Review: Find Me in the Harvest by Sarah May Warren

On September 15, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-139781966463627

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Publication Date: 09/15/2026

Series:Jonathon Island Season 2

Pages: 268

Synopsis (from Sunrise Publishing)

Charlotte Sullivan has a PhD, a career she loves, and a heart full of cracks she’s learned to hide. She’s the sister who always shows up—and never gets noticed. When her family needs someone to save the annual harvest festival, guess who they call? Two weeks. That’s all she promised. Two weeks of hayrides, pumpkin patches, and pretending she doesn’t mind being invisible. Then she’s gone.

Callan Carver is just passing through. The firefighter hasn’t called anywhere home since his mother died. Staying means caring. Caring means losing. And he’s lost enough. But something about Charlotte makes him want to stop running.

She’s brilliant. She’s beautiful. And she has no idea. As they work side by side bringing the festival to life, Callan starts seeing a future he never let himself imagine. Charlotte starts believing she might be worth fighting for. Then tragedy hits…and suddenly they’ll both have to discover what it really means to stay.

My Thoughts

Charlotte Sullivan feels as though she is totally unimportant, an afterthought that is usually forgotten. Firefighter Callen Carver is struggling for find the dream that will fulfill him. The two of them meet on Jonathon Island when Charlotte is tasked by her brother to plan the Harvest Festival and Callen is assigned to work with her by the fire chief. With no idea how to plan the festival, the two of them make lists, brainstorm and get to know the townspeople and each other better. Charlotte is a scientist who studies soil, so planning a festival is out of her comfort zone. Callen is more comfortable teaching recruits at the firehouse than planning a festival. Together, the two of them manage to get the townspeople invested in the celebration and to participate in the fun activities that they are planning for it. This is an entertaining and engaging romance with a strangers to friends to more trope and a small town that makes everyone feel welcome. The plot is moderately paced and perfect for the blooming romance. The characters are relatable and lovable and flawed in a perfectly imperfect way. The climax was surprising and emotional because I wasn’t prepared for all of that drama, but it was so good and lent itself to a compelling conclusion to the story. This is a perfect book to read anytime you want to read a feel-good and uplifting story that has a heartfelt message of hope and dependence on God.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Growing up in a writer’s household, Sarah May Warrenalways knew she was doomed to catch the writing bug—and she did, right around the time she met and fell in love with her now husband, Neil. She finally started writing her first full length novel while pregnant with their first child, and she hasn’t stopped since. When she’s not writing a story, or adding another book to her endless TBR, Sarah can be found volunteering with her Church’s worship team, coordinating weddings, or cuddling up for movie night with her two amazing daughters—oh yeah, and that scruffy hubby of hers.

Visit her as SEWarrenFiction.com.

Purchase Links for Find Me in the Harvest

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Review: Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

On September 2, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139781335002730

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: 09/01/2026

Series: Murder Most Fowl Mysteries

Pages: 336

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

My Thoughts

The humorous antics in this novel by the amateur sleuths kept me reading and guessing and guessing again. The characters are quirky, lively and believable and easy to cheer for as Saul, Kitty and Henry try their best to follow the clues and find out who is responsible for the murders that must be happening in the Marquee. Of course, their quest is somewhat hampered by their inability to find a body as well as their normal duties. Saul is a bellhop when needed but his full-time job is the duck commandant for the daily duck parade. This was a hilarious and unexpected addition to the story and I especially loved Ruby and Uncle Joe, ducks who have a great deal of personality. Kitty is the daughter of an opera star whose aspiration is to be a detective, so she is delighted to find body parts and follow clues all over the hotel. Henry is a wannabe juggler whose paying job is the elevator operator. Together, these three make a formidable and unlikely cast of sleuths but they do a remarkable job of getting into and out of difficulties while also following wherever the clues lead. I enjoyed the fast pace, the entertaining and well-crafted plot and I especially enjoyed getting to know some of the most well-developed and unique characters ever created.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

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. Website: Dana Mentink.com

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Review of Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl

On August 22, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780764243387

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 08/18/2026

Series: The Erin Delaney Mysteries

Pages: 320

Synopsis

When bestselling author Erin Delaney’s novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter’s arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film’s production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can’t reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely’s kidnapper confirms her worst fears–Erin has exactly six days to save her friend’s life by solving his twisted clues. The man’s message comes with a warning: Contact the police or FBI and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department and Kaely’s husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she’s forced to crack the kidnapper’s chilling puzzle before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

This novel is a great conclusion to the Erin Delaney series, with lots of action, chills, thrills and red herrings along the way. Erin has been offered a movie deal and is delighted that her best friend Kaely Quinn is going with her to California to be her emotional support and adviser. But Kaely never shows up as planned and Erin finds herself embroiled in a revenge plot by a mastermind determined to kill Kaely. Erin is a member of the police department and Kaely is married to an FBI agent, but all of their help isn’t enough for find Kaely by the established deadline unless Erin can truly figure out the clues. This book races to the finish with a fast pace and some chilling scenes of Kaely in captivity. The two young women together are a formidable force against evil, but now that they are separated by those same forces, the question is can they still prevail. I enjoyed the intriguing and complex plot and the compelling characters. I especially enjoyed Erin’s talents to solve a life-or-death puzzle emerging as she desperately tries to find and save her friend. This is a cleverly written novel with unexpected twists and believable drama. The propulsive pace of the novel kept me reading long into the night and the relentless tension in this edgy page turner kept me engaged from beginning to end. This was the prefect conclusion to a dynamic series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
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, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

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

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

Purchase Links for Fatal Finale

Review of Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox

On August 21, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800746629

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 08/18/2026

Pages: 336 pages

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Tess has built a new life in Alabama, repairing timepieces and avoiding her troubled past as she restores her customers’ family heirlooms–treasures she never had herself. When a mysterious package arrives addressed to Teresa Baker, the name she abandoned, Tess finds herself drawn into a puzzle that threatens her delicate peace.

Then Elliot Sullivan appears at her door after eighteen years, and Tess knows he’s after more than just forgiveness. She doesn’t trust his motives, but it becomes apparent that he could be the key to uncovering the origin of the mystery package and its cryptic contents.

Tess has found safety in her simple life, but reuniting this lost heirloom to its rightful recipient requires her to come out of hiding. Each clue leads to a different place around the world, and each story reveals hidden truths. The question is whether she’s brave enough to face what she might find–and whether the man beside her can be trusted with what matters most.

My Thoughts

This beautifully written novel touched me in all of the right places. It made me think about what is important in my life, it made me ponder what I am leaving behind and it made me thankful for all I have in my life. This is a poignant story of Tess Holcomb who has secrets from her past that she prefers not to confront, so she stays in a small town in Alabama with new and supportive friends. She has a business established there in which she restores old treasures. It is her business that brings her past to the forefront when a pocket watch with a mysterious message attached is sent to her to repair. The watch brings her former childhood friend and first love Elliot back into her life, and together the two of them explore the mystery behind the watch. This book is a saga of the history of the watch and the people who owned it and passed it on to others. This story is so well-crafted with numerous characters who have their own connection to the timepiece, each one with a story to tell that Elliot and Tess discover together. The story is complex but woven together so masterfully that all of the pieces fit perfectly together to make one wonderful and thought-provoking tale. The characters are realistic and the plot is compelling with a quick pace and a story that engaged me from beginning to end. This is one of the best Christian fiction that I have ever read, combining history, mystery, and contemporary romance into one lovely story of life choices and what we truly need to leave behind. With lessons of second chances, redemption and a hopeful future, I enjoyed my time with Tess and Elliot and highly recommend this book for individuals but most especially for book groups as the entire book lends itself to discussion and self-reflection.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I purchased my own copy to add to my collection of Amanda’s books. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Amanda Cox is an award-winning author of inspirational women’s fiction who loves telling stories about belonging, forgiveness, and the quiet courage it takes to love well—usually through flawed characters trying to make sense of life’s messy, beautiful moments.

She is a three-time Christy Award–winning author whose novels include ECPA bestsellers Between the Sound and Sea, The Bitter End Birding Society, and He Should Have Told the Bees. The Edge of Belonging, her Christy Book of the Year debut novel, remains a longtime reader favorite.

Amanda’s novels are known for their layered characters, emotional depth, and hopeful honesty. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology and a master’s degree in professional counseling. Her past experience walking alongside hurting families continues to shape the way she writes about grace, healing, and the complicated beauty of relationships.

Through her stories, Amanda hopes to offer readers a place to pause, exhale, and remember they are not alone.

Amanda lives in Tennessee with her husband and three children, where life is full, noisy, and rarely predictable. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found homeschooling, reheating her coffee, or losing track of time in a story that lingers long after the final page.

Website and Social Media Links

Website: https://amandacoxwrites.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandacoxwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandacoxwrites

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

Blog: https://hopeperch.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20033571.Amanda_Cox

Purchase Links

Review of Twilight Tactics by Lynette Eason

On August 5, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800744939

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 08/04/2026

Series: Soldiers in Shadows

Pages: 352 pages

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

FBI agent Collin Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan—a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Collin’s cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property.

Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense, but soon the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege. The question is, Who are the attackers after? Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? Cut off from help by tech skills superior to their own, Collin and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.

My Thoughts

Twilight Tactics is the kind of book that I didn’t want to put down, but because of the intensity of the suspense and the danger that surrounded so many of the characters, I found myself just taking short breaks to ponder what I had just read and to try to guess what I thought would happen next. The plot is complicated, with a ranch that is serves as a haven for those who need a respite from life. It is appropriately named the Broken Chains Ranch. Everything there seems very peaceful for the owners and the veterans who reside there until Sully and Piper come with teen-aged Ollie, a witness to a murder whom they have to keep safe until she can testify. Ollie is precocious, proactive and one of those teens that you don’t want to be in charge of because she isn’t an easy client. But I loved her character and all of her believable flaws! In fact, I loved all of the characters and felt as though the author portrayed them all in a way that I could picture them in my mind. The plot was extremely fast paced and had a lot of twists along the way as the author covered subplots with the mob, preppers, the ranch and all who lived there, local law enforcement and relevant high tech like drones and jammers that cut off communication. Just when I was thinking that one more that could not go wrong for Sully and his team, another red herring fooled me. This is a tightly written plot that crackles with tension from beginning to end, with good chemistry between the characters and a sweet portrayal of a developing romance even in the midst of all of the danger. Filled with suspense and abundant secrets and lies, this is one of the best romantic suspense books I have ever read, with the emphasis on suspense. This is an edgy page turner that offers a strong message of forgiveness, hope and redemption which are all cleverly wrapped into the plot.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased a personal copy because I collect this author’s books. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Purchase Links

Review of When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard

On August 4, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-139780800747688

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 08/04/2026

Series: Mercy Ridge

Page Count: 352 pages

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of a deathbed confession connected to her brother’s murder, she’s determined to protect her remaining family. Under further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she heads to the Pacific Northwest looking for a guide who knows the mountains like the back of their hand.

Ryder Goodwin, a wilderness guide and former Navy SEAL, quit guiding for the family business after his father’s death in a tragic mountain accident. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her, and he can’t stand by while someone brings danger to this small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming winter storm. With her brother’s killer closing in, their search for answers now shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it out involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.

My Thoughts

The new series by Elizabeth Goddard starts with intense intrigue and never lets up. Sarah is determined to find the secrets hidden on the mountain near Mercy Ridge and hires guide Ryder Goodwin to lead her to the top of Blackspire Mountain. A lofty peak that rumbles with a volcano that threatens to erupt and is covered with ice and snow, the trek to solve the mystery of her brother’s death could mean Sarah’s own life is in danger. The tension escalates even as the mountain is a constant reminder of danger and the power of nature. This is an atmospheric novel in which the mountain is personified and the characters are actors in a dangerous scenario that they cannot even imagine how risky this adventure will turn out to be. Facing a blizzard and with bad guys pursuing them, Sarah and Ryder have to survive some of the toughest weather conditions as well as some of the most evil foes possible. The escalating tension caused my heart to pound and my pulse to race as I attempted to direct Sarah and Ryder how to best avoid the peril that was headed their way. I was completed immersed in this riveting story and kept waiting for the next disaster to befall them before they could accomplish their mission. This novel had no intermission, no really safe spaces in which I could take a deep breath of relief and hope for the best since the next bad thing was continuously finding them in their vulnerable position that left no room for errors and plenty of ways to die. The characters were so realistic that I tried to give them advice, the sound advice to forget their quest and return home. I am glad that they didn’t take my advice because this book left me breathless with anticipation and cheering for Sarah and Ryder as they overcame one obstacle after another. The story would not have been the same without the ever-present threat of bad weather and a mountain that was more enemy than friend. The setting was perfection, the characters were dynamic, and the plot made the book unputdownable.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley as well as a hard copy. Since I regularly purchase all of this author’s books, I did preorder my own copy and look forward to seeing this beautiful cover on my shelf. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and two-time Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at https://elizabethgoddard.com/

Purchase Links

bit.ly/4apH2N9 (Baker Publishing House)

amzn.to/4vuwZyu (Amazon)

bit.ly/4vvamtS (Christian Book)

bit.ly/4ofJnQJ (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/4dU8i8W (Books-a-Million)

bit.ly/4dRUjQY (Target)

apple.co/49LCQY3 (Apple Books)

bit.ly/4oyESkx (Kobo)

bit.ly/4ukr7qE (Walmart)

adbl.co/43TUMMu (Audible)

Review: Her Reluctant Amish Heart by Pamela Desmond Wright

On July 28, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-139781335529114

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: 07/28/2026

Pages: 208 pages

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

When a reckless street race injures her brother, Anika Glick wants nothing to do with the man responsible—especially when he’s sentenced to help her family. But Elam Muller is desperate to prove he’s changed. As they work together on her family farm, Anika finds herself drawn to Elam’s remorse and kindness. But when they’re presented with one last risky race that could secure their future or destroy it all, everything they’ve built is put to the test. Will their growing love survive the pull of the past—or will it all come crashing down?

My Thoughts

With appealing characters, this warmhearted romance was a delightful and sweet portrayal of finding love when you aren’t really looking for it. Anika Glick is reluctant to have Elam come to the farm and help her family after her father and brother were both hurt in accidents. But since her brother Nathan’s accident was a direct result of Elam’s carelessness, she agrees with the Bishop that one of his consequences should be helping with the chores that Nathan cannot do. The plot is well crafted even though it was obvious that Anika and Elam would end up together, reading their story was entertaining and a slam dunk pleasure to read. I enjoyed the portrayal of the characters as they went from distrust to friendship, especially the respectful way that Elam treated Anika in front of her peers. They learned how to work together for the good of the family and for each other and the fun they had getting to know each other jumped right off the page into my active imagination. The chemistry between the characters was realistically portrayed and the pace of the story was perfect for the characters to get to know each other well and for the conflicts in the plot to work out in a satisfactory way.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased my own copy to keep for my collection of good fiction books. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

New York Times & Publishers Weekly bestselling author Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late ’90’s, Pamela moved into traditional publishing, writing 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 publishing. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus, fulfilling a promise to write wholesome books readers of all ages could enjoy.

Find her online at pameladesmondwright dot com. She’s also on social media: Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram as @pamdwrites. More information is available on her website at https://www.pameladesmondwright.com/

Purchase Links

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/