Review of Dark Design by Nancy Mehl

On October 24, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780764243370

Publication date:10/21/2025

Series:The Erin Delaney Mysteries , #2

Pages:336

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin’s help to identify a suspect. The FBI’s team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin’s safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever—and Erin’s life hangs in the balance. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

The newest book by Nancy Mehl is an Erin Delaney thriller that had my heart pounding and my head spinning with the fast-paced action and the surprising twists. I have read most of the author’s books and I just have to say that this book is her best one ever! I could not put it down except to eat and catch a few hours of sleep. I was totally invested in the story, in what would happen to Erin, in who the serial killer was and in how Kaely and Erin would be able to find the killer before he killed again. The plot is terrifyingly brilliant and includes the signature and much appreciated faith foundation of the author. The story is edgy and includes a strong message of hope as well as plenty of skillful misdirection. I was captivated by the characters and their God-given intuition that helped them make wise choices while chasing down a determined and intelligent villain. This book was a page turner, with dynamic characters who are realistically flawed and believable. The good guys are easy to cheer for and the killer is one that is complex and satisfyingly revealed. I loved every minute that I spent devouring this well-crafted book and I am already looking forward to the author’s new Erin Delaney book next year. If I could give this book more than five stars, I certainly would because it is amazing in its clever twists and relentless tension.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for description of victims’ manners of death; Christian fiction with no bad language or violent scenes

About the Author

Nancy Mehl is the bestselling author of 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her on her blog, the SuspenseSisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

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Review of WASTED by Jerusha Agen

On October 21, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956683479

Publisher:Sdg Words, LLC

Publication date:10/23/2025

Series:Windy City Westons , #2

Pages:422

Victoria Weston encounters tough things as a home health physical therapist, but this is a first-a dead body. The police call the patient’s death accidental. Victoria knows that can’t be true. Her efforts to convince the police they’re dealing with a murder get her labeled a troublemaker by all but one man-the troubler of her youth.

When Cillian Doherty returns to right the wrongs of the past, he finds his high school flame in a different kind of danger than he expected. As a social worker, he’s in the perfect position to corroborate her cry of murder or give her what she wanted-to handle her problems without his help.

But someone wants to silence Victoria. When lies escalate to violence and threaten more lives, the Weston siblings join the battle to save their sister.

Yet it will take a God more powerful than all of them for Cillian and Victoria to make peace with their past and catch the killer. Before the killer catches them. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved Victoria’s story! There are so many hidden facets of her character that are revealed as the story moves along, revealing her past and her present circumstances. Victoria has always been a buffer between her father and her siblings and the pressure is always on her to perform. The plot thickens when one of her clients is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect. It is made even more complex when Cillian, her high school boyfriend, reappears and has a new job where she is employed. He is her self-appointed protector and is determined to find out who really killed Mr. Briscoe so that Victoria can get on with her life, hopefully one that includes him. I enjoyed seeing all of the family at the dinners and how they generally supported each other. The plot was fast-paced and relentlessly filled with tension as Victoria is targeted by the police and by some kind of stalker. Cillian has a tough job keeping her safe as she continues to reach out to help others, most notably an unwed teen named Sydney whom Victoria welcomes into her home. There are a lot of threads to this complex tapestry, and the author does a fantastic job of weaving them all together into a cohesive and brilliantly written romantic suspense. Note that although this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG, Christian fiction with some intense scenes

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
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TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SDGwords

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Review: The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

On October 9, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400348695

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:10/07/2025

Pages:368

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she’s helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby’s heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn’t skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he’d fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he’s back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend’s will. Facing the town’s animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram’s beyond-the-grave scheme is working—Shelby’s old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces—one that threatens Gram’s beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

My Thoughts

What a wonderful feel-good story with the trope of second chance at romance/enemies to lovers being the center of an engaging and entertaining read! Shelby inherits her grandmother’s bookstore, but what surprises her is that she is expected to share it with her old flame from high school, Gray Briggs. The story is somewhat predictable, but the plot twists that the author included are delightful, romantic and at times humorous as Gray and Shelby work together to make Gram’s bookstore financially solvent. I loved the relatable characters and the sparkling, just under the surface love story that began to bloom as the two are forced to work together. I thought that the characters were realistic and enjoyed getting to know them. Mostly, I was really absorbed in their story and how the author was going to work everything out since they were both so different, with different lives and goals after years of separation. This is a light-hearted story that begins somberly with the death of Shelby’s grandmother and then flows quickly and smoothly into the current predicament of Shelby and Gray and how they both need each other but don’t know it yet. What a heart-warming and wholesomely beautiful story that the author has shared for the enjoyment of her readers! This book offers the themes of hope, forgiveness and moving forward instead of looking back.
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

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on The 700 Club and been featured in Woman’s Day and Southern Living.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who struggle with real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.

You can learn more about Denise by visiting her FaceBook page.

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Review: DOUBLE PROTECTION DUTY by Sharon Dunn

On October 1, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957276

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Dakota K-9 Unit , #7

Pages:208

A family trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns into a nightmare when K-9 officer Kenyon Graves discovers one of his twin boys has been abducted. Now Kenyon needs the help of his team and his longtime friend Raina McCord to save his toddler son. But the kidnappers are elusive—and intent on killing anyone who stands in the way of their sinister scheme. With threats closing in, time is of the essence to catch these criminals…before Kenyon and Raina pay the ultimate price.

My Thoughts

Kenyon is a widowed single father of twin boys and Raina is one of his best friends. She was also the caregiver for the twins when Kenyon was injured during an undercover operation. Kenyon has a sweet canine named Peanut who constantly supports and protects Kenyon. A fun trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns harrowing when one of the twins is kidnapped. Kenyon has to depend on Raina and his team to find Beacon and to safeguard both boys from another possible attempt since they have not yet discovered a motive behind the bizarre event. The twists in the story keep coming even after the suspects are revealed because the motive is elusive and the red herrings are plentiful. When Raina is also targeted, Kenyon is forced to confront his feelings for her and either declare that he loves her or release her to find her own way in life. There is a secondary story that is also filled with non-stop action because Kenyon and his team are tracking down a group of gun runners who seem to be operating in their little corner of the world. These bad guys are intelligent and clever enough to constantly avoid capture and to also endanger Kenyon and his team. This is a fast-moving and brilliantly written story that is a page turner with captivating characters and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to the next book in the series already.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn’t writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. Website: Sharon Dunn

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Review of MEMORY OF MURDER by Debra Webb

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

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335690197

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Colby Agency: The Next Generation , #3

Pages:224

Born to a jailed mother convicted of murdering her husband, Anne Griffin has tried to put her past behind her. The two were always painfully estranged. But when ace Colby investigator Jack Brenner arrives at Anne’s door with new evidence, she decides to help him reexamine the thirty-year-old cold case. One clue is the journal her now-deceased mother kept, vehemently claiming her innocence. But as Anne and Jack come closer to the truth—and each other—danger follows them. Someone wants a secret to stay buried.

My Thoughts

Colby Agency investigator Jack Brenner is on the case, enlisting the help of Anne Griffin, a young woman whose mother was convicted of killing her father. Anne had no idea that her mother might be innocent until Jack showed up with a journal that enlightened her about a lot of things that happened in her mom’s life. Jack and Anne travel to the small town of Crystal Lake, where the crime occurred, to investigate her father’s death and discover the truth about what happened to him, even it it meant that Anne’s mother Mary Morton was actually guilty. There, they stir up a hornet’s nest of lies and secrets that lead to their being in constant danger from an unknown source. With their lives on the line and Mary’s innocence at stake, they continue to pursue the truth wherever it may lead them. I loved the intense drama and the way the mom’s journal was part of the story, giving insight to her life before and after her imprisonment. Many of the characters were not likable since they were suspects in a murder that may have led to an innocent young teacher being jailed for the rest of her life, but all of the characters were dynamic and interesting, adding depth to an absorbing story. As I read, I was totally invested in the story, which read much like a true crime tale from the “Innocence Project.” There were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing and I was shocked at the big reveal at the end. I loved that I did not figure out what was really going on! This is a fast-paced and compelling story that is brilliantly plotted by an author who knows how to build suspense. Fans of the author and of riveting suspense don’t want to miss this one!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and 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.

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Review of DISRUPT EVERYTHING AND WIN by James Patterson and Dr. Patrick Leddin

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

About the Book

On Sale: September 29, 2025

Page Count384 pages

PublisherLittle, Brown an Company

ISBN-139780316593946

Disruption is the most powerful force of change in our lifetime.

Every day we are confronted with:

Sudden pivots at our workplace and in the job market
Rule-changing technology such as Artificial Intelligence
Unexpected crises and a culture of chaos
The sinking feeling that we are losing control of our lives

This book is about taking back control. It’s easy to follow and easy to turn into lifelong habits. It has been thoroughly researched and examined. Simply put, Disrupt Everything works.

One question: Are you ready to Disrupt Everything and take control of your future?

My Thoughts

This is a must-read manual for anyone stuck in a rut and wanting real change in their life! With practical and sage advice mixed with true stories of people who have made the decision to change the direction of their lives, this book is fascinating. It is like reading a textbook for success mixed with warnings about how to avoid pitfalls as you set out to make positive and lasting changes. I loved the true stories and how inspiring they were, but my favorite part was the last part of the book which has actual worksheets that allow the reader to put pen to paper and decide on a change and then plan for it. I have never seen such a methodical and well-researched book on a topic that is relevant to just about everyone and helpful to all, even if the change that comes about is a small one. Written for those who plan to make a radical change and encouraging them to go for it, but also giving warnings about obstacles they may encounter and plans they can make to overcome them. I am not usually a fan of non-fiction, but this book was amazing and needs to be in the hands of every young person who is looking for a new direction for their lives.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Authors

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels withBill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient ofan Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal. Website: JamesPatterson.com

As a former Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, Patrick’s leadership journey began with experiences that instilled in him the values of courage, resilience, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.

A true entrepreneur, Patrick co-founded two thriving leadership consulting businesses: The Leddin Group, LLC, and the Inc. 5000 company, Wedgewood Group, Inc. He understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of building a business in a dynamic environment.

Beyond the classroom, Patrick founded The Disruption Project at Vanderbilt, a groundbreaking research initiative exploring how individuals and organizations succeed in the face of disruption. This research forms the foundation of his latest book, “Disrupt Everything!”, co-authored with James Patterson, and his sought-after keynote presentations. Website: patrickleddin.com

Purchase Links

Review of GIRL LOST by Kate Angelo

On September 27, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800746636

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:09/23/2025

Series:The King Legacy , #1

Pages:336

A LOST BABY
Luna Rosati found acceptance and comfort with her childhood foster family, but when she became pregnant at sixteen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has—the teenage daughter she’s never met. As Luna closes in on learning the girl’s identity with the help of her mentor, Stryker, she prepares to meet him in her old neighborhood—the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured.   

AN INESCAPABLE PAST
Special Agent Corbin King changed his last name to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together to expose a secret that someone’s willing to kill for.

A DEADLY THREAT
But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake.

My Thoughts

This is a haunting story of a group of young adults who share a mentor and a common past and who are trying to find out what happened to Stryker when he is suddenly kidnapped from a local street. The pasts of each of them is connected to Stryker and his MMA gym where he takes troubled and discarded youth and trains them to be independent and law-abiding. Luna has returned to town to find out information about the daughter that she gave up for adoption, but before she can contact Stryker, he is taken. Luna then joins forces with Corbin, a member of the Federal Law Enforcement agency who is looking for a missing teen for his boss. The story is complex, with a lot of surprises and unexpected twists that were head-spinning at times. There are multiple layers to the story, too, including relationships that failed and promises that were broken. The most important parts of the story are in the secrets that are revealed as the story progresses. In searching for Stryker, Luna, Corbin and other former students of the gym find an evil that they were not prepared for and some really strange uses of medical technology. This story was fascinating, realistic and well researched. I was quickly drawn into the plot and the intersecting lives of the characters. I felt so much sympathy for Luna and her desperation to find out information about her daughter. The fast-paced plot was compelling and made the book hard to put down. The book was cleverly written, edgy and a satisfying page-turner. I certainly hope to read more about the King family in the future and look forward to more intense intrigue and a tightly written plot with gritty and believable drama.
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.

Rated PG-16, Trigger Warnings: Human Trafficking and Violence

About the Author

Kate Angelo is an award-winning, bestselling Romantic Suspense author, minister, and public speaker from Southwest Missouri who serves alongside her husband championing stronger marriages and families through their nonprofit.

Her career began in IT as a web developer, programmer, and usability expert, but she left the corporate world to pursue full-time ministry work. Following her passion for story, Kate began writing fiction in 2019. Her 2022 debut novel, Driving Force, is an Amazon Top 100 bestseller written in the storyworld of Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardians series and published by Sunrise Publishing. In 2022, Harlequin selected Kate in the Great Love Inspired Author Search for her novel, Hunting the Witness, a 2023 Publishers Weekly Bestseller. In 2024, Kate received a Selah Award for her novella, Deadly Holiday Hijack.

As Mom to 5 adult children, she’s fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls. Kate is a coffee aficionado, tech enthusiast, productivity guru, prayer warrior, dog lover, and known klutz—just ask her doctor. Having aged out of foster care, Kate brings a unique perspective to her writing, breathing life into flawed characters who find hope and healing amidst danger. Subscribe to her newsletter learn about her and that pet lion thing at kateangelo.com.

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Review of HOLLY AND NICK HATE CHRISTMAS by Betsy St. Amant

On September 16, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About This Book

ISBN-13:9780593602560

Publisher:PRH Christian Publishing

Publication date:09/16/2025

Pages:352

Holly Sinclair has hated Christmas for as long as she can remember. Who names their Christmas baby Holly in the first place? She was teased mercilessly growing up. Holly Berry, Holli-days, Holly Jolly . . . not to mention the fact that her birthday is often totally overlooked amidst the season.

To make matters worse, instead of getting the promotion she was expecting, Holly’s been downsized—which is just fancy holiday talk for fired. Now Holly has to go home single, unemployed, turning thirty, and only a tinsel strand of faith. Bah, humbug.

Holly’s big brother, Ryan, has dragged his best friend, known holiday-hater Nick Kinsley, home with him. But when Holly discovers that Nick’s here to be her pity date, she decides the best revenge is to play along . . . and Christmas like she’s never Christmas’d before. Commence Operation: Naughty List. The fact that she’s attracted to Nick is totally not the point. She’ll teach him a lesson, one ho ho ho at a time.

The holiday grows more complicated when Holly and Ryan find out their parents asked all the siblings to come home for Christmas this year, but refuse to say why. The rest of the Sinclair siblings descend, each with their own sleigh full of secrets. Rumors spread as everyone tries to guess the reason for their parents’ demand—and Nick turns out to have a secret of his own. Will this be a Christmas to forget? Or will Holly and Nick discover there is so much more? (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

Run, don’t walk to get this hilarious romp with the Sinclair family as they celebrate Christmas, or at least try to. Holly Sinclair is a Christmas baby but not a fan of the holiday, especially since it always overshadowed her Christmas birthday. Her brother Ryan has a friend named Nick who is not a fan of Christmas either. Ryan invites Nick to spend Christmas with his family and act as kind of a pseudo-boyfriend for Holly. Once they get together at the farm, the merry antics begin and the non-stop laughs, too. Holly and Nick concoct plans that they call “operations” to fool the rest of the family members. First, Holly pretends to adore the holiday, then she enlists Nick to help her pretend they are really falling in love with each other. Each plan is more outrageous than the previous one and even more entertaining. I loved the way the characters had me cheering for their outlandish plans to work and for everyone to be fooled. I thoroughly enjoyed the brilliant dialogue between Holly and Nick as their warm-hearted and flirty romance was not just entertaining but also an engaging story that made me laugh aloud at their antics. I especially enjoyed the ugly Christmas sweaters they created together and the Frosty hijinks. This book was pure fun from beginning to end, with multiple layers of drama within the family and everyone having a secret that is eventually and humorously revealed. The characters are appealing and relatable, the plot was skillfully woven with charm and a refreshingly light tone to all of the shenanigans going on. I enjoyed meeting the Sinclair family and at the end of the book, I was sad to see the last page turn. This feel-good story is cleverly written and is perfect to read at any time, not to mention a great gift for the Christmas grinch in your life.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated G and note that I would give more than five stars if I could. This book is hilarious!

About the Author

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. Author’s website for more information about her books: https://betsystamant.com

Purchase Links

With much gratitude to Penguin Random House and the author for providing the ARC for me to read and review. I cannot adequately express how this book lifted my sagging spirits and provided pure and wonderful laugh-aloud moments. So, thank you!

Review: The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti

On September 15, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956098549

Publisher:Hearth Spot Press

Publication date:09/12/2025

Pages:254

Synopsis from Amazon:

Bieldfell. Scotland, 1933—Falsely accused of murder sixteen years ago, American cowboy Benjamin Ford has chosen to hide out in the Scottish Highlands. Reclusive and not afraid to die, he rescues children out of an increasingly dangerous Germany. When his childhood best friend appears at his door, he’s not the boy she remembers.

Eleanor Finch’s life ended sixteen years ago. In one horrible day, she lost her dreams, her reputation, and her heart. However, she never gives up the hope of finding her friend, so when she learns of Ben’s whereabouts, she leaves all that is familiar to convince him to return home.

But Eleanor isn’t the only person searching for Ben. Hunters follow her trail. The thin veil of gossip and rumor may be their only chance of a future … unless the Loch Ness Monster is real after all.

My Thoughts

Eleanor Finch has had a difficult life, and the only bright spot in it was her best friend Ben Ford, the man who defended her and then disappeared from her life. When the story begins, Eleanor is on a quest to find Ben and to have a chance to reestablish their friendship. Traveling with an elderly man named Hiram who had also known Ben, Eleanor is surprised by what she finds when she gets to Scotland. This book of historical fiction is combined with romantic suspense and all woven together seamlessly into the tapestry of an engaging and compelling story. With a theme of sacrifice and forgiveness, this story is one that held me enthralled with the past insults suffered by Eleanor and the way that Ben has created a new life for himself, rescuing others. The characters are relatable and realistic and the plot rolls along at a fast pace. I enjoyed the entire story, especially the surprise at the end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline. (Biography from Amazon). For more information about the author and her books, please visit the author’s website: https://daniellegrandinetti.com/

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Author’s Website

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.

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