Review: More Than Friends by Denise Hunter

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

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400348732

Publication date:04/14/2026

Pages:320

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

About the Author

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on The 700 Club and been featured in Woman’s Day and Southern Living.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who struggle with real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.

You can learn more about Denise by visiting her FaceBook page and her website at Denise Hunter Books

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Review: Meet Me in Italy by Brenda Novak

On April 10, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780778305811

Publisher:MIRA Books

Publication date:04/07/2026

Pages:400

Synopsis

In the wake of her debut novel’s breakout success—and a very painful public divorce—Charlotte Williams-Jackson has something to prove. With her second novel overdue, she’s scrambling to hold it together. But her focus is rocked when she discovers that her childhood wasn’t as it seemed—and she has a tween half-sister who’s been orphaned in Italy.

Alongside her best friend, Sloane, and Sloane’s charming brother, Julian, Charlotte ventures to the Amalfi Coast to meet her sister. She would never turn her back on family, especially since this girl doesn’t have anyone else, but between her looming deadline and her entire identity being flipped upside down, it’s a lot. Determined to rebuild her life, Charlotte must confront the relationships she’s held dear—and the loss of those she thought she had but didn’t—forcing her to question everything she understood about herself and the bonds that shape a family.

My Thoughts

This book is filled with drama, family dynamics, the importance of friendships and the theme seems to be learning to be there for others and to truly be your best self. This powerful story packs a punch as Charlotte travels to Italy after her husband tells her he wants a divorce. Going along with her are her best friend Sloane and Julian, Sloane’s brother and a good friend of Charlotte’s. They are going for emotional support because not only has Charlotte just been dumped by her husband, she is also facing a deadline on her new book that she is writing and has discovered a secret about her family that makes a big difference in who she thinks she is. This novel is fast-paced, with romance mixed into the drama and friendships and loyalty encircling everything. Told with the author’s signature style of wrapping a compelling and delightful story around characters that are dynamic, unique and relatable. This captivating story includes romance, strong imagery in a gorgeous setting, and characters sensitive to the needs of others. The novel shows the skillful plotting of a master storyteller as the conflicts that each character faces is dealt with in a way that shows the emotional depth of the book while also being massively entertaining. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, the places that they visited in Italy and the detailed description of each, and the resolutions to each of their issues. The ending was somewhat predictable but so satisfying that I was engaged all the way from beginning to end, and I really didn’t want the story to end. Meet Me In Italy is a slam dunk romance, amazingly refreshing and has a brilliant complexity as well as a sweet portrayal of family dynamics and friendships that are steadfastly supportive.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Brenda Novak is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with more than twelve million books in print, translated into twenty different languages. She’s written over seventy-five novels and has one of the most interactive book groups on Facebook. Her monthly reads coincide with those featured in the Brenda Novak Book Boxes, which contain autographed books from today’s most popular authors. Website: https://brendanovak.com/

To Purchase Your Copy, Click Here:

Brenda Novak Store

Note that the above link has links to various retailers as well as the link to order an autographed copy from the author.

Review: Special Target by Jerusha Agen

On April 3, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956683653

Publisher:Sdg Words, LLC

Publication date:03/26/2026

Pages:390

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.

Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

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Review of Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg

On March 23, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780593446829

Publisher:Random House Publishing Group

Publication date:03/17/2026

Pages:208

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

About the Author

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

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

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

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

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

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Review of ALL BOOKED UP by Melody Carlson

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

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800747251

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/17/2026

Pages:272

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

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

My Thoughts

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

About the Author

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

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Review of EYEWITNESS SKETCH by Danielle Grandinetti

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

About the Book

Published by Hearth Spot Press
© 2026 Danielle Grandinetti

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

With a fast pace and a story that begs to be read in one sitting, this book presents Gabriella Salatino, an artist whose life is in danger because she can sketch the scenes of a crime. Escaping to the small island where she was raised, Gabriella is put into the protective custody of a previous beau, Andri Johannsson. Andri is tasked with keeping the reluctant Gabby safe even as the two of them work to uncover who is behind the death of her good friend back in Chicago. Gabby is a talented artist with en eye for details and Andri is an observant and determined investigator who is good at following and clues and solving mysteries. Together, the two of them made a formidable pair and an absorbing tale of romantic suspense. The action engaging, the characters are believable and the suspense is compelling. The DiStasio Giournaliste Agency has a home in my heart and on my bookshelf with stories that are clean, easy to read and totally entertaining.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction with intense suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

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

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

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Review: The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery

On March 7, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335629708

Publisher:MIRA Books

Publication date:03/03/2026

Pages:384

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.

Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.

As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.

My Thoughts

This novel is more than a romance since it also includes some valuable life lessons and insights on what not to do if you want to have a successful relationship. It had me in stitches during the back-and-forth banter between the characters. It also included a favorite character who was not human but rather Ramon the parrot. I never knew what Ramon would do or say next, but suffice it to say that the author gave that bird some personality with a capital “P.” I think that this is one of the best books by this talented author that I have ever read, with a depth to it that drew me into the story quickly and a delightfully readable plot, switching between the main characters and their individual dilemmas. Jax is a control freak, so relationships with her are tough. That may be the reason that her closest friend seems to be Ramon, her parrot. Ryleigh is her younger sister, a teacher who doesn’t want to grow old alone so she is trying to decide whether to move or not in order to find love and start a family. The secondary characters are equally engaging, with Shawna as the fiancée of Jax’s ex-husband, a nice girl who has no idea what she is getting herself into when she accepts Harris’s proposal. I really liked the custody agreement that Jax and Harris have so that their children can stay in their home and the parents take turns living with them. Those scenes showed that divorce can be amicable if not totally agreeable. The entire book was fun to read, with appealing characters, a charming setting (who wouldn’t love a bookstore in a Victorian house) and a little tease of a mystery about the diaries that are kept in the bookstore, with some startling revelations that occur as a result of the renovation in the bookstore. This book is a slam dunk success with me, from beginning to end. I was invested in the lives of each believable character, even the ones I didn’t like much. I was absorbed by the threads of the dual storylines and loved how the author wove them together even as they seemed to be tearing apart. This book has a well-crafted and charming plot and was such an enjoyable read that I am enjoying just picking it up again and reading sections over and over, just to get another laugh from such a refreshing and warm-hearted novel.
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

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journalsays, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. Website: Susan Mallery.com

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Review: WHEN JUSTICE COMES by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

On March 5, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

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

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

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

ISBN-13:9781400345731

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:A Tupelo Grove Novel , #3

Pages:368

My Thoughts

The heated feud between the Legare and Willard families becomes downright dangerous and totally intriguing in the final book of this absorbing series. Hez Webster just wants to remarry Savannah, adopt Simon and move into a new home together. Standing in his way is the patriarch of the Willard family, a man bent on revenge who will do anything to stop Hez from achieving his goals. Unfortunately, Simon becomes a pawn in Michael Willard’s game and Hez and Savannah have to try to find a way to stop him using legal means. This book is fast-paced and totally engaging as I raced to find out what Michael would do next, who would work with him in his evil scheme and who could be trusted by Hez and Savannah. The characters were rich and realistically flawed, making me cheer for the good guys to win. The novel is filled with suspense and heart-pounding moments as Michael seeks to destroy anyone in his path to revenge against the Legares. With a strong message of forgiveness and brilliantly plotted misdirection, this novel was the perfect conclusion to the Tupelo Grove series, with satisfying resolutions and romance built into the non-stop action.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG for suspense-filled scenes

About the Authors

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

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

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

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

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

Website: https://rickacker.com/

Purchase Links

Review: RAGING WATERS by Dana Mentink

On March 4, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800746537

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:Elements of Danger , #2

Pages:336

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

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

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

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

My Thoughts

Wow! This book kept my heart pumping wildly and my pulse pounding, too, as I read about all the danger that Mackenzie and Gideon faced as they try to survive waters rising and a drug dealer with his henchmen. Mackenzie (called Zee) is determined to get revenge for her brother Aaron’s death, so she is trying to find the head of the drug cartel that lives in the small town where Gideon, Aaron’s good friend, has a wilderness survival school. The adventure begins from the first page and their harrowing escapes from one threat after another continues throughout the story. The story was original, creative and terrifyingly realistic as the flood waters rose at the same time that the drug dealer’s lackeys got closer to finding them and killing them. The themes of the story include a quest for revenge, an issue with trust, the help of friends and letting go of the past to move into an uncertain future. I loved every minute I spent whirling and twirling in the “raging waters” with Zee and Gid, and I really enjoyed meeting the secondary characters who contributed so much to the central story. This is a book that was suspense-filled with escalating tension and a tightly written plot. With some jaw-dropping twists in the mix, this novel kept me guessing and shaking my head as I wondered what was going to happen next. The drama is believable as are the characters and I enjoyed the exploration of the emotional depth one suffers after the unexpected death of a loved one. This is a fascinating thrill ride to a deftly crafted and insightful conclusion. I would highly recommend this page turner to anyone whose heart is strong enough to withstand the propulsive pace and who enjoys a thought-provoking inclusion of faith as a firm foundation to an unforgettable story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

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

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

Purchase Links

bit.ly/4tsjIGN (Baker Book House)

amzn.to/4qvxg1m (AMZ)

bit.ly/4tqQAiV (Barnes and Noble)

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

bit.ly/4afIT7W (Christian Book)

bit.ly/4aQ2pab (Google Play Store)

adbl.co/4kzqvKA (Audible)

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

Review of LAST TO FALL by Lynn H. Blackburn

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

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800745387

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:Gossamer Falls , #3

Pages:368

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Running The Haven resort keeps Bronwyn Pierce busy enough without dealing with a hitman targeting her life and family members framing her for blackmail. The only person who can help is Mo Quinn, her first love and the man she hasn’t spoken to in two years. As attacks escalate and evidence mounts against her, these childhood sweethearts must break their silence and rebuild trust before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

The stunning conclusion to the outstanding Gossamer Falls series was all I could have hoped for and more! From the beginning, Mo and Bronwyn were mysterious characters, talking to everyone else and around each other. In this novel, we find out why they haven’t been speaking and a lot of the backstory behind Bronwyn’s mistrust and dislike of her own family members. Bronwyn is independent and capable, the CEO of her family’s luxurious resort, The Haven. When she thinks she is in danger, she seeks help from the Quinns, the family that her Pierce family despises and ostracizes. The Quinns offer advice, protection and more, especially when Mo, a forensic accountant, offers to check the books for her and find out if there is anything illegal going on. The plot is compelling and intricate, with lots of little must-know details that kept me engaged and guessing. I enjoyed seeing all of the characters from the previous books actively engaged in solving Bronwyn’s dilemma since this gave me snapshots of what has been happening in the lives of the others since the last novel. I thought that the action was gripping and addictive. The suspense continued to escalate as the danger got closer to Bronwyn, and the author did a magnificent job of breaking the tension at times with some laugh-out-loud banter between the characters. Under the surface of all of the mystery and suspense, there is a sparkling romance brewing, one that I was delighted to read about between such appealing characters. The suspense was addictive and the romance refreshing in this well-crafted and intriguing story. I loved every minute that I spent with the Quinns and Bronwyn and was thrilled to find out that they will be a small part of the next series as well. No fan of romantic suspense will want to miss out on this clever novel that balances action with romance in such a brilliantly captivating way!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and also purchased my own copy to keep. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean Christian Fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home in her pajamas! She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com