Review of NO TIME TO DIE by Taylor S. Newport

On May 22, 2025May 19, 2025 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DQ9QVR1B
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whitewater River Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 15, 2025
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 636 pages
Book 2 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Dauntless Defenders

The enemy believes the battle is nearly over, but he’s just getting started.

Sector 17 has tried to silence the Ghost of Oz, but he doesn’t back down. Back on the hunt, Tyler Reid uncovers chilling truths that challenge everything he knows about his enemy and the woman who works for them. Caught between protecting a Russian heiress and the job she has to do, Tyler starts to question who he can rely on.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova has been told who she is, but fragmented memories hint at a past she’s reluctant to reclaim—a past far darker than what she remembers. When Tyler offers her a chance to escape her cruel boss at Sector 17, the plight of young recruits being turned into killers weighs heavily on her conscience. She’s determined to give them the same freedom she’s found, but doesn’t realize that in doing so she has put them all at risk.

As the head of Sector 17 clings to power, Tyler and Alex are caught in the middle of a deadly war for lives, freedom, and revenge. With enemies closing in on all sides, they can’t save everyone. The stakes are higher than ever—there is no time to die.

My Thoughts

The second book in the Dauntless Defenders series answered a lot of questions that I had about the backstory of Tyler and Alex and created an entire new web of intricate relationships and subterfuge. Alex is determined to save the kids who were forced to work for Sector 17 while Tyler is equally determined to safely return Alex to her grandfather in Russia. Neither goal is easy to accomplish and the book is woven around their efforts as well as the conflict between the CIA and Sector 17 which keeps Tyler and Alex somewhat floundering in the middle between two entities that seem to be willing to self-destruct rather than let the other side win. The foundation of faith is evident, but there are some triggers in the story, including human trafficking and child abuse. Details of both are not such that they are stomach-turning, and they are presented in a way to seamlessly fit into the story without becoming the central focus. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better in this second book. Although the book is lengthy, once I got into the story, I was not even aware of how long I was reading because I lost myself in the lives of the characters and in the challenges that they faced. The plot was moderately paced at first as the author introduced the characters and the conflicts and picked up to a quick pace once I knew all of the players and their goals in the story. Told from various points of view and also including a dual timeline, this was a book that kept me thinking and wondering what could possibly happen next to thwart the main characters from fulfilling their missions. There were some head-spinning surprises that I really didn’t expect and thoroughly enjoyed. Best of all, this book ends in a way that I wanted the series to definitely continue so that I could see more of the romantic relationship develop between some of the characters. All of the conflict within the boundaries of this novel were resolved in a satisfying way that made me happy that I read the book and thrilled that the saga will continue. This book is a military/spy thriller comparable to Tom Clancy but with a strong and clear faith element.
Disclaimer: 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 Thrills, Rated PG-15

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she travels the United States with her family and GSD mix, Bella, probably writing her next novel.

Words from the author: “As an author, my mission is to provide readers with thrilling and engaging novels that maintain a high standard of integrity. I believe that a compelling story can captivate and entertain without relying on explicit language or inappropriate content. My books are designed to deliver exhilarating, action-packed narratives that will keep you engrossed from start to finish.”

Website: https://www.taylorsnewport.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsnewport_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.s.newport.2025/

X: https://x.com/TaylorSNewport

Purchase Link

Amazon

Don’t miss the first book in the Dauntless Defenders series!

Amazon

Review of STEALING MAGNOLIAS by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

On May 21, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781967524006 Publisher:Lanier Price Publishing Publication date:05/20/2025 Series:Magnolia Bluff #1 Pages:304

When Wren Frazier heads south to honor her grandmother’s final wish, she finds five unexpected challenges, one grumpy (but handsome) neighbor, and maybe-herself.

Although an artist, Wren packed away her brushes and paints and sought a practical career as an interior designer in Chicago. She’s always put herself last, happy to please everyone around her. But with a team of dedicated co-workers and a small town of quirky characters supporting her, she’s forced to give herself a little attention. As her artistic heart starts to awaken, Wren finds herself rediscovering the joy of creation and living authentically.

But while she’s exploring the enchanting Georgia Low Country, creating beautiful paintings, and taking a chance on love, she uncovers a secret that shakes the foundation of her newfound happiness. With the revelation threatening to ruin the delicate balance Wren has only begun to realize, will she give up her fairytale and return to her reality?

My Thoughts

I love reading books from debut authors who write a book that touches all of my feelings and my soul, too. The story of Wren, a young woman who has lost her grandmother and is floundering with choices about her future, is inspiring and thought-provoking as well as realistic and compelling. The setting of Haslemere was perfect for the story as this small town and all of its people filled the book with authenticity about the south and its friendliness and talent for making newcomers feel at home. I especially loved that this book offered a kind of story within a story. There is Wren’s story of self-discovery and there is also Nathaniel’s story of learning to trust as well as how to truly love. There is a sub-plot too with Wren’s assistant Zoe and the contractor Brad that led to more than a few chuckles from me, especially the text messages between Wren and Zoe. This is a wonderfully written romance with a southern flair and a foundation of faith that was charming and an integral part of the story. I loved the entire book and look forward to future books from this talented storyteller who puts heart and hope into her work.
Disclaimer: 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

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

Q & A with the Author

1. What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting things you found out in your research, if you completed any?

• I did a lot of research on painting with watercolors. I’m not an artist at all. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of pencils and brushes involved in the medium.

• I also researched the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Years ago, I visited and rode on the famous ride, but I wanted to be sure I remembered the details. The VIP pod was a perfect romantic place for a scene in my story. I watched a whole youtube video of a person in the VIP pod, so I could really get the experience.

2.What was your favorite part of writing this book?

• I loved getting to write the descriptions of the places that are a part of my world and getting to share them with others.

3.Did anything in the story end up surprising you?

• When I started the story, I never expected it to become a series, but I fell in love with the setting and the side characters. I wasn’t ready to leave Magnolia Bluff, so I wrote two novellas and a book with plans for one more novella and one more book.

4. When did you know that you wanted to be an author?

• I’ve always loved writing and reading. In high school and college, I started more than one book but never finished. However, I did earn a minor in English in college, and an advanced writing certificate in law school. For many years, I wrote legal briefs as the appellate lawyer for Brunswick Judicial Circuit’s DA’s office. When I left that job to become a judge, I began writing fiction.

5. What is your writing process like? Do you know the ending when you start writing?

• I usually come with a premise and a couple of characters, and then I brainstorm with my writing group. After that I really delve into the main characters personalities and back stories. I also use this prep time to research important parts of the book. Accuracy is very important to me. Then I plan the pivotal scenes and get started writing. While I may know how I want the story to end, the ending isn’t always planned out.

6. What would be your advice to new authors?

• Never stop learning and practicing your craft.

7. If you could have a luncheon with a group of authors, whom would you invite and why?

• Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Eugenia Price, and Catherine Marshall. They have all written books that have impacted my life and writing. I’d want to know what inspired them to write some of my favorite books.

8. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?

• Spending time with my children and my husband. It really doesn’t matter what we’re doing. My daughter goes to college in Virginia, and when she calls, I go outside and walk around the yard while we talk. It doesn’t sound like much, but if I can’t be walking with her in person, it’s the next best thing. My husband and I have date nights at fantastic restaurants and travel to historic hotels, but it wouldn’t be my favorite thing to do if he weren’t with me.Honestly, I even love long drives with my family. My son and I have bonded over the hours we’ve spent driving to soccer.

10. This question is because I am a retired teacher. Did you have a favorite teacher in school? Can you share a memory about him/her?

• I loved all of my teachers. I actually am friends with most of them on Facebook, and they are so supportive of my writing career. I do mention my sixth grade English teacher, Susan Lee, in the acknowledgments for Stealing Magnolias. She taught my how to write and to love doing it. She never accepts the credit when I thank her, but it is the truth. I would not be the writer I am today if hadn’t been for her.

Purchase Links

Barnes and Noble, Paperback

Barnes and Noble, ebook

Amazon

Books-a-Million

Kobo

Review of AFTER PARIS by Mary Ellen Taylor

On May 13, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781662513442 Publisher:Amazon Publishing Publication date:05/13/2025 Pages:335

At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…

Cécile, the “it” girl of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.

Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.

My Thoughts

The story of Ruby, an author who is inspired to write the story of a missing actress and her dressmaker, is one that is poignant, realistic and soul-stirring. The women she is writing about lived during the Second World War in Nazi-occupied France. Facing danger daily was part of their way of life since both Cecile, the actress, and her dressmaker Sylvia, worked with the resistance by feeding them information via Cecile’s sister Emile. The story is a dual timeline story, showing the struggles of Cecile and Sylvia in 1940’s France and the challenge to grasp life that Ruby faces since she is a cancer survivor. The themes of strength, courage, fortitude and persistence are prevalent in this novel that had me crying and cheering, just pages apart. The characters were totally realistic, especially Ruby and her determined quest to find out the truth about Sylvia and Cecile. Using a journal written by Sylvia, Ruby researches and continues to dig out nuggets of Sylvia’s story of being a Jew in Paris when the Nazis were working hard to exterminate them. The book was well-paced and totally absorbing as I lost myself in the pages, wanting to know as much as Ruby did what had happened to Sylvia and Cecile. With multiple narrators and a well-woven story, the history of the women is given in a way that is a compelling look at self-sacrifice and family love. This book is without a doubt one of the best WWII historical fiction novels that I have read, told with the grit and authentic details that made me gasp with awe or disgust, depending on what was happening in the scene. The author brilliantly and seamlessly wove the stories of the women together, even as they were decades and a continent apart. I loved the story and the writing style that captivated my attention and securely held it from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: 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.

Rated PG-15, intense scenes and closed door sexual encounters

About the Author

Amazon Charts bestselling author, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state Virginia is evident in her contemporary women’s fiction, including The Promise of Tomorrow, Winter Cottage, Spring House, and Honeysuckle Season. She brings her new home on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to life in her latest novel The Brighter The Light and When the Rain Ends.

As do so many people, her protagonists search for their place in the world, exploring issues of family, home, love and belonging. Inevitably, Mary Ellen’s stories interweave setting, history and mysteries that span past and present. Website: maryellentaylor.com

Purchase Links

Review: Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright

On May 5, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-139781335937193 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:04/29/2025 Pages:208

Could her safe haven in a storm

Be a path back to her faith?

Caught in a blizzard pregnant and alone, former Amish woman Florene Schroder stumbles upon an unexpected sanctuary on an Amish farm. She never expects her rescuer to be Gil Kestler, a gentle giant from the community she left behind years ago. Forced together as they brave the storm, their wounded hearts slowly begin to warm toward one another. But as the snow starts to melt, can they conquer their fears to embrace love…or will the secrets they harbor keep them apart?

My Thoughts

What an uplifting story of hope and faith as Florene meets her destiny in her search for refuge from her abusive partner and from a blizzard! This story captured my heart and my imagination from the first page and kept me engrossed in it until the end. When Florene was tossed out of the car during a blizzard, she had no way of knowing that her rescuer would be a gentle giant named Gil. Taking shelter with his family, Florene learns the meaning of true faith and being willing to reach out to help others. I liked the dynamics between the characters and how realistically they were portrayed, with their raw edges exposed. I really enjoyed the story that had a hint of mystery to it involving the brother Eli’s shenanigans and desire to be free of his family’s homestead. The faith foundation was an integral part of the story as Florene needs to find her way back to God before she can be whole again and gentle Gil gives her the example she needs to do just that. This is a book that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys Christian romance with a hint of danger and a lot of family love and romance.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Love Inspired Romance, Clean Read, Rated G

About the Author

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion. Beginning with Dick and Jane, progressing through Nancy Drew and then on to romances of all genres, Pamela devoured stories by popular authors such as Barbara Cartland, Jackie Collins, Rosemary Rogers, Shirley Conrad and many, many others. At one time Pamela was the proud owner of 5 library cards.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late ’90’s, Pamela moved into traditional print publishing, writing in the paranormal and adult romance genres for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher’s book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.

In 2013, Pam took a break from writing to reassess her career choices. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus and vision, fulfilling a promise to write inspirational and wholesome books her entire family could enjoy. Though her characters are often handed difficult challenges in life, they always persevere over the darker times through the power of faith and love.

After signing with Tamela H. Murray of The Steve Laube Agency, Pamela sold her first Amish Romance to Harlequin for the Love Inspired imprint. Released in September 2021, The Cowboy’s Amish Haven debuted on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List. Since that time, her Love Inspired titles have consistently made the top 25. In late 2022, she signed a new deal with Harlequin Love Inspired for 6 more Amish titles.

Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at the cabin owned by her grandparents. She also loves needlepoint and has dozens of projects to work on! Website: Pamela Desmond Wright

Purchase Links

Review: HUNTED IN THE FOREST by Kerry Johnson

On May 3, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980595 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:04/29/2025 Series:Forest Ranger Rescuers , #1 Pages:208

Caught in a hail of gunfire, FBI agent Eli Buchanan’s only thought is to protect his five-year-old daughter. With no other option left, he turns to his ex-girlfriend, US Forest Service ranger Molly Calhoun, for help. Together, they flee into the Pennsylvania wilderness, but the cybercriminal targeting them is hot on their trail. As they navigate the dangers of the wild, Eli and Molly must put aside their past and team up to ensure Skylar’s safety. Will they be able to outsmart their pursuer, or will they become his next victims?

My Thoughts

The story of the FBI agent who has to flee cybercriminals in the Allegheny Mountains is a compelling one. But when Eli’s young daughter Skylar and his former girlfriend Molly were added to the mix, the book became even more satisfying. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and was drawn to Molly, the ranger who studies plants and tries to save things, When she is faced with danger and has to choose to help Eli protect Skyler, she doesn’t hesitate. Molly is courageous and willing to sacrifice for the safety of others, even though that is not her area of expertise. The plot is fast-paced and kept me guessing all the way to the end. I had a suspicion about who the criminals might be, but I was wrong multiple times, since the red herrings were so well crafted. The setting is atmospheric and perfect for the action taking place, with plenty of places to take refuge and lots to enjoy along the way. The chemistry between Molly and Eli was definitely perking, but the relationship between Skylar and Molly was touching. Skylar is a motherless child and seems to bond with Molly seamlessly, knowing that she can be trusted. That bond was carried throughout the story and was a sweet portrayal of the innocence of a child as well as their intuitive knowledge of who can be trusted. Filled with suspense and jaw-dropping twists, this tale is one not to be missed because it has it all: a riveting plot that is fast-paced, characters that popped from the page into my heart, and a setting that was unique and realistic.
Disclaimer: 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

Kerry Johnson spent a magical childhood climbing mossy rocks and forging cold streams in the woods outside Newtown, Connecticut. She moved to Florida as a teenager, and now lives in Tampa Bay with her patient engineer husband, two active teen boys and one bubbly niece, and a few unique pets you can’t really pet. She earned her B.S. in English Education from the University of South Florida, and taught middle school remedial reading and drama before spending eight years as a stay-at-home mom and wife. She has been published in Creation Illustrated, Granola Bar Devotionals, and was a regular contributor to Tampa Bay’s Overflow Magazine from 2011-2013.

Kerry is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and FHLCW (Faith Hope Love Christian Writers). Her middle grade manuscript and contemporary romance won their categories in the ACFW Genesis Contest (2017 and 2020), and she finaled seven times. Her contemporary romance won RWA-Georgia’s Maggie Contest in 2019.

She loves Jesus, Florida thunderstorms, chai tea, first drafts, Thursday nights, laughing and praying with friends, and all creatures great and small. If she’s not outside taking a long walk, then she’s inside watching a Marvel movie with her family and rearranging her books so her husband doesn’t notice how many there are. You can find her online at www.kerryjohnsonbooks.com,

Purchase Links

https://amzn.to/4hXREDS (Amazon)

https://bit.ly/449uzuN (Harlequin)

https://bit.ly/42tPlnC (Christian Book)

https://bit.ly/4i064n9 (Google Books)

https://bit.ly/43yw05R (Target)

https://bit.ly/4jm0fBH (Powell’s Books)

https://bit.ly/4j9SaQi (Books-a-Million)

https://bit.ly/4cicLQk (Barnes and Noble)

https://bit.ly/3DR2r5a (Kobo)

https://apple.co/4cj2lQu (Apple Books)

Review: TWO SECONDS TOO LATE by Dani Pettrey

On May 2, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780764238499 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:04/29/2025 Series:Jeopardy Falls , #2 Pages:320

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.

My Thoughts

The latest book in the Jeopardy Falls series is absolutely compelling and breathtakingly complex. With settings that include a retreat, a reservation and Las Vegas, the action continues nonstop from beginning to end. Once skip tracer Riley finds out that a friend of hers is missing from a nearby spa and retreat, she and teammate Grayson go undercover to try to find out what happened to Kelly. What they find was not what they expected and so much worse than they imagined. The suspense in the story is woven in with the romance that is developing between the two main characters and is carefully plotted to be a crucial part of the story. There are some head-spinning twists that were brilliantly included and a strong message of hope for the future. The complicated plot included dual storylines that were edgy and that dovetailed fabulously in the satisfying conclusion. The characters were believable, working hard to overcome difficulties from their pasts and with personalities that were realistically flawed and lovable. The tension in the plot is relentless as Grayson and Riley race to find Kelly and the truth about her disappearance. This book presents Christian romantic suspense at its best, with family dynamics, developing romance and a mystery to be solved on a ticking clock timeline. Although part of a series, this book can be enjoyed all by itself, but I do highly recommend reading the first book, too, even if you read them out of order. The series is fantastic fiction!
Disclaimer: 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.

Other Book in the Series

About the Author

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani loves to mentor aspiring and newly-published authors. Seeing them grow and spread their wings is so rewarding. She recently was awarded ACFW’s Mentor of the Year. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband. Website: http://www.danipettrey.com

Purchase Links

Review: THEIR SURPRISE REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray

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

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335051493 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:04/29/2025 Series:A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance , #1 Edition description:Original Large Print Pages:336

Friendship can turn to more…

When you least expect it!

Kayla Harding knew she’d reached rock bottom when she forced herself to walk through the front doors of Loaves of Love, the food bank in Medina, Ohio, one Saturday morning. Happily, what she finds there is a loving community of people who offer her not just food, but friendship and hope. She also finds Sean Copeland, a former crush, father to six-year-old Jackson and small-town football coach, who volunteers at the food bank. But Kayla is still reeling from her divorce, and Sean is a recent widower. Can they find it in their hearts to fall in love again?

My Thoughts

This is a clean romance with some drama built into the story that kept me fully engaged. Kayla Harding returns to her hometown of Medina, Ohio after a rough divorce. There she finds herself needing to use a food bank because her resources are low and her cupboards are almost bare. At Loaves of Love, Kayla meets a former friend from high school, football star Sean Copeland who is now a widower and an assistant coach. Raising his six-year old son Jackson alone since the death of his wife Danette the previous year, Sean is kind-hearted and jumps right in to help Kayla learn how to make a loaf of bread at the food bank. Their friendship progresses normally, with Kayla hiding secrets and Sean leery about a new relationship. I enjoyed the humility that Kayla showed and also the realistic scenes in which she was ashamed to have to ask for food. I really liked the character of Edna, the lady who ran the food bank and who helped Kayla feel more comfortable about needing help. There were a lot of characters in this sweet romance, including Kayla’s demanding boss and Sean’s teasing family. The cast of characters added to the drama as well as the character development of the protagonists. The novel was an entertaining read that also presented the truth about what can happen when you are starting over and have little recourse but to ask for help. Told with compassion and a lot of love, this is a memorable story of a couple who find each other in the most unlikely place and who help each other to discover truths about themselves and each other.
Disclaimer: 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

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.

Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weekly calls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.”

Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow This episode on the popularity of Amish fiction.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.

Website: Shelley Shepard Gray

Purchase Links

Review of TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD by Nancy Naigle

On April 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780593601044 Publisher:PRH Christian Publishing Publication date:04/29/2025 Series:A Shell Collector Novel Pages:368

Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug.

But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild.

As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

My Thoughts

Rosemary is a widow who is searching for a new purpose in life, but she doesn’t know where to begin to find it. She is just fairly certain that living with her newly divorced daughter Nina is not going to fulfill her, so she sets out on a trip to visit Whelk Island, a little town in the Outer Banks where she can visit her high school friend Kathleen and have some time on the beach to reflect on her past and her future. Having spent almost fifty years with her husband in Hawaii, Rosemary hears the call of the ocean and really thinks that time there will ground her and show her what she should do to continue her life without her beloved husband Kai. Once there, she meets Tug, the owner of a renowned diner and an all-around good guy and friend to everyone. The two hit it off immediately, and their friendship is encouraged when a hurricane comes through and forces people to work together to prepare and then to clean up. I really enjoyed the realistic setting of the beach town facing a natural disaster and the fact that the characters all pulled together and watched out for each other. I also liked the dual romances in the story and the way the author seamlessly wove the two stories together in an engaging and moderately paced plot. My favorite parts were the humor and the ones where the characters just enjoyed being together, enjoying a meal and dancing or strolling on the beach. I also liked the themes of a hopeful future and living in the present instead of dwelling in the past. Forward together is a good and memorable theme for this novel and I enjoyed how this happened for the youngest to the oldest characters. This book is a sequel to the first novel set on Whelk Island, The Shell Collector, but this one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone as new characters and a whole new story is told here.
Disclaimer: 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.

Contemporary Christian Fiction, Clean Read, Rated G

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. She began her contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career as an SVP for Bank of America and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm.

Now enjoying an early retirement from the financial industry, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she now calls the small town of Franklin, Virginia home.

Download a printable list of Nancy’s publications here.

Nancy’s 2021 release of The Shell Collector debuted in the top #20 on the ECPA Bestseller list and was optioned in a book-to-movie deal as the first Fox Original movie. The Shell Collector can be watched on FOXNation.

Several of Nancy’s books have inspired made-for-television movies. Watch Christmas Joy, Sand Dollar Cove and The Secret Ingredient on the Hallmark Channel and Hope at Christmas on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Nancy also wrote the novelization for the first three Hallmark Original Movies in the popularChristmas in Evergreen series.

Purchase Links

With appreciation to WaterBrook and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review!

Review of SUMMER IN A BOTTLE by Annie Rains

On April 29, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781496740892. Publisher:Kensington. Publication date: 04/29/2025. Pages: 320

Dumped by her fiancé, opinion columnist Lyla Dune returns to small-town Echo Cove to heal, and to help her parents prep their house for sale. When she decides to open a time capsule she buried in high school, past memories lead her to a diary filled with memorable moments from the last summer she spent at home, right before college. Some of the events feel like they happened yesterday. That’s normal. Not so normal is that they actually start happening all over again . . .

Lyla gets a flat tire in the same spot and is saved by the same person. The same movie is playing at the theater. Her house has the same leak it once had. As her current summer increasingly mirrors that last one, Lyla worries it will end just as disastrously: with a category 3 hurricane—and with losing Travis, the best friend she was always secretly in love with. If only she hadn’t been too scared to admit it.

She revisits other fears too, like the fear of rejection that led her to abandon her passion for fiction writing. And when she reconnects with Travis, Lyla becomes certain that unless she does what her younger self was unable to do, she’ll suffer the same regrets. But if this time around she can gather her courage, maybe the life that was falling apart when she arrived will fall back together—even better than before.

My Thoughts

This entertaining novel has some deep truths in it and I really enjoyed the way the author brought them to the forefront as she weaved the tale of Lyla and her life. Lyla, dumped by her boyfriend, returns to Echo Cove, North Carolina, a small town that she gladly fled when she graduated from high school. She had great plans to be an author and she has kind of met that goal by becoming an opinion columnist who is well-known for her columns. Once she is back in Echo Cove, with the task of helping her parents sell their home there, Lyla is confronted with her past and her present dilemmas and has to decide what she will do about her future. I thoroughly enjoyed the light-hearted banter between Lyla and her friend Amanda and Lyla’s gung-ho attempt to win over Bernadette as a friend. The friendship between Travis and Lyla was realistically portrayed as was their gradual realization about their romantic feelings for each other, even if they didn’t want to pursue those feelings. I loved Lyla’s compassionate nature and how she reached out to Amanda when she knew she was hurting from all of her losses. Bernadette was feisty and reluctant to accept friendship, but her fun-loving and warm heart won me over. All of the characters were relatable, so much so that I just wanted to go into the pages of the book and tell them what they needed to do. The novel’s plot is fast-paced and engaging, with some complex elements woven into the simple tale of a girl who just wants to escape from her small town and never look back. The author masterfully creates a story around the central characters of Lyla and Travis and even includes snippets of Lyla’s opinions, some of which are humorous and others that are thought-provoking. I especially enjoyed the magical element that was included with the fireflies, noting that Lyla needed those little guys to point the way for her. What a clever way to get Lyla to pay attention and what a great reminder of the fun I had with those little bugs in my childhood! I loved everything about this book and even ordered my own copy so that I have one to keep and re-visit Lyla’s story.
Disclaimer: 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

USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains lives in a small, coastal North Carolina town, full of lovable folks, scenic downtown areas, and breathtaking nature—similar to the towns she writes about in her books. Annie’s love of reading and writing grabbed hold of her at a young age and never let go. Her first book was published in 2015, and she’s been writing heartfelt, page-turning stories ever since. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s reading from her never-ending TBR stack on her bedside table, taking long walks while plotting her characters’ happy endings, and living out her own happily ever after with her husband, three children, feisty rescue cat, and mischievous dog. Website: AnnieRains.com

Purchase Links

Just Read Publicity Tour: The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

On April 26, 2025April 26, 2025 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book Review8 Comments

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Other Sister
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Thriller, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

My Thoughts

This book sets a standard for high-intensity psychological thrillers with a foundation of hope and faith. Charlotte finds out that she is a twin and circumstances thrust her into Acelynn’s life. Charlotte thought her life was messed up until she stepped into the dumpster fire that was Acelynn’s life. What a wild ride this book is, from beginning to end! The twists just kept coming, along with serial murders, suspects and lots of family drama. I loved the interactions between the realistic characters, mostly high society and full of themselves, with little desire to lower themselves to common people. Charlotte is basically a hot mess who has no idea what she is doing in Savannah, but she is determined to hide there for a while since she is running away from a murder in her hometown. So much action happens so quickly that I couldn’t take my eyes off the page and was on the edge of my seat for much of the story. The faith factor is one of hope and redemption, undeserved mercy and grace and offered a welcome respite from all of the dark parts of the story. A child who is manipulative and dangerous is in the center of the story. So many secrets in this brilliantly written and cleverly executed complex story! I cannot write a lot more without giving something away, but let’s just say, run to get a copy of this book and prepare to read all night with all of the lights on.
Disclaimer
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.

Also Available

_____________________________________________________________________

About the Author

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

Connect with Jessica by visiting jessicarpatch.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to her email newsletter “Patched In” updates and receive a FREE short thriller.

______________________________________________________________

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of The Garden Girls & a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

______________________________________________________________

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!