Review: Special Target by Jerusha Agen

On April 3, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956683653

Publication date:03/26/2026

Pages:390

She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers?

For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances.

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew.

The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive.

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.

My Thoughts

The main character, Ashley Sorensen,is a social worker who takes on the responsibility of a teen with Downs syndrome when his parents are killed in a plane crash and there is no placement for him. She had no idea that his parents were guarding secrets that caused him and all around him to be in danger. With an FBI agent determined to keep them safe, this novel led me on a merry chase to follow the clues and try to figure out who could be trusted. The story was intense, highly emotional and filled with a message of hope. With flawed characters who need to find God’s mercy and grace even as they do their good works of helping others, this book spoke to me like no other novel that I have ever had the pleasure to read. I loved this book and I am convinced it is the author’s deepest and best book yet. Told with heart and soul as well as an intelligent and compassionate approach to those who face the challenge daily of caring for a child with special needs, this novel is memorable, heart touching and can be life changing if you let it talk to you. That being said, I really want to encourage everyone to read this book, to dive in with hearts ready for it to speak to you. This novel is one of the most profound and deeply moving fictional books with a firm faith foundation that I have ever read. It didn’t just touch my heart, but it also spoke to my soul, the part of me who wants to see all of my loved ones saved. With a message of God having a specific purpose for everyone that He creates and that He has good plans for each of us, this book resonated inside me, even as I read it a second time. I rarely read books twice, but I wanted to read this one again so I could listen more closely to the messages it had for me. I knew what was going to happen and was ready to shed tears, but what I was not prepared for is the deep longing this book gave me to share the gospel message with others before it is too late. Matthew, the character with Downs Syndrome, represented Jesus well and faithfully. Even with a limited vocabulary, he continued to speak a message of life and faith. His courage in the face of possible death was inspirational and showed me clearly that God does have a plan for everyone, even those whom the world casts aside as unworthy or different. This novel is a fictional tale with a strong foundation of a hope that outlasts our lives on earth and a call to action to bring as many as we can along with us to eternity. Run, don’t walk, to get your copy of this amazing story that deserves so many more than five stars!
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

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

Purchase Here:

http://www.JerushaShop.com

Review of Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg

On March 23, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780593446829

Publisher:Random House Publishing Group

Publication date:03/17/2026

Pages:208

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

As ninety-two-year-old Florence “Flo” Greene nears the end of her life, she writes a letter to Ruthie, the woman who grew up next door to her, describing the items Flo is leaving Ruthie in her will. But as it goes on, telling surprising stories about those “little” things Flo will leave behind (What could possibly be the worth of a rubber band kept in a matchbox tied up in red ribbon?), an unforgettable portrait of the life she has lived emerges.

The letter starts off as an autobiography in things, but it turns out to do much more than that: ultimately, it will transform Flo and those around her. In the time she has left, Flo decides to take herself up on tiny dares. She encourages Ruthie to reconsider her impending divorce by sharing a startling, long-buried secret about her own perfect-seeming marriage. Flo has never had a pedicure before now, and as long as she’s going to a beauty parlor, she arranges to have a blue streak put in her hair, too. And as these adventures lead her to make new friends, Flo helps them, too, find the fulfillment that living a full life has led her to understand.

Full of Elizabeth Berg’s characteristic mix of warmth, humor, and poignancy, Life: A Love Story is a reminder that whatever your circumstances, as long as you’re alive, you can keep on investing in life. The joy will inevitably follow.

My Thoughts

This lovely and relatable story just flowed right from the page into my heart. It is the story of Flo, a nonagenarian who knows she is dying and is dedicated to making the world around her better up to her last breath. It is the story of an ordinary life lived in an extraordinary way, told in first person with Flo relating her actions and reactions. She also writes letters to Ruthie, a younger woman who was a neighbor as a child and whom Flo loves dearly so Flo is explaining to her in the letters what certain things in her house meant to her. I thought at first when I read the synopsis of the book that it would be a maudlin look at dying, but that is not the case at all. The author presents death as another chapter in life, something to embrace as inevitable but also to prepare for in the best way possible. This was a five plus star read for me as I was completely wrapped up in Flo’s story, her tales about her past and a mystery about her husband Terrance that she refers to repeatedly. The story is moderately paced, which I think is perfect for a book that deals with the sensitive topic of dying in such an uplifting and realistic way. Flo’s life was not perfect, with lots of false starts and stops and some errors along the way. The thoughts she leaves behind show us clearly that she enjoyed her life and wants others to find joy for themselves too. The theme seems to be that life passes all too quickly, but it is also one of looking around and finding out who needs your encouragement and then go out and be the one to make a difference.
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

**Elizabeth Berg** is the author of eighteen novels and has more than 1.5 million books in print. Her novel, OPEN HOUSE, was an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 2000. Berg lives near Chicago, Illinois. Visit her at www.elizabeth-berg.net

Elizabeth Berg has been on the New York Times Bestseller list multiple times. Durable Goods and Joy School were both selected as one of the American Library Association’s Best Books of the Year. Talk Before Sleep was shortlisted for the Abby (American Bookseller’s Book of the Year). Open House was an Oprah’s Book Club Selection. In 1997, Elizabeth won the New England Booksellers Award for her body of work. Her book The Art of Mending was a choice for South Dakota’s “One Book.”

She was made a “literary light” by the Boston Public Library, has been honored by the Chicago Public Library, and was given the AMC Cancer Research Center’s Illuminator Award for shedding light on breast cancer resulting in increased public awareness and concern. She adapted her novel The Pull of the Moon into a play which has been performed in Chicago and Indianapolis to sold-out audiences.

Her article on a cooking school in Positano, Italy, which appeared in National Geographic Traveler magazine, won a NATJA award (North American Travel Journalists Association) and was nominated for a Lowell Thomas award. She has been published in thirty-two countries. In 2018, she was awarded the State of Illinois Literary Heritage Award for her “extraordinary contributions to our literary culture.”

In 2018, she was awarded the State of Illinois Literary Heritage Award for her “extraordinary contributions to our literary culture.”

Purchase Links

Review of ALL BOOKED UP by Melody Carlson

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

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800747251

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/17/2026

Pages:272

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that’s been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can’t bring herself to leave decades of memories—and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative—opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent—Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

My Thoughts

The story of four women who join together to live in widow Riva’s house is one that kept me engaged. I laughed as they partied together, teared up when they talked together about their past losses and in general, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Riva doesn’t have the money to keep her house now that she is a widow, so she follows the advice of a new woman she meets and decides to rent out rooms. She doesn’t want to sell her home because of the library that has a collection of all of her books and well as her husband’s books. Riva chooses, interviews and accepts four women to come and live in her home. The story unfolds as conflicts erupt between some of the women and Riva, as the homeowner, has to act as a mediator as well as the one who reminds each of the women of the rules. I loved Riva’s plan to have each woman read a book and then discuss it. Her choices of books for each tenant is nothing short of brilliant, showing her ability to understand what made each woman tick. I also enjoyed the character Marcus, a brother of one of the tenants named Windy, and a widower who must be very handsome since more than one of the women in the house is attracted to him. That sub-plot is a central part of a lot of the story. The real center of the story is forming friendships, being vulnerable and honest with friends, and learning to move into an uncertain future while leaving the past behind. This is a faith-centered book with lots of heart and truth in it. It captivated my attention right away since all of the main characters are older and entering the part of life where there is a lot of unexpected and sometimes scary change. That made the book so realistic and helped me to identify with the flaws of the characters. This is a quick and engaging read, with lots to love and book discussions that added to my interest in continuing to read. This book deserves more than five stars for being so relatable and such a heart-felt story of women who find strength that they didn’t know they had.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

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

Purchase Links

Review of EYEWITNESS SKETCH by Danielle Grandinetti

On March 11, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

Published by Hearth Spot Press
© 2026 Danielle Grandinetti

Kindle ISBN: 978-1-956098-51-8
ASIN: B0FJK7ZDMN
EPUB ISBN: 978-1-956098-52-5
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-956098-53-2

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby’s rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

Read the Whole Series (does not need to be read in order)
Prequel: 1892 – Undercover Wish
Book 1: 1931 – Eyewitness Sketch
Book 2: 1932 – Sabotage Games
Book 3: 1932 – Shrouded Trail
Book 4: 1933 – Fraudulent Progress
Book 5: 1935 – Pursuing Dust
Book 6: 1936 – Hostile Ally

My Thoughts

With a fast pace and a story that begs to be read in one sitting, this book presents Gabriella Salatino, an artist whose life is in danger because she can sketch the scenes of a crime. Escaping to the small island where she was raised, Gabriella is put into the protective custody of a previous beau, Andri Johannsson. Andri is tasked with keeping the reluctant Gabby safe even as the two of them work to uncover who is behind the death of her good friend back in Chicago. Gabby is a talented artist with en eye for details and Andri is an observant and determined investigator who is good at following and clues and solving mysteries. Together, the two of them made a formidable pair and an absorbing tale of romantic suspense. The action engaging, the characters are believable and the suspense is compelling. The DiStasio Giournaliste Agency has a home in my heart and on my bookshelf with stories that are clean, easy to read and totally entertaining.
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 with intense suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning author of 1930s historical romance, where mystery and suspense intertwine with hope. Her work has received recognition, including a Distinguished Faith in Writing Award, two National Excellence in Storytelling Awards, and finalist honors in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice, Selah, Holt Medallion, and Daphne du Maurier contests.

A second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions, Danielle draws inspiration from tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Holding a master’s in communication and culture, and driven by a lifelong love of stories, she crafts tales that celebrate resilience, diversity, and belonging. Danielle lives along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline with her husband and two sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Purchase Links

Review: WHEN JUSTICE COMES by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

On March 5, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

Hezekiah “Hez” Webster and his fiancé, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they’re getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody—both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.

Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it’s hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah’s quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.

With the clock ticking, Hez and Savannah must confront the ghosts of their past and their deepest fears to secure a future for Simon. But with every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they’ve always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever? (From Barnes and Noble)

ISBN-13:9781400345731

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:A Tupelo Grove Novel , #3

Pages:368

My Thoughts

The heated feud between the Legare and Willard families becomes downright dangerous and totally intriguing in the final book of this absorbing series. Hez Webster just wants to remarry Savannah, adopt Simon and move into a new home together. Standing in his way is the patriarch of the Willard family, a man bent on revenge who will do anything to stop Hez from achieving his goals. Unfortunately, Simon becomes a pawn in Michael Willard’s game and Hez and Savannah have to try to find a way to stop him using legal means. This book is fast-paced and totally engaging as I raced to find out what Michael would do next, who would work with him in his evil scheme and who could be trusted by Hez and Savannah. The characters were rich and realistically flawed, making me cheer for the good guys to win. The novel is filled with suspense and heart-pounding moments as Michael seeks to destroy anyone in his path to revenge against the Legares. With a strong message of forgiveness and brilliantly plotted misdirection, this novel was the perfect conclusion to the Tupelo Grove series, with satisfying resolutions and romance built into the non-stop action.
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, Rated PG for suspense-filled scenes

About the Authors

Publishers Weekly and USAToday best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over six million books in print. When she’s not writing, Colleen is playing Pokemon Go! with the family or traveling to the locales where she sets her novels. She’s a perpetual learner and a natural health nut. Colleen was the CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers for nineteen years and still serves on the Executive Board. She lives with her husband Dave in Arizona so she can spoil her small grandsons. She’s praying her granddaughter chooses Arizona for college to keep her close too.

Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/colleencoblebooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@cobleacker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/colleencoble

Rick writes novels during breaks from his “real job” as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice, where he leads a team prosecuting corporate fraud lawsuits. Rick has authored or coauthored over a dozen acclaimed suspense novels.

When he’s not writing, he leads investigations and lawsuits that made headlines in and out of California. For example, he and his team won a string of record-breaking judgments and settlements against the Wall Street players who created the toxic mortgage securities that triggered the Great Recession. Before joining DOJ, Rick was a senior litigator at Bingham McCutchen, where he worked on high stakes litigation, including a fight between two owners of the San Francisco Forty-Niners and a multibillion dollar international fraud case. Rick studied at the University of Oslo and has a law degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with honors. In addition to his novels, he is a contributing author on two legal treatises published by the American Bar Association.

Rick is a transplanted Chicagoan who spent thirty-five years in the Midwest before finally trading the certainty of winter and mosquitoes for the risk of earthquakes and wildfires. He now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Anette. They have four adult children.

Website: https://rickacker.com/

Purchase Links

Review: RAGING WATERS by Dana Mentink

On March 4, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800746537

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:Elements of Danger , #2

Pages:336

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

My Thoughts

Wow! This book kept my heart pumping wildly and my pulse pounding, too, as I read about all the danger that Mackenzie and Gideon faced as they try to survive waters rising and a drug dealer with his henchmen. Mackenzie (called Zee) is determined to get revenge for her brother Aaron’s death, so she is trying to find the head of the drug cartel that lives in the small town where Gideon, Aaron’s good friend, has a wilderness survival school. The adventure begins from the first page and their harrowing escapes from one threat after another continues throughout the story. The story was original, creative and terrifyingly realistic as the flood waters rose at the same time that the drug dealer’s lackeys got closer to finding them and killing them. The themes of the story include a quest for revenge, an issue with trust, the help of friends and letting go of the past to move into an uncertain future. I loved every minute I spent whirling and twirling in the “raging waters” with Zee and Gid, and I really enjoyed meeting the secondary characters who contributed so much to the central story. This is a book that was suspense-filled with escalating tension and a tightly written plot. With some jaw-dropping twists in the mix, this novel kept me guessing and shaking my head as I wondered what was going to happen next. The drama is believable as are the characters and I enjoyed the exploration of the emotional depth one suffers after the unexpected death of a loved one. This is a fascinating thrill ride to a deftly crafted and insightful conclusion. I would highly recommend this page turner to anyone whose heart is strong enough to withstand the propulsive pace and who enjoys a thought-provoking inclusion of faith as a firm foundation to an unforgettable 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.

Christian fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

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

Dana writes in two genres, cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author as well as a two time ACFW Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion recipient. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, and Poisoned Pen Press. For more information about Dana and her books, you should check out her website at Dana Mentink.com

Purchase Links

bit.ly/4tsjIGN (Baker Book House)

amzn.to/4qvxg1m (AMZ)

bit.ly/4tqQAiV (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/4kx48FH (Books-a-Million)

bit.ly/4afIT7W (Christian Book)

bit.ly/4aQ2pab (Google Play Store)

adbl.co/4kzqvKA (Audible)

Sending deep appreciation to Revell, Netgalley and author Dana Mentink for the advanced reader copy to enjoy.

Review of TANGLED PAST by Mary Alford

On February 24, 2026February 24, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review, Scripture, Tangled Past by Mary Alford2 Comments

About the Book

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GG7CK55Z
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 24, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 190 pages
Book 7 of 7 ‏ : ‎ Hope Island Securities Series

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Twenty-five years after his father’s unsolved murder, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island determined to uncover the truth. His only lead is Maya Callahan—the little girl found hiding in the barn the night his father died.

Maya has no memory of that stormy night. But as fragments of her past resurface, so does danger. Someone is watching. Someone who will kill to keep the truth buried.

As Asa and Maya grow closer, the stakes turn deadly. Because remembering the past may be the only way to survive it.

My Thoughts

This is the story of unfinished business in the past and a lost memory that is surfacing. Maya was present when her mother was dragged away and she never saw her again. She was there when the sheriff was killed, Asa Dutton’s father. When Asa comes back to Hope Island to talk to Maya and try to find out information to lead him to his father’s killer, he opens up her memory in unexpected ways. I loved how the Hope Island Securities Team worked with Asa to uncover the truth and to find the killer, following clues to some surprising locations on the island. I especially enjoyed the dynamic characters of Asa and Maya who grew from questioning the past to embracing the future. This is romantic suspense at its best, with a lot of the creep factor in it and a killer who was methodical and hard to catch. The twists and revelations kept coming in this fast-paced and totally engaging book.
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

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, X, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

To Purchase Tangled Past:

Amazon

Review of MAYBE THIS ONCE by Sophie Sullivan

On February 12, 2026February 10, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781250875877

Publisher:St. Martin’s Publishing Group

Publication date:02/10/2026

Series:Rock Bottom Love , #3

Pages:336

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, Charlotte Ashford gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is thriving. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, whom he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson have nothing in common, but they can’t fight their attraction to each other. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

My Thoughts

Charlie Ashford is hiding from a past that has kept her in the limelight for far too long. She doesn’t want to be famous like her parents; she just wants to pursue her dream of being a counselor. That’s how she ends up at a camp at the Get Lost Lodge, off the beaten track just the way she wants it, while she waits for her new job to begin. Before arriving there, she has a “meet-cute” with Grayson Keller, a man who is attractive but she is not looking to be attracted so she flees from the meeting. What she doesn’t know is that Grayson is the owner of the Get Lost Lodge and he and she have sparks together whether they welcome them or not. Deciding to try out dating and then move on with their lives, this story is a wonderful story of happenstance, events beyond one’s control and just plain romance that is so entertaining. The dynamics between the characters was spot-on realistic and it was fun to read the banter between the two reluctant lovers. I really enjoyed the entire family at the Lodge and how they chimed in their opinions and helpful advice, keeping the pace and the humor going. This book is a perfect read for those who enjoy a good love story that isn’t sappy but realistically portrayed with doubts, false starts and trust issues.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sophie Sullivan is an award winning Canadian author of many romantic comedies including TEN RULES FOR FAKING IT and HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, both of which won the Canadian Book Club Award for best romance.

Her books have been mentioned and featured in Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Culturess, EOnline!, Cosmopolitan, The Nerd Daily, Tampa Bay Reads on Fox 13, and more. She chats about all things books, romance, and writing in a variety of places including Episode 14 of Happy to Meet Cute podcast and her local radio station Star 98.3. In her books, you’ll find relatable characters, kissing scenes, heartfelt moments, found family, and anxiety rep. And probably more kissing scenes.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, buying books, or thinking about her next trip to Disneyland and wondering how long the Alice in Wonderland line-up is. She lives on the West Coast with her husband, daughters, and dogs. She wishes she lived somewhere it rained less which is when a lot of free time goes into planning those Disney trips.

If waiting for the next Sophie book is too much for you, check out her alter ego, Jody Holford who writes cozy mysteries and romances. If you want to find her online, Instagram is usually the best place. Website: Sophie Sullivan

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Review of UNDERCOVER WISH by Danielle Grandinetti

On February 11, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

BN ID:2940182650380

Publisher:Hearth Spot Press

Publication date:02/10/2026

Series:Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

CHICAGO, Ill., 1892—Stunt reporter Ali Di Stasio will risk anything to expose the truth and protect her fellow orphans, including rummaging through trash bins and putting herself in the crosshairs of the dangerous elite. After living on the streets, she knows every corner of her city, which means she can stay one step ahead of the cops, the powerful men who’d love to silence her before she can reveal their secrets, and the occasional wealthy bachelor wandering through her alleyways, lost and in danger of being mugged.

Griff Moorland, heir-apparent to his father’s shipping enterprise, is summoned home to Chicago’s wealthiest neighborhood for one purpose: marriage. Worse, his choices are to marry the conniving daughter of his father’s business partner or an heiress with a sizable dowry. If he doesn’t comply before the contract to bring in steel for the Columbian Exposition ends? His ailing mother will be stranded across an ocean, homeless.

Caught between keeping his mother alive and his father’s questionable business practices, Griff needs a way out of the bind his father has put him in. When Ali swoops in like a knight in shining armor, she insists the pen is mightier than a sword. But with the Chicago World’s Fair fast approaching, sinister forces conspire against them. Will love prove only a mirage, or will it be strong enough to set them free?

My Thoughts

The prequel to the new Ali DiStasio series drew me into the story immediately with its realistic portrayal of children in an orphanage, local corruption in Chicago, and an intrepid female reporter who goes undercover to expose secrets and lies. Ali is courageous, foolhardy at times and always faithful to those who are downtrodden and need her help. In this prequel, she meets Griff Moorland, a young man who needs help investigating what is going on with his father’s business, but he has no idea how to accomplish the task until Ali leads him into a dangerous plan. The characters were delightfully realistic, portrayed with heart and whimsy as Ali and Griff rush to save the funding for the orphanage and Griff’s future inheritance. The story was a fast-paced and engaging story that had me absorbed in the tale of taking on the giants of corruption without thoughts about encountering death or danger. I am really looking forward to the first book in the series that will tell more about Ali and Griff’s adventures together.
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 author of 1930s historical romance, where mystery and suspense intertwine with hope. Her work has received recognition, including a Distinguished Faith in Writing Award, two National Excellence in Storytelling Awards, and finalist honors in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice, Selah, Holt Medallion, and Daphne du Maurier contests.

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Review of Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Elijarbo

On January 27, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About This Book

Product Details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G8GVHTSD

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 2026

Pages: 125

Part of Series: Heartwarming Christmas

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief.

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband.

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality.

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.

My Thoughts

This is a cozy historical mystery that held me enthralled with the magical setting of a fictitious town in Norway in the winter. Cornelia Gran is my kind of heroine, absorbed in mysteries and looking for local mysteries to solve. When she discovers a missing resident, she throws herself wholeheartedly into solving the puzzling disappearance and in her quest for the truth, she encounters unexpected danger. The villains are ruthless characters who will stop at nothing to achieve their aims, and therein lies the fast pace and a riveting story. Cornelia’s curiosity is relatable and realistic and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her as well as her grandmother and her faithful and loving servants. While she is trying to unravel the mystery of a little yellow cottage and its missing heir, Cornelia meets a widow and her great-nephew Simon, the center of the mystery and with a fascinating backstory about keeping papers hidden from an unknown and unscrupulous man. Once Cornelia discovers that their lives have been threatened, she is even more determined to get to the bottom of who is threatening them and why. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, but I must say that the prose that described the setting and the characters read more like poetry to me, flowing masterfully from the hands of an author who demonstrates her genuine love of history as well as her talent in creating stories that are clean and entertaining. The book is hard to put down and I sighed contentedly at the perfect ending.
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 (bio from Amazon)

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

For more information about Heidi and her books, check out her website at https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

To purchase her book:

Amazon

Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Tag: Book Review

Review of Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg

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Review: WHEN JUSTICE COMES by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

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Review: RAGING WATERS by Dana Mentink

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Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

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Review of UNDERCOVER WISH by Danielle Grandinetti

About the Book

My Thoughts

About the Author

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