Review: Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon

On July 22, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780764243769

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 07/21/2026

Series: Checking Out Love

Pages: 320 pages

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

When children’s librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library’s children’s programs, she’s determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library’s behalf. The bad news? She swore she’d never step foot in his office again.

Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family’s publishing empire, and now he must prove he’s ready to take the helm by turning around the company’s languishing children’s imprint. That wouldn’t be a problem, except he doesn’t know the first thing about children’s literature. But when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can’t refuse. He’ll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a best-selling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they’re forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.

My Thoughts

I cannot remember ever enjoying a book as much as I enjoyed this one. With a charming plot of friends to lovers and close proximity, this book also led me down the path of nostalgia as many favorite books from my childhood were mentioned by Martha as she endeavors to educate Julien King on child literature since he is the head of that division for his family’s publishing company. I laughed aloud when Julien came up with a scheme to provide library funding for Martha in exchange for her expertise in his company. Although some of the plot was predictable, it was so much fun reading how the two main characters got from being mere acquaintances from different social walks of life to the place where they could trust and count on each other. Martha and Julien were both easy to cheer for in this carefully plotted and compelling story that was refreshing to read and a delight to recommend to others. The whole story paints a vivid picture of the two as they make plans together to find a bestselling children’s author who will save the children’s section of King Publishing. This is a heartwarming romance with charm, plenty of emotional depth and lots of trivia about children’s books. The banter between the two main characters was laugh-out-loud funny at times and made me fall in love with the book as I got immersed in their story, the conflict and the resolution that was absolutely perfect. The pace is moderate but is perfectly executed for a flirtatious romance with two headstrong characters working towards a happily ever after. The real selling point for the book was that it can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I did enjoy it so much though that now I plan to add the other two books in the series to my must read stack of books and cannot wait to read other books by this author. Fun, engaging, and satisfying in all ways!
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

Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Sarah loves connecting with readers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Author’s website: https://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com/

Purchase Links

Review: The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

On July 15, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800747268

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 07/07/2026

Series: The Amish Widows Club

Pages:288 pages

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club–but will she risk loving again?

Leanna Mast never imagined she’d be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it’s time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she’s not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man’s home.

When she’s invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn’t even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She’s sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?

My Thoughts

The story of sweet Leanna Mast discovering independence and finding her way in a world without her controlling husband was at times heart-wrenching as well as refreshing. After an invitation that is almost clandestine and definitely enticing, Leanna decides to attend a meeting of the Amish Widows Club. There she makes good friends and opens her heart and life to new possibilities that she had never considered before. Shortly after attending her first meeting, though, widower Evan Keim comes to call on her. Treating her with respect and deference, Evan is kind of courting her in the background, seeing needs and meeting them without fanfare or expectation of anything in return. Meanwhile, Leanna is getting more enmeshed in the AWC and enjoying the camaraderie that she has never had before. With gentle spirits and understanding hearts, the other widows accept Leanna just as she is and listen to her, something that is new to her since her husband thought control was the way to treat her instead of with kindness and love. Leanna’s dilemma is obvious, whether to encourage Evan or to continue with the women who have become her confidants and trusted friends. I loved the characters and the way the plot unrolled so methodically, capturing my heart and imagination as I wondered what I would do in the same circumstances. The characters were all believable and relatable and the plot was well-crafted, a delightful tale of finding oneself as well as a satisfying love story. I am so glad that this is the first book in a series because it was totally enjoyable so I am already looking forward to the next book.
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: https://shelleyshepardgray.com/

Purchase Links

Review: Overdrive by Taylor S. Newport

On July 9, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139798295815508

Publisher: Taylor S Newport

Publication Date: 07/02/2026

Pages: 386

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Tyler Reid needs a break, but trouble finds him first. A call from London pulls him into a missing-person case linked to a powerful surveillance project that’s suddenly worth killing for. The deeper he digs, the more bodies he finds—and the more obvious it becomes that someone wants the entire system for themselves.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova is looking for an escape from Veritek and the weight waiting for her back home. A trip with Tyler should’ve been the break they both needed. But when the case escalates and puts her company in the crosshairs, she goes with him—trying to keep him grounded even as the danger forces him to speed up.

The investigation spirals into a breakneck pursuit, ambushes snapping at their heels as their unknown enemy stays one move ahead. Someone is erasing anyone tied to the project, leaving bodies instead of answers. With the elusive threat closing fast, Tyler and Alex are fighting to get ahead long enough to expose who’s hunting them.

My Thoughts

The latest novel in the Dauntless Defenders series is intense suspense at its best, with multiple layers, dynamic characters and one of the most engaging and entertaining reads that I have ever experienced. In order to fully understand the relationships between the characters as well as how individual each mission they embark on is, I strongly recommend that book lovers read the series in order. That being said, this book was one of the best of the series, with Tyler and Alexandra pitted against evil incarnate while they try desperately to safeguard a twelve-year-old innocent girl named Mackenzie. The danger is escalated because the team has to follow clues to find out why Mackenzie is being targeted and the best way to keep her safe from an unknown assailant. The plot is fast-paced at a breakneck speed from the beginning to the end. The twists come along fast and furiously, becoming a fun guessing game about motives and who can be trusted in this high stakes cat and mouse game. The stakes seem to be world domination and wealth, but that isn’t all. There is so much going on that my head was spinning and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. With characters that came alive, changes in Tyler that I had never expected and the constant faith shown by Alex, this novel has everything I love about Christian fiction: a believable story, relatable characters and a satisfying conclusion after a lot of hair-raising escapes from what appears to be certain death.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased my own copy of the book as I am collecting the series. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for Intense Suspense and Child in Danger

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. That year, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she resides in the beautiful state of Texas with her family probably writing her next novel. Visit her on Instagram, Facebook, and her website at https://www.taylorsnewport.com/

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Author’s Shop

The Dauntless Defenders Series

Review: Conspiracy by Colleen Coble

On July 7, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-139780840714671

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication Date: 07/07/2026

Series: A Sanctuary Novel

Pages: 336 pages

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leoparda chilling embodiment of Paradise’s deepest fearsis now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can’t unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

My Thoughts

This book is the perfect conclusion to this awesome series set in a wildlife park. Paradise Alden is looking towards a happy future with Blake Lawson, but first she is committed to finding out who killed her parents. Assisted by her newly discovered brother Drew, a police detective, Paradise and Blake get closer to the truth and also to danger by the one who wants the truth to remain hidden. The writing is sharp, the action is addictive and the rich, descriptive details of the setting drew me immediately into the story. I was completely immersed in the drama of the story and thoroughly entertained by trying to piece the clues together before the killer was revealed. I was hooked by the twists and found many of them surprising. The author did a great job of balancing the action with the suspense and mystery, using a lot of escalating tension as wild animals were unleashed against Paradise and her quest for the truth. The story is compelling, the characters are dynamic and believable and the killer is diabolically clever and masked well until the big reveal. This book is a deftly crafted novel with a propulsive pace that was hard to put down and a definite must-read for fans of romantic suspense with jaw-dropping twists.
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

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

Purchase Links

The Sanctuary Novels

Review: D Is for Daisy by Shelley Shepard Gray

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

About the Book

ISBN-139781496758835

Publisher:Kensington

Publication Date:06/30/2026

Series: Amish ABCs

Pages: 288 pages

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Early retirement never sounded so good to Mervin and Ruthie Miller. After a lifetime in Millersburg, where Mervin worked at a furniture and shed factory and Ruthie helped out at a fabric store, they have exciting plans: They’re going to become “Amish Gentlemen Farmers.” That means buying a 30-acre, ramshackle farm, and all that comes with it—no matter what their grown children, friends, and aching muscles think . . .

Aaron Miller is worried about his parents, but there’s little he can do now that he lives in Kentucky and has a baby on the way. Then his childhood best friend, Kyle Burkholder, makes a heaven-sent offer: he’ll move in with Aaron’s parents to teach them about raising cows and chickens, and even give weekly reports to Aaron.

The arrangement is going well—until Kyle stumbles upon Daisy Lapp who’s just been in a bicycle accident. When he visits her in the hospital, he knows there’s something special between them. So does Daisy. But her something special is the fact that Kyle lives on the farm she’d always dreamed of buying one day. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s jealous. She wants nothing to do with Kyle and politely tells him so.

Still, like the Millers, Kyle’s not one to give up easily. Not on himself, not on the farm, and certainly not on Daisy. With dedication and a leap of faith, the lives they envisioned just might come true . . .

My Thoughts

This story tugged on my heartstrings and stirred my imagination as I was mesmerized by the story of perceptive Kyle and low-esteem Daisy. Kyle leaves home and moves in with Ruthie and Mervin Miller, wannabe farmers who have no idea what they are doing so Kyle is a godsend. Kyle is a willing worker and is also a good friend to neighbor Daisy. Daisy has a broken leg after a bicycle accident and Kyle attentively brings her flowers and checks on her. The progression of their relationship seems natural and even when there are bumps on the road, like another young Amish woman to whom Kyle is attracted, their friendship continues. I enjoyed the well-written plot with the addition of the drama and the discovery by Daisy that she is talented and worthy of loving. The characters were realistic, the plot moved along at a good pace and kept me engaged in the story. My favorite character was Velvet the cow…yes, the cow! Velvet didn’t say anything with words but her actions said a lot and she contributed to the choices that the characters made along the way. Velvet was kind of like Lucy in the Peanuts cartoons, offering advice that the people already knew but they had to talk to her to know that they knew it. Velvet was a humorous and welcome addition to the story, and I hope she will be in future alphabet books in this series.
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

Purchase Links

Review: The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles

On June 23, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780825453168

PublisherKregel Publications

Publication Date06/23/2026

Pages: 280

Synopsis

She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to his late mother’s friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy’s dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin’. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

My Thoughts

This book filled my heart with longing to help out the children and just to step in and be their advocates. Lizzy Haney has always been a responsible girl, always taking care of her little brother River while her parents are abusive, mentally and emotionally in unimaginable ways. Once her mamma dies, Lizzy is keenly feeling that River needs to escape from their dad so she mails him to a friend. I was totally unaware that this was even a possibility, but the author’s sharp attention to details and research assured me that it was done at one time, so that was very informative. Anyway, the book is layered, with methodical revelations of what has really been happening behind the scenes in Lizzy’s life and the hardship that she has suffered. This is a character-based story, but it is also plot driven. The characters are relatable and so well-developed that they came to life into my heart. The plot is fast-moving and heart-breaking at times. There are so many problems that Lizzy has had to face alone in her young life. The themes of learning to trust God and how to forgive are prevalent as well as the hope for a bright future once the past is overcome. This Appalachian novel is memorable and exceptionally well-crafted by a master storyteller. The writing is crisp and the story is startling and at times breathtaking-stopping. I loved the book and got totally invested in the story and was engaged in it from beginning to end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased my own Audible copy of this book.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG: child trafficking

About the Author

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for the protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and a freelance editor for Ironstream Media. Cindy has served in the past as an acquisitions editor and also a managing editor for publishers and she now uses that experience to mentor and coach new writers through her mentoring service, WRAMS (Write Right Author Mentoring Service) she shares with Lori Marett. She is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, held each February at the Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist, and a special needs advocate. Cindy is an Appalachian-born and raised mountain girl, and her novels strive to show life in the mountains during the1800’s. Cindy is a best-selling, award-winning novelist with her books having been named Novel of the Year multiple times. She is the mother of four adult sons and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Purchase Links

Review of Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal

On June 16, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139781400350773

PublisherNelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication Date06/16/2026

SeriesThe Vanished Series

Pages: 368

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Two years have passed since millions across the globe disappeared in a heartbeat including John “Haggs” Haggerty’s own family. Haggs, a military expert in pandemics, warned his agency of growing patterns in deadly epidemics and other threats to security. Then the “Great Disappearance” and the nuclear destruction of the US changed everything. Now he is invited to join the powerful Trident Group, led by the wealthy Matthias Vilks.

Inside Trident, Haggs sees patterns that suggest a coordinated plan to control economies and governments. He is not alone. Israeli tech expert, Saul Katz, saw his colleague disappear before his eyes. Now the Israeli government confiscates his life’s work, a defense system for Israel. Li Fan, monitoring seismic anomalies, sees terrifying signals in the earth’s activity, but no one will listen to her warnings.

As the disturbing pieces fall in place, governments fall, and John and his best friend’s daughter, Abigail, begin to see those prophecies from scripture come to lifeIsrael is in danger, natural disasters rake the planet, and world leaders bow to one powerful man. The signs are clear: the end times are no longer approachingthey have begun.

My Thoughts

This hard-hitting apocalyptic novel begins the story where the first book in the series Vanished ended, so I highly recommend that you read the series on order. In this book John Haggerty and Abigail take center stage as the opposition to the appearance of the Antichrist and the destruction that he and his minions want to reap on the earth. The story is not totally Biblical but it is definitely Biblically based, with fiction interspersed with scriptural truths. If you have read Matthew 24 and Revelation, you will notice that the events of the end times are well and mostly accurately portrayed. The characters are realistic and relatable as the ones left behind after the Rapture. The action is fast-paced and mostly centered around Israel. There is a great deal of use of technology to spread the word about the “rebels” and this rang true to me even though it isn’t specifically in the Bible because technology is rampant these days already so I can see how it could be used for both good and evil during the time of the Antichrist. The book is intense but a completely clean read and a must-read for those who enjoy stories about what will happen before the end of this age.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG due to intensity and End Times subject matter, Christian Fiction

About the Author

Founder and host of Turning Point for God and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, David Paul Jeremiah, was born February 13, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio. He is one of four children born to James and Ruby Jeremiah. During his childhood, his family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where his father, James T. Jeremiah, served as Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church. In 1953, the Jeremiah family moved to Cedarville, Ohio, when his father became the President of Cedarville College—which is now Cedarville University.

Growing up in a pastor’s home, David was immersed in ministry from an early age. During his senior year at Cedarville College, he felt God’s calling to enter full-time ministry. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963, and that same year he married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson. After graduation, they moved to Dallas, Texas, where David attended Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his Master’s degree in Theology in 1967. Completing additional graduate work at Grace Seminary, he was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.

In 1969, David and Donna began a church plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with seven families in attendance. He served as pastor at Blackhawk Baptist Church for twelve years. During that time the church grew to 1,300 members, Blackhawk Christian School was founded, and The Bible Hour television program was launched.

In 1981, the Jeremiah family, which now included four children, followed God’s call and moved to California when Dr. Jeremiah became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, which is now Shadow Mountain Community Church. Today Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego county with eight satellite locations including Hispanic and Arabic congregations. The main campus of the church, located in El Cajon, California, is also the home to Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools, a multiple site kindergarten through twelfth-grade Christian school district. Website: Dr. David Jeremiah

Purchase Links

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: 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