Review: The Targeted by Cara Putman

On May 20, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book (from Barnes and Noble)

ISBN-13:9780825448065

Publisher:Kregel Publications

Publication date:05/19/2026

Pages:336

Synopsis

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?

When Chloe Ainsworth’s older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe’s abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won’t allow them to suffer the way she did, but she’s desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.

Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can’t get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It’s clear they’re onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

This novel tells the powerful and compelling story of a former gymnast who wants to save other young gymnasts from suffering the same kind of sexual abuse that she did as a child. When her predator returns to town, Chloe is even more motivated to take him to court in order to make sure that he never hurts another young athlete. the case gets complicated as others are involved, including Chloe’s sister Ginny who returns to town about the same time as Coach Alex does. The mystery is how in the world Chloe will be able to face the giant. She is indeed a modern-day David facing huge odds that she can prove her case and keep the coach away from the girls. The story was riveting and heart-breaking at times, but it is also one that held me captivated and cheering for Chloe and her lawyer Dare, a young law student who takes on the case pro bono. There are plenty of twists and surprises which kept me engaged and turning the pages as fast as I could. This is a fast-paced legal suspense with a little romance and plenty of thrilling moments. The characters were realistic and even though I really didn’t like Coach Alex, he was realistically portrayed as a sleazy make who takes advantage of his position. The main characters were likable and relatable, and the plot was well-crafted to tell a story that is thought-provoking as well as a warning for parents to be aware of the backgrounds of those who teach their children. The love that Chloe felt for her young students was evident as she was determined not to back down even when she was in danger. Great story told in a thoroughly engaging way with a perfect pace.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I purchased my own copy to keep. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG-difficult topic of sexual abuse by a predator/coach

About the Author

The award-winning, best-selling author of more than 35 books, Cara Putman graduated college at 20 and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a full-time Clinical Associate Professor on business and ethics to undergraduate and graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and was a second-generation homeschooling mom for twelve years. Putman obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from Krannert and her J.D. from George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at: caraputman.com.

Purchase Links

Review: A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart

On May 19, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book (from the author’s website)

Series: Stand Alone Novels
Genre: Historical Novels
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: May 2026
ASIN: 0800746279
ISBN: 9780800746278

Since childhood, Kallie Mae Bertram has clung to two simple wishes—to unlock the world of reading and to build a life with Quinn Spencer. Will family duty make her risk everything for love?

My Thoughts

The realistic Appalachian setting in this novel and the fact that Kallie Mae really wanted to be literate touched my heart from the beginning. She had given up her chance at an education when her baby sister Emmie was born and her mom died after her birth. Kallie Mae was a child herself, raising another child as per her mom’s dying wish. Her father is a hard man who is bitter against life and who does not make it easy for his children to get an education. Kallie Mae is determined that little Emmie will learn her letters and numbers so sends her to the local country school. The theme of bullying and lack of acceptance was prevalent for both of Kallie Mae’s siblings. There was also a theme of a love story that never got to take root because the boy she loved with all her heart was from a neighborhood family against whom her father had a grudge. So in spite of the fact that Kallie Mae is a grown young woman and Quinn is more than ready to court her and marry her, her dad, Lije Bertram, presents one obstacle after another, blackmailing Kallie Mae into giving up her love for Quinn. The theme of the importance of family and an education are also important parts of the story. The tale of the Moonlight Schools where Kallie Mae and Quinn could go to learn was well researched and a riveting part of the story. I enjoyed the well-crafted and complex plot, with a lot of characters playing important roles in Kallie Mae’s choices. All of the characters were well-developed, and I felt as though I got to know Kallie Mae and sympathized with her yearning to have a family of her own as well as an education. I especially liked how the author presented the feud between the families and used it as a springboard to teach a lesson about forgiveness. This book and the characters are memorable and would lend itself to a great book club discussion.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I also preordered my own copy since the author is a favorite of mine and always presents stories that are thought-provoking and compassionate. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she’s published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers’ Choice Women’s Fiction Book of the Year.

Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/anngabhart (from Amazon’s author page)

Purchase Links

Review of Operation Guard Your Heart by Alicia Gilliam

On May 8, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GZ7ZPP8D
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 30, 2026
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 269 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8255593149

Synopsis (from author’s website)

They don’t call Genealogy 1101 the “death class” for nothing.

Peter’s out to save his job as history professor from fatal budget cuts. His only hope is to enroll students for the least attended course on campus. Who could convince vacationing teenagers to spend a semester studying their grandparents?

Julia, his wife. Er, ex-wife. Wife on hold?

Julia drafts a list of rules to keep their relationship strictly professional but agrees to take on the project. Peter will research and portray members of his family tree. She’ll photograph him and flood the school’s social media with a unique marketing campaign.

Never mind that Peter’s allergic to the limelight. Or that Julia’s keeping secrets about her mother’s dementia. They’ve signed the contract, for better or worse.

When the unsuspecting ex-couple stumble into a family mystery, survive a dreaded road trip, and welcome home a matchmaking daughter, their carefully-laid ground rules are tested in all the right ways.

My Thoughts

This is a clean romance with drama and humor dealing with a couple who are separated while the wife contemplates what her next step should be. Julia and Peter tell the story in a dual narrative that adds interest to the story since both have reasons for their choices that need to be expressed. Since Peter is an assistant professor of history and Julia works as an adjunct professor, they still see each other, but their relationship is not stable. When Peter’s job is threatened, Julia agrees to help him save it with social media posts to gain interest in his new class. The pace is moderate, a pace that is perfect for the story being told and the reflection that both adults have to do. It also allows for them to be seen in their own environment without the presence of the spouse in order to better understand how they got to the point of separation to begin with. The book has a somewhat complex plot as Julia’s mother Eileen is suffering from dementia but also desperate to find out what happened to her father. Peter, who is good at historical research, agrees to help find the information for Julia to present to her mom. That whole backstory is a glimpse into the history of a soldier who dedicated his life to serving his country. There is another story of Addison, the daughter who is leaving for college and really wants her parents to get back together. Her getting ready to leave the nest adds another layer to the reason Peter and Julia are having trouble with their relationship. This is a book with layers, family drama told in a realistic and heartfelt way and a history that needs to be discovered before Julia can move on into whatever the future holds. With hope and a big dose of forgiveness and desire to really love, this story was beautifully told and memorable. The characters are relatable and dynamic as they discover truths about themselves in their journey to rediscover the love they once had for one another.
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

Alicia Gilliam creates character-driven stories, dipped in romance and mystery, always aimed at deepening readers’ faith in God. After teaching writing and literature for twenty years, she reversed roles and became a student of indie publishing. Her other job, managing a resource center for foster parents, pays for her education and a weekly ration of chocolate chip cookies. For more information, check out the author’s website: aliciagilliam.com

To Purchase Your Copy:

Amazon

Review: Five-Star Summer by Sarah Morgan

On May 6, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335013231

Publisher:MIRA Books

Publication date:05/05/2026

Pages:368

Synopsis

Running a five-star Cornish hotel should have been Evie Hamilton’s dream job. But restoring it to its former glory is going to take a miracle. All Evie has is grit, and a hoard of unruly staff who love to speculate about her love life. She needs back-up, and fast.

Enter Abby Jones. Parachuted in by the hotel’s umbrella company for the summer, Abby thinks Evie could be the best friend she never had. But Abby has her own agenda for being in Cornwall. If her real motives are uncovered, their friendship is going to melt away faster than an ice cream in the summer sun.

Yet Abby’s arrival starts a chain reaction. With the help of a charming chef and a gruff pub owner, they begin to embrace their true selves and the bonds that unite them. But it’s not just the hotel’s five-star reputation that needs rebuilding – Evie and Abby will also have to brave tearing down their lives in order to reshape their futures…

My Thoughts

This is a cozy romance set at a gorgeous, historical inn in Cornwall, with characters that jumped off the page into my imagination. Evie is the manager of the inn by default since the previous manager got ill and had to step out of the picture. What Evie finds when she takes over is a beautiful place that is hemorrhaging money and she is determined to save it, if she can. Help arrives in the form of a young woman from “headquarters” Abby Jones. Abby can and does work wherever she is needed and becomes Evie’s right arm as well as a friend in whom she confides. Abby’s secret mission there at the inn may derail their friendship, so she has to make sure that Evie doesn’t find out who she really is. There are great family dynamics, a lot of drama, multiple secrets and romance, too in this well-written and compelling story of living through circumstances beyond your control and tackling challenges as they come. There are lessons to be learned here as well as a fantastic story and relatable characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HTP Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sarah Morgan is a #1 Sunday Times and USA Todaybestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She has sold over 25 million copies of her books, and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and have earned her starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Library Journal.

Sarah lives near London, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves spending time outdoors, walking or riding her mountain bike. She frequently stops to take photographs, much to the annoyance of her family. For more information about Sarah and her writing, please visit her website at Sarah Morgan.com

Purchase Links

Review: A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

On May 5, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400351381

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:05/05/2026

Pages:416

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She’s built her life—and her late grandmother’s tearoom, Tea Thyme—around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He’s looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn’t matter that she’s ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn’s heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled—Wisteria hasn’t seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship—and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

My Thoughts

Daphne Austen is the owner of Tea Thyme, an English tearoom in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is barely keeping her head above water when Finn Dashwood comes to town and opens an English-style pub next door to her. The competition begins almost as soon as they meet each other, both trying to create a dish and/or a drink to entice more customers. This is a delightful rom-com with a little drama mixed in too as the town of Wisteria takes the competition seriously and begin to take sides, especially when the prize is being the caterer for a big wedding. Plus there is a natural disaster that occurs, showing how well the town comes together in a crisis. I enjoyed the flirtatious banter between the two main characters and the humor that started each chapter with text messages as the townsfolk lined up to support either Daphne or Finn. The characters were relatable and appealing and the plot was well written and charming, The foods and beverages that were featured made me want to be a part of the town’s population and try some of them. With an emotional depth that was unexpected and a trop of rivals to lovers, this book was fun, flirty and a slam dunk in the romance department for me.
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

Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com

Purchase Links

First-Line Friday

On May 1, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo5 Comments

Today, I am featuring several books that I have read or that I am reading or that I have in my “next to read” line up.

Highly recommend this book for fans of clean psychological suspense. The book is intense and suspense-filled, as you can tell from the first line! You can check out my review on here on my blog page since I reviewed the book on 4-28-26, the release date: https://vicklea.com/2026/04/28/review-of-the-girl-upstairs-by-jessica-r-patch/

I am on the launch team for this book and I am reading it now. It releases on 5-26. Here is the First Line:

“K-9 Officer Maren Anderson battled the fatigue she’d been facing since driving from Colorado Springs to the Barren Valley Clinic in Barren Valley, Colorado. Grief could do that to a person.”

I am part of a book promo group for Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new book. This series takes place in national parks and all can be read as stand-alone novels. If you are interested in reading the book and joining my Zoom meeting later in the summer (date TBD), I will add you to the list for the Zoom link. Just email or DM me from Facebook. My email is watts.vickie@gmail.com. The book releases on May 5th, but I plan to give everyone who wants to participate at least a month to read the book, so I am thinking perhaps late June or sometime in July for the meeting. Bonus! The author will join us virtually with a PowerPoint presentation about the history of the national parks. How exciting is that?!?

Now, for the First Line:

“Ranger Scout Johnson was the kind of person who loved allowing room for error. Leaving ten minutes early to beat traffic. Double-checking weather before a hike.”

By the way, Baker Book House has freebies and 40% off if you order from them before release day!

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780800745325_chase-the-light

If you would like to join us just to join the discussion and find out what the book is about before you buy it that is okay with me, too. Again, just let me know so that I can send you the Zoom link. I would love to meet some of you virtually!

Review of Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow

On April 20, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400352081

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:04/07/2026

Pages:464

Synopsis (Barnes and Noble)

All is finally good. Jon Tremaine has created a new life in Brunswick, Georgia, as part of the Federal Witness Protection program after testifying against the former drug cartel he was involved with. Only his wife, Sarah, and a handler with the US Marshal’s office know his true identity, and he is now the manager of a large commercial tree farm with a baby on the way. But when one of Jon’s employees is arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the United States, he goes against his better judgment and inserts himself in the middle of the case, believing the man is an unsuspecting mole manipulated by sophisticated drug dealers.

Kelli Quinn, a highly skilled litigator with an Atlanta law firm, has moved to Brunswick to work with her best friend from law school, hoping to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. She and her two children find a temporary home with her aunt Carly, a woman whose great faith is making an impression on her new houseguests. For the first time in a very long while, Kelli sees a future where she can find balance between the job she loves and the family she loves even more.

New to the firm and in need of clients, Kelli agrees to represent Jon’s employee. The unfolding investigation reveals layers of criminal activity and possible connections to Jon’s past, putting everyone at risk of exposure—and even death.

My Thoughts

This legal suspense novel held my attention but I did not find it totally absorbing as the author methodically and sometimes slowly laid out two storylines that ended up dovetailing together perfectly. For part of the novel, I was stymied as to how lawyer Kelli and land manager Jon Tremaine would end up interacting, but when Jon’s employee is arrested on charges of drug trafficking, the stories merged and it was an easy and entertaining read. Cesar, the employee, seems to be a stooge for the drug cartel and in trying to make extra money for his growing family, he puts them all in danger. Jon, a former employee of a drug cartel who is now in WITSEC, is hesitant to tell Kelli the whole truth and thus ends up endangering himself and Kelli, too. The suspense is relentless but not at a fast pace. The characters are all well developed and the faith element undergirds the whole story as Kelli’s aunt Carly assumes the responsibility to showing her faith to Kelli and to her children. Carly’s prayers were definitely remarkable and showed insight into her faith and her relationship with God. In fact, Carly was my favorite character since she never wavered and was a rock amidst the stormy sea of circumstances in Kelli’s life. Jon seemed to be a character who would choose to do the right thing, but his choices seemed somewhat reluctant so I would not say he was a strong character. The plot is relevant and compelling but did not have the emotional depth or the careful plot that I am accustomed to with others who write similar novels. This was the first book that I have read by this author, and I will definitely look for others as it was a satisfying legal suspense noel with intriguing dynamics between the characters and a strong message of hope.
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.

Christian Fiction, Intense Suspense, Drug Cartels and Crime, PG

About the Author (Amazon)

Robert Whitlow grew up in north Georgia. He graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a BA in history in 1976 and received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979. A practicing attorney, he is a partner in a Charlotte, NC law firm. He and his wife Kathy have four children and nine grandchildren.

Robert began writing in 1996. His novels are set in the South and include both legal suspense and interesting characterization. It is his desire to write stories that reveal some of the ways God interacts with people in realistic scenarios.

Purchase Links

Review: More Than Friends by Denise Hunter

On April 15, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400348732

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:04/14/2026

Pages:320

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Jenna Greene has been very clear with her boyfriend: She is not ready for marriage. Too bad he didn’t listen. Turned out a rejected proposal was a sure way to lose a boyfriend–and a job. Because, yes, he’d also been her boss. But it seems the firing has come at the perfect time. Back on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, Jenna’s widowed mother has returned from a cruise–with a new boyfriend in tow. Something isn’t right, and Jenna decides to return home to find out what’s going on.

Tyson Parker has a pretty great life on Chincoteague. He’s gainfully employed at his parents’ bed and breakfast–in the very home where he grew up with his three brothers, right across the street from his best friend, Jenna. He loves volunteering for the island’s illustrious fire company and being one of the saltwater cowboys who cares for Chincoteague’s wild ponies. If only he could’ve skipped the whole part where he’d married a two-timing woman. Still, he’s elated to have his best friend back when Jenna returns to the island, even if it is only temporary. And he’s happy to help her figure out what her mom’s suspicious new beau might be up to. But soon his feelings for Jenna begin to shift into. . . something different.

Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She’d expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they’d named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn’t expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she’s always sworn she’d never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there’s that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more?

My Thoughts

This story was a perfect read from beginning to end, with a fairytale setting, lovable characters and an immersive and magical plot. Jenna Greene returns to Chincoteague Island after a she loses her job in Alexandria and is comforted by family, friends, and her childhood best friend Tyson Parker. Feeling at loose ends, jobless and without a boyfriend, Jenna seeks solace in the familiar routine of working at the kayak business that she worked at in her youth. She and Ty fall into a familiar routine, too, of talking to each other frequently and sharing all of their challenges and dreams. This book has a dual storyline, one being Jenna’s story and the secondary one is the story of Jenna’s mom who meets a new guy on a cruise. Both stories are well crafted, offering drama as well as delightful budding romance. The plot is charming and refreshing and the setting painted a vivid picture of the pony swim from Assateague to Chincoteague, an event that we took our children to and thoroughly enjoyed so I was happy to relive those happy memories as I read this novel. Of course, the romance between Jenna and Tyson was destined from the start, but it wasn’t without a lot of bumps in the road and some possibility of imminent failure. The trope is friends to lovers and is told in a way that is absolutely fun, flirty and made me cheer for all of the characters who found their HEA. This book is a slam dunk winner for me and all that I enjoy about romance: clean, flirty, warmhearted and with appealing characters.
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 and her website at Denise Hunter Books