger from an unknown assailant who seems to know where they will be and the clues that they are following. The assailant was a total surprise to me when revealed, even though I will admit that there were numerous clues pointing to him/her hidden among the red herrings that the author masterfully included. The plot is fast-paces, intricately woven together with the past playing an important part in the current problems that Allie is facing. The romance is a part of the story, but the main thrust of the book is the mystery and solving Allie’s dilemma before she is arrested by the FBI. This is part of a series, but it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 175 novels, including reader favorites Devlin & Falco, Finley O’Sullivan and the Faces of Evil series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity.

With more than ten million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.

To purchase your copy, follow this link:

Harlequin and other retailers

Audible

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

Review: PROTECTING THE TEXAS WITNESS by Virginia Vaughan

On August 29, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

Deputy Drake Shaw rescues single mom Isabelle Morris from an assailant’s attack, only to be mistaken for her late husband. After exposing the corruption at her health-care company, Isabelle fears danger has followed her and her daughter all the way to their remote cabin. Now Drake must keep them safe long enough for Isabelle to testify against her former boss. But when her child is taken, the stakes are raised. Can they survive to unravel the truth about the present…and the past?

ISBN-13:9781335957252 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Lone Star Defenders , #3 Pages:208

My Thoughts

Isabelle Morris had no idea that doing the right thing for all of the right reasons would put her and her teen daughter in the crosshairs of a ruthless foe. She had made the choice to be a whistleblower against her former boss, exposing his corruption and causing many friends to lose their jobs. Once the decision was made, Isabelle couldn’t go back and undo it, so she decided to take Kelsey to her late husband’s cabin, just to get away from the people who hated them and had started threatening Kelsey. Once there, Isabelle finds that the danger has followed her and Deputy Drake Shaw is determined to keep her safe. The main plot dovetails well with the secondary plot, the fact that Drake reminds Isabelle of her deceased husband Raylan, so it is easier for her to trust him to safeguard her and Kelsey. The plot was just complicated enough to keep me engaged throughout the story and was expertly crafted to keep drawing me into the lives of the realistically portrayed characters. With nail-biting suspense and unexpected danger continually cropping up, this fast-paced book kept me hooked and entertained all the way to the satisfying conclusion. This was a story with great heart and depth along with an underlying foundation of faith that were remarkably well crafted together. The story balanced the suspense and romance well and ended up being a cleverly written page turner with some skillful misdirection that kept me guessing. This was a captivating and multi-layered book with good chemistry between the characters and a delightful conclusion.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Virginia Vaughan is a former investigator for the State of Mississippi who left a promising career to pursue her dream of being a writer. Blessed to come from a large, Southern family, her fondest memories include hearing stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself, delving into the genre of romantic suspense, armed with her passion for writing and the knowledge gained from her criminal justice background.

Follow this link to purchase your copy:

Harlequin and links to other retailers

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

Review: THREAT OF REVENGE by Jessica R. Patch

On August 28, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

Following an anonymous tip about a gun-trafficking ring, patrol officer Jenna Morrow arrives in small-town North Dakota—and narrowly escapes the bomb that detonates in her car. Rescued by rancher Clay Miller, Jenna and her K-9 partner, Augie, take refuge at his remote property to continue her investigation. But even when she’s under Clay’s protection, an unknown assailant continues to threaten Jenna, making it clear someone wants her dead…and it’s personal. As the killer closes in, Jenna and Clay must unmask an attacker who won’t stop until a long-awaited revenge is complete.

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335957214 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Dakota K-9 Unit , #6 Pages:208

My Thoughts

Jenna Morrow is a patrol officer on assignment trying to find gun runners when her life is threatened repeatedly by an unknown assailant. Taking refuge at Clay Miller’s ranch, Jenna thinks she will be safe there, but ends up having the danger follow both her and Clay. With her trained K-9 on the job and constantly vigilant for anyone threatening her, Jenna has a better than average chance of catching the perpetrator, but she is thwarted at every turn by surprise attacks against friends and even Augie, her dog. The action is fast-paced and non-stop, with pulse pounding scenes of danger and suspense. The characters were dynamic and relatable as the protagonists discovered feelings for each other that they were afraid to voice due to their pasts. I enjoyed the well written plot, but the characters are what kept me reading because I was invested in their happy ending and their solving the mystery of the attacker who just wouldn’t quit. With twists, red herrings and great clues throughout the book, this is a must read for those who enjoy romantic suspense and guessing games.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book via BookFunnel. I also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Jessica R. Patch has penned over 27 novels and is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense or a dark, twisty thriller. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, down the street at the Mexican restaurant, or collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller.

To purchase a copy of this book, follow this link:

Harlequin and links to other retailers

Audible

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

Review: DANGER IN THE WILDERNESS by Darlene L. Turner

On August 27, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

Park warden Dekker Hoyt’s father-son camping trip turns into a nightmare when a serial killer abducts his father. With just seventy-two hours to find him, Dekker turns to criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay to identify the Park Campfire Killer. As they follow his taunting clues and face increasingly violent threats, Dekker and Blaire know that one wrong step could be fatal. With the ruthless criminal following their every move, can they stop a killer in hiding…waiting to complete his deadly plan?

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335957238 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:National Park Protectors , #1 Pages:208

My Thoughts

With crisp writing and a gripping story, this book was a fast and addictive read. The main characters, Park Warden Dekker Hoyt and criminal analyst Blaire Tremblay, are faced with insurmountable obstacles and constant danger as they try to find and capture a serial kidnapper and killer who has been attacking campers. Stymied by the evidence that doesn’t seem to flow together, Dekker and Blaire have to use all of their available resources, including the K-9 hero Hercules and Dekker’s sister Jayla. After all, one of the most recent victims is Dekker’s father and there is limited time to find him before the killer murders him and leaves him dead on one of the many trails in the wilderness. The plot is complex and completely engrossing and it weaves suspense seamlessly with a developing romance between Dekker and Blaire. The details of the dangers they encounter in their quest to find the killer are authentic and filled with action-packed realism. I was immersed in the drama of the story and the desperation of the characters to find the truth before it was too late. There was always a ticking clock sounding in the back of my mind as I was reading. The clues that the author left were fun to follow and the red herrings and fake trails were effective as I was fooled until the big reveal. I enjoyed the entire book and look forward to more adventures in the National Park Protectors series.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Love Inspired Suspense, Intense Suspense, PG

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s “suspense beyond borders”.

To purchase your copy, go to this link:

Harlequin and links to other retailers

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

Review: DETECTING CONCEALED EVIDENCE by Dana Mentink

On August 26, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335957221 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Security Hounds Investigations , #5 Pages:208

My Thoughts

This book was impossible to put down and an entertaining and easy read. Pilar Alonso is an accomplished, talented cellist with a lot of talent, but she has been forced to go home to take care of her father with dementia and try to earn a living with whatever jobs she can find. One of her jobs is as a delivery driver and I certainly never expected her to be shot at, kidnapped and then stalked for some mysterious reason. The surprises in this book keep coming as Chase Wolfe, her neighbor, comes to the rescue of reluctant and stand-offish Pilar. Most of the characters are bearing the burden of secrets that they want to keep deeply buried, but discovering those secrets might help keep Pilar alive. I loved the riveting suspense in the novel and the characters were all lovable and relatable, even the spunky and forgetful Mr. Alonso. My favorite character was Tank, the canine superhero who is laid back and seems somewhat disengaged until there is danger and then he enthusiastically protects Chase and Pilar. The storyline was creative and absorbing, and the characters made me want to meet them in person. Great story written in an original way and with plenty of surprises along the trail to the happily ever after.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. I also purchased my own copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for intense suspense, Love Inspired Suspense

About the Author

Dana Mentink lives in California where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Her family includes two daughters (affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.) Papa Bear is retired from the fire department and he met Dana doing a dinner theater production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Ironically, their parts were husband and wife.

Dana writes in two genres, cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author as well as a two time ACFW Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion recipient. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, and Poisoned Pen Press. Website: danamentink.com