Review: The Heartfelt Formula by Leslie K. DeVooght

On October 22, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1967524075

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lanier Price Publishing‏

Pages : ‎ 337 pages

Synopsis (from Amazon)

After another breakup, Atlanta attorney Hope Elliot decides to stop waiting for her happily-ever-after and write it herself. Inspired by her beloved Christmas romance movies, Hope crafts The Heartfelt Formula: a foolproof plan including snowball fights, cookie baking, and a perfectly timed first kiss.

Trading the big city for coastal Georgia, Hope sets out to find her small-town soulmate. But the actors in her carefully plotted scenes keep shuffling—especially when Brennan Taylor, her ambitious co-counsel continues to fill in for Cole Walker, the carefree furniture maker, who Hope cast as her hero.

Between courtroom drama, a mismatched leading man, and a mistletoe mishap, Hope must decide if she’ll trust her formula or accept a plot twist that might leave her all alone, or perhaps, with happiest ending of all.

A faith-filled romantic comedy for anyone who believes love, like Christmas, can still surprise you.

My Thoughts

There is so much to love about The Heartfelt Formula, a sweet romance with a strong foundation of faith and characters that popped off the page right into my heart. I really wanted Hope to succeed in finding her HEA by following the same formula that the movies do. I loved the wit and humor in the book, especially the scenarios that Hope set up just to convince her carefully chosen Mr. Right that they needed to be together. This is a book about overcoming the past, facing a hope-filled future and finding out who you really are and what you should be doing with your life. I loved the way Hope built her relationship with her stepfather and even accepted her mom with all of her adorable quirks. In fact, I loved everything about this book that was packed full of plot, dynamic character development and just plain fun. The author did a spectacular job of writing a compelling and believable story that was easy to read and refreshingly delightful. The romance was fun, flirty and satisfying as well as totally charming. This is a book to read when you need a lift in spirit since I don’t think that anyone who reads this book will leave it with anything but a wide smile and gratitude for the ahhh feeling that comes from this warm-hearted tale of love and laughter.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

PW Best-Selling Author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

Facebook at Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Twitter @LeslieDeVooght

Instagram @Leslie.DeVooght.Author

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Review: After We Fall by Deborah Clack

On October 8, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800746957

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date:10/06/2026

Series: Shelter and Sky

Pages:368

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Self-sufficient Penelope Reid has her life completely mapped outa necessity after surviving foster care. Now she’s on a mission to prove that she’s capable of managing a halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. The last thing she needs is hindrance from the charming Luke Granger, who asked her to dance three years ago, then disappeared before the music began.

Luke lives a nomadic lifestyle as a security specialist and has never found a reason to put down roots. So when the ranch neighboring Twelve Bluebells is vandalized, securing the area is just another gig for him before he hits the roaduntil he’s reunited with the bossy brunette and her generous heart.

As Luke and Penelope work alongside each other to care for the ranch’s halfway house residents, Penelope makes a mistake she might not recover from. Her careful walls begin to crack, and Luke’s restless heart finds reasons to stay. But when tragedy strikes, they must decide if it’s worth the risk to lower their guards for a love that could give them the home they’ve always longed for.

For content warnings, go to this book’s page on the author’s website. Note that there may be spoilers in these warnings. Deborah Clack After We Fall

My Thoughts

After We Fall is one of the best contemporary romance books that I have ever read, dealing with some difficult topics in a sensitive way that demonstrated the author’s attention to detail and her compassion for those who have suffered from abuse and trauma. Penelope is a feisty and courageous young woman who wants to become the program director for the Twelve Bluebells Ranch, a home for girls who have aged out of foster care but who still need a place to live and supervision. When her boss Harlan and his new wife Meredith leave for their honeymoon, Penelope thinks that she has the perfect opportunity to show what a great candidate she would be for the job. Unfortunately, she has to deal with Luke Granger, the security consultant that Harlan hired since there was some mischief right before the wedding. Luke and Penelope clash heads in the most adorable and humorous ways, making this book funny as well as a serious look at some hard topics. Luke is relaxed but always does what he promises. Penelope is ultra-organized to the point that when she gets injured and cannot fulfill her responsibilities she almost has a meltdown. The story is perfectly paced, with lots of drama happening with the residents of the Bluebells as well as between Luke and Penelope. The characters are relatable and it was easy for me to have empathy for Penelope after she got a TBI since I had a stroke and still suffer from similar symptoms. Luke is the “bad boy” who is really a good guy hero and was my favorite character. I was charmed by his constant use of toothpicks, much to the chagrin of Penelope and by his desire to pitch in and help out at the ranch by not only providing protection but also drum lessons. There are some tense scenes with one of the residents who makes poor choices against the advice of everyone and ends up paying severe consequences for those choices. This novel touched me in all of the right places, warming my heart as it also made me think about choices and how they not only affect me but others as well. With themes of learning to trust and finding love when you aren’t looking for it, this masterfully crafted and totally clean novel is a slam dunk winner for me and deserves much more than the five stars that I can give it.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Deborah Clack is a native Texan, non-recovering chocolate addict, and contemporary romance author.

Her titles include Odyssey of the Mind World Champion, Orthodontist Patient of the Month, and Most Improved Player at the Rolando Blackmon Basketball Camp.

A high school AP history teacher for 10 years, Deborah earned a Masters Degree in Education and was awarded Teacher of the Year for Arts in Education. Now she creates stories of her own filled with struggle, laughter, and a hard-fought romance. She asks her heroines, as well as her readers, to dig deep, play hard, and laugh often.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, DFW Ready Writers, and the Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers. Her work won both the ACFW Genesis Contest and the ACFW First Impressions Contest in Romance. She received First Place in the Contemporary Romance and Flash Fiction categories in the Foundations Contest at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

As a short story writer, she has sold flash fiction romance to Woman’s World Magazine.

Deborah can lip-sync the heck out of Barbara Streisand’s “Jingle Bells” and is a fan of the original romantic suspense movie, Star Wars. She lives in The Lone Star State with her family where they cheer for the Dallas Cowboys.

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Review of Watched by Jerusha Agen

On September 24, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-139781956683608

Publisher; Sdg Words, LLC

Publication Date: 09/24/2026

Series: Windy City Westons

Pages: 454

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery knows she doesn’t like Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

My Thoughts

This book offers a cleverly written page-turner that is intricately plotted in a way that drew me into the story right away. Robert’s story is a compelling one of threats, lost self-confidence and finding love in a most unlikely place. Robert is a talented psychiatrist who has incredible intelligence and insight into the minds of others and why they act as they do. What he does not have in this novel is the ability to discern what is happening to him when he begins forgetting things. Rather than search for a cause, he immediately assumes that he is beginning to show the same signs of dementia as his grandfather and is overwhelmed at times with self-pity. He is currently being sued for malpractice when one of his patients attempted suicide and is in a prolonged coma. His attorney, Monty Montgomery, is talented, self-confident and takes no prisoners in her quest for justice. It helps that her opponent is her former fiancé named Edmund whom she found less than trustworthy and totally unreliable. Robert and Monty work well together when he is not forgetting to show up and embarrassing her. The family dynamics in this novel are noteworthy, both for Robert and Monty. I really liked getting to know Monty’s sisters and her very protective brother Corey. Her life is threatened because of taking Robert’s case and Robert is feeling increasingly unsure of his own abilities since he keeps doing things that are out the ordinary for him. The twists are numerous as are the red herrings, and the main characters are lovable and easy to cheer for. I was totally unprepared for the great reveal of who the culprits were. I enjoyed the guessing game but I was wrong each time, much to my great pleasure as I kept guessing and reading. Neither was I prepared for the heart-pounding, edge-of-my-seat climax that had me holding my breath and wondering how it would all turn out. This book is unputdownable, with a strong faith foundation and an equally strong message of hope and encouragement to begin a relationship with the Lord. This is a fantastic and compelling story with masterfully written characterizations and edgy suspense.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased my own copy of the book for my collection. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction with Intense Suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.

Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: http://www.JerushaAgen.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JerushaAgenAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jerushaagen/
BOOK BUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jerusha-agen-fd78bc82-831e-41c0-81d6-d02a6ddade0e
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7281400.Jerusha_Agen
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP: https://jerushaagen.com/newsletter-and-blog-subscription/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SDGwords

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Review: Fatal Pattern by Kate Angelo

On September 22, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800746643

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 09/15/2026

Series: The King Legacy

Pages: 368

Synopsis (from the Author’s Website)

A hyper-intelligent stalker attacks behavioral analyst and forensic psychologist Dr. Tori Crew at knifepoint, shattering the fierce independence she’s built since her parents’ unsolved murder. Forced into an off-the-books criminal investigation, Tori must push her expertise—and her fiercely guarded heart—to the breaking point as a killer’s pattern emerges. Homicide Detective Blade St. James has been Tori’s friend and protector since childhood. Haunted by his own past of parental abandonment, Blade is determined to build a stable life and find the peace that always seems just out of reach. But when Tori’s life is threatened, his protective instincts shift into overdrive. As they are plunged deep into a conspiracy with roots in her past, the boundary of their friendship blurs as danger closes in and their hearts reveal a truth they can no longer deny. Can they unmask the sophisticated serial killer before they become the final, fatal piece in the pattern?

My Thoughts

Dr. Tori Crew has a stalker determined to kill her and Detective Blade St. James is determined to protect her at any cost. The city also has a serial killer wreaking havoc and leaving weird clues with fractals and patterns that require the expertise of many on their team at the MMA Academy. The one person that they cannot depend on for help during this novel is Stryker, their mentor and teacher who is lying in a coma in the hospital. So, without Stryker, the team has to follow the clues that lead them on a chase that gets more dangerous as they get closer to the truth. This is a complex and multi-layered romantic suspense with definite elements of thriller interspersed within the compelling story. With family relationships, secrets from the past and a vicious serial killer involved, this book held me captive and kept me turning the pages. I wanted everything to be okay for all of my favorite and very lovable characters, but throughout most of the book, I did not see how that was even possible. There was constant danger and threats, non-stop action and red herrings mixed in with a multitude of possible suspects. I enjoyed following the clues and guessing but it was the big reveal at the end that showed me I was going in the wrong direction, just as I think the author cleverly planned it. This is the second book in the King Legacy series and will be more enjoyable if you read the first book before this one, but it can be read and understood as a standalone. Five stars for action, five stars for drama, five stars for the characters, and ten stars for the ending that you will have to read to believe! Loved this book and highly recommend it for those who enjoy books with a faith foundation that is unputdownable.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

Kate Angelo is the Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Hunting the Witness, Selah Award winner of Deadly Holiday Hijack, and Amazon Top 100 bestseller of Driving Force. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and works alongside her husband championing stronger marriages and families. Her journey from foster care to bestselling author fuels her fast-paced romantic suspense, where flawed characters discover hope and healing through life’s fiercest trials and relationships. When she’s not putting fictional people through the wringer, she’s out creating real-life happily-ever-afters at conferences and events nationwide. Connect with Kate at kateangelo.com.

Purchase Links

Review: High Exposure by Kelly Borjas

On September 19, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780825452635

Publisher:Kregel Publications

Publication Date: 09/15/2026

Pages: 304

Synopsis (from author’s website)

The 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 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.

My Thoughts

The intense suspense in this debut novel had me captivated from the beginning. Julia’s story of running from her grief is relatable and relevant and was heart-wrenchingly realistic. In the small town of Silverburg, Colorado, Julia Stevens plans to conquer her fears, face her past and move on with life. What she did not count on was finding a dead body and encountering non-stop threats and danger as a result. Julia attracts the attention of former DEA Agent Cade Haskins who is running the local hotel and also tasks himself with keeping her safe. The plot is a fast-paced race to the bottom of a black diamond ski slope as the two protagonists try to find the source of the threats while also safeguarding their own secrets from the past. The romance is a slow burn and predictable, but such a satisfying and swoonworthy part of the story. The characters were realistic and my favorite was the spunky and fearless Julia who faced fear even when it was foolhardy and perilous for her. the ending was a slam dunk and I really enjoyed the intro to the next book in the series. I will definitely look for Ami’s story as I enjoyed Julia and Cade’s story so much. This book was hard to put down and thought-provoking as Julia and Cade both dealt with feeling responsible for things in their past that they could not change. The genre is Christian romantic suspense and this book hit all the targets for the genre as it enticed me to read with the suspense, entertained me with the romance and filled my need for a book with a faith foundation as the characters struggled with their faith but knew intrinsically that God was in control. I would give more than five stars if I could because this book is a must read for fans of Lynette Eason, Elizabeth Goddard and Nancy Mehl.
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

Kelly grew up in Southwest Colorado, exploring the outdoors as well as her hometown library. She transplanted to Southern California to attend Biola University, where she earned a degree in communication studies. While working in sales, she met her husband and earned a Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Azusa Pacific University. In her spare time, she and her husband enjoy boating, camping, and cheering for their kids in their various activities. By day, she’s the queen of her own castle with three active boys. By night (or very early morning), she writes happily ever after stories filled with romance and suspense from the Central Coast of California. Website for more information: https://kellyborjas.com/

Purchase Links

Review: Find Me in the Harvest by Sarah May Warren

On September 15, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139781966463627

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Publication Date: 09/15/2026

Series:Jonathon Island Season 2

Pages: 268

Synopsis (from Sunrise Publishing)

Charlotte Sullivan has a PhD, a career she loves, and a heart full of cracks she’s learned to hide. She’s the sister who always shows up—and never gets noticed. When her family needs someone to save the annual harvest festival, guess who they call? Two weeks. That’s all she promised. Two weeks of hayrides, pumpkin patches, and pretending she doesn’t mind being invisible. Then she’s gone.

Callan Carver is just passing through. The firefighter hasn’t called anywhere home since his mother died. Staying means caring. Caring means losing. And he’s lost enough. But something about Charlotte makes him want to stop running.

She’s brilliant. She’s beautiful. And she has no idea. As they work side by side bringing the festival to life, Callan starts seeing a future he never let himself imagine. Charlotte starts believing she might be worth fighting for. Then tragedy hits…and suddenly they’ll both have to discover what it really means to stay.

My Thoughts

Charlotte Sullivan feels as though she is totally unimportant, an afterthought that is usually forgotten. Firefighter Callen Carver is struggling for find the dream that will fulfill him. The two of them meet on Jonathon Island when Charlotte is tasked by her brother to plan the Harvest Festival and Callen is assigned to work with her by the fire chief. With no idea how to plan the festival, the two of them make lists, brainstorm and get to know the townspeople and each other better. Charlotte is a scientist who studies soil, so planning a festival is out of her comfort zone. Callen is more comfortable teaching recruits at the firehouse than planning a festival. Together, the two of them manage to get the townspeople invested in the celebration and to participate in the fun activities that they are planning for it. This is an entertaining and engaging romance with a strangers to friends to more trope and a small town that makes everyone feel welcome. The plot is moderately paced and perfect for the blooming romance. The characters are relatable and lovable and flawed in a perfectly imperfect way. The climax was surprising and emotional because I wasn’t prepared for all of that drama, but it was so good and lent itself to a compelling conclusion to the story. This is a perfect book to read anytime you want to read a feel-good and uplifting story that has a heartfelt message of hope and dependence on God.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Growing up in a writer’s household, Sarah May Warrenalways knew she was doomed to catch the writing bug—and she did, right around the time she met and fell in love with her now husband, Neil. She finally started writing her first full length novel while pregnant with their first child, and she hasn’t stopped since. When she’s not writing a story, or adding another book to her endless TBR, Sarah can be found volunteering with her Church’s worship team, coordinating weddings, or cuddling up for movie night with her two amazing daughters—oh yeah, and that scruffy hubby of hers.

Visit her as SEWarrenFiction.com.