Review of THE PERFECT HOSTS by Heather Gudenkauf

On November 6, 2025 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

On Sale Date: November 4, 2025

ISBN: 9780778360049, 0778360040

Trade Paperback : $18.99 USD, $24.99 CAD

Genres: Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense

Pages: 320

Synopsis

A couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly and everyone is a suspect in this gripping thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest.

Is it a boy or a girl? They would die to know…

Madeline and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.

As the aftershocks of the bloody party ripple across the small town, Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

My goodness! This book and all of its twists and surprises kept my head spinning and my mind whirling as I anticipated the next unexpected revelation. The story begins with a bang, literally, as a gender reveal party’s explosive plan turns deadly. Madeline and Wes had no idea that their party would end up killing a guest, injuring many more and bring an ATF agent to their doorstep to investigate. Agent Jamie Saldano is not a stranger to the area since he grew up there and it also the place from which his older sister disappeared when they were both still in high school. I really enjoyed the complex plot that involved various characters and their backstories. The author did a masterful job of weaving the whole plot together into a cohesive tapestry by having each character voice their own point of view. There are plenty of characters and plenty of action happening throughout this thought-provoking thriller and all of them kept me guessing. I think my favorite character was Saldano since he was the one who kept his cool and kept investigating in spite of all of the roadblocks and subterfuge. The characters were all relatable although some were hard to like, like Mellie who seemed to be a gold digger with secrets and a hidden agenda. The story is engaging, fast-paced and one not to be missed for those who enjoy thrillers that are expertly crafted and gripping. With an unexpected ending and an addictive story, this book gets five plus stars from me and a warning to be prepared to read all night. Trigger warning: abuse and violence.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Contemporary Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Rated PG-13

About the Author

Heather Gudenkauf is the critically acclaimed author of several novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Weight of Silence, The Overnight Guest and Everyone Is Watching. She lives in Iowa with her husband and children.

Social Links:

Website: https://heathergudenkauf.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heather-Gudenkaufs-Books-259685275092/

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hgudenkauf/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heather-gudenkauf

Excerpt

MADELINE

“Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice, tinny and faraway-sounding. “Are you okay?”

She is lying flat on her back, the air still hazy with smoke. Is she? Is she okay? The ringing in her ears is fading, and she can hear again. In the distance she can hear sirens. Help is coming. Madeline does a mental scan of her body. Nothing seems broken, but her head is pounding. She touches her hairline, expecting her fingers to come back with blood, but instead they find an egg- sized lump. She tries to remember exactly what happened. Wes pulled the trigger, and the truck exploded. An explosion, that’s what it was. Something had gone wrong with the reveal. The baby. Oh God, is the baby okay? She presses her palms against her belly.

“Madeline, Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice again, this time more insistent. His frantic face comes into view.

“Shhh,” Madeline orders. “Please be quiet.” She needs to lie completely still, has to concentrate so she can feel the baby move. She. The baby is a girl, Madeline thinks, remembering the wisps of pink smoke she saw among the fiery black cloud. Her little girl will kick her in the bladder, one of her favorite moves, any second now. There is nothing. No cartwheels or wiggles. Nothing.

Wes kneels beside her and slips his hand into hers. “Help is coming. Stay put. Don’t move.”

Madeline nods as hot tears roll down her cheeks. “What happened?”

“It must have been the truck,” Wes says. “It must have triggered a bigger explosion.”

“But how?” Madeline asks. “You said it was safe . . . Is anyone hurt?”

“It was. It was supposed to be.” He shakes his head, be- wildered. “I don’t know what happened.”

Madeline struggles into a sitting position and looks around. Charred lumber litters the lawn. The canopy over the dining tables has collapsed and is covered in dancing flames that a handful of guests and waitstaff are trying to smother with what- ever is handy: cowboy hats, table linens, an old horse blanket. Other guests are gathered in small, tight clusters, holding on to one another. Some sit in the grass crying, others stand slack- faced, as if in shock. Through the smoke a rodeo clown appears, his brightly colored clothing now blackened with soot and his makeup running down his sweaty face. The clown is helping the photographer, who is bleeding from the head. But it is the old storage barn that Madeline finds herself fixated on. Huge f lames shoot from the hayloft window and the roof. Someone pulls a hose from one of the horse barns, and suddenly buckets and containers of all sizes appear. Others, including Johanna’s husband, Dalton, are running toward the burning barn and tossing water onto the structure. They know that one wayward spark could ignite the house or, worse, the barns filled with her beloved horses.

“Can you walk?” Wes asks. “We have to get you away from here.”

Madeline nods, and Wes helps her to her feet. She is barefoot. The blast had lifted her in the air and knocked her flip-flops clear off her feet. Madeline, leaning against Wes, winces with each step, the rough ground pricking at the soles of her feet. He leads her to the meadow, a safe distance from the burning barn, but still close enough for her to see what’s happening. Some of Madeline’s earlier numbness is beginning to wear away, and the enormity of what has happened begins to descend.

“Go,” Madeline says, knowing they need as many hands as possible.

Wes shakes his head. “No,” he says. “I’m not leaving you.” “I’m fine,” she says, but is she? She fell hard, and still the baby hasn’t moved.

Madeline scans the crowd. “Where’s Johanna?” she asks. “Have you seen her?”

“I haven’t,” Wes says. “But I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. Have you seen Dix?”

“No,” Madeline says. The last she saw Dix was just before he handed the microphone to Wes. “Go,” Madeline repeats. “Really, I’m fine. I just have to get my bearings,” she assures him when he turns his gaze to her doubtfully. “Go help, find your brother. And check on the horses.”

“You wait here,” Wes says. “Don’t move from this spot, and I’ll come back and find you.” He squeezes her hand and kisses her cheek before darting away and disappearing into a cloud of black smoke.

Madeline continues to eye the property for any sign of Johanna’s long dark braid, her suede skirt. In the distance the wail of sirens grows closer. Help is coming. The meadow to the left of the house was being used as a makeshift parking lot for the guests’ vehicles. One wayward spark from the fire landing on the stubbled field could set off a chain reaction where upward of a hundred cars and trucks, tanks filled with gasoline and diesel, sit idly.

The air is filled with inky smoke blotting out the face of the mountain and the setting sun. A fire truck pulls through the side yard, crushing Madeline’s lavender and Russian sage, its massive tires carving deep ruts in the soil. Madeline barely notices—it’s what she sees as a group of guests part to let the truck through that causes her breath to lodge in her throat. A woman lies on the ground, her arm thrown over her face, while someone presses a blood-soaked cloth to her abdomen. One by one, Madeline registers the carnage. Someone is doing CPR on Gary Wilson, the president of the bank that holds their mortgage. One of her equestrian students is wandering aimlessly through the smoke, tears running down her face. A fifteen-hundred- pound bull has escaped the rodeo paddock and is trotting toward the mountains. She sees Mellie, the young waitress, running and screaming, fire dancing up the front of her legs. A partygoer tackles her, smothering the flames with his body.

This is bad. So very bad. Madeline fights the urge to vomit. She wants to help. But how? Water, Madeline thinks. She can pass out bottles of water, try and keep the guests calm and reassure them that help is here, that everything is going to be okay. On unsteady feet she moves toward the party barn, where she knows there is plenty of bottled water, but someone grabs her arm. Mia. “Have you seen Sully?” she asks tearfully, her arm hanging at an odd angle. “I can’t find him.”

Madeline shakes her head. “I’ll help look for him,” she promises. “You’re hurt. Sit down.”

Mia shakes her head. “I need Sully,” she says thickly and stumbles away. There are too many injured and not enough emergency personnel.

The fire truck has come to an abrupt stop. Two firefighters are urging those guests who jumped in to try to put out the fire to move away from the blaze. With machinelike efficiency, they unroll the hoses.

Madeline is mesmerized by the flames that roll across the roof of the barn, the dense cloud of smoke, the roar of lumber being eaten by the flames. She moves closer, unnoticed by the firefighters, her face growing pink from the heat. Madeline vaguely becomes aware of more sirens and shouts of “Over here” and “Please help!” More help has arrived. The spray of water hisses and snarls as it strikes flames and wood. The barn turns into a living thing then, twisting and groaning until it collapses in on itself, turning to a big heap of charred lumber with sooty farm equipment peeking out here and there.

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Hosts-Novel-Heather-Gudenkauf-ebook/dp/B0DQQ9BRLR

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-hosts-heather-gudenkauf/1146709766?ean=9780778360049

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-perfect-hosts-original-heather-gudenkauf/22162822?ean=9780778360049&next=t

Libro.fm: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781488236150-the-perfect-hosts

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Perfect-Hosts/Heather-Gudenkauf/9780778360049

Target: https://www.target.com/p/the-perfect-hosts-by-heather-gudenkauf/-/A-94483956?preselect=94481317#lnk=sametab

Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/otherwise-engaged-a-novel/9780778387268.html

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-perfect-hosts?sId=7c9b6427-a9f0-4dbf-824b-e63babdb3880

AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-perfect-hosts/id6739534386

**With deep appreciation to HTP BOOKS for including me in the Fall 2025 Blog Tour for THE PERFECT HOSTS by Heather Gudenkauf. A wild and enjoyable thrill ride!**

Review of OTHERWISE ENGAGED by Susan Mallery

On November 5, 2025 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

On Sale Date: November 4, 2025

ISBN: 9780778387268, 0778387267

Hardcover

$30.00 USD, $37.00 CAD

Fiction / Family Life / Siblings

368 pages

A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.

Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.

Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.

My Thoughts

This novel is contemporary fiction told with heart and humor and hope. There is some romance within the storyline, but the thrust of the plot is all about mother-daughter relationships and friendships. The four main characters are all fascinating and believable as they muddle through the obstacles to establishing good relationships, including trust. The moms in the story are Ava and Cindy. Ava’s adopted daughter is named Victoria, and she is a firecracker who bucks her mom on just about everything. Cindy’s daughter is Shannon and they are very close, perhaps too close as Shannon wants boundaries and her mom wants to be a part of every piece of her life. The conflicts are intriguing and thought-provoking since they encompass the topics of open adoption and helicopter mothering. I really enjoyed how the author moved smoothly from one character to another, letting me know what was going on in the life of each of them before they encountered one another at a wedding venue. The action was already absorbing and fast-paced, but it quickened even more and kept me turning pages as fast as I could so I could find out how the issues would be resolved. This is a brilliantly written and clever character study as well as a commentary on relationships and how to maintain them in a healthy manner. With insight given in a humorous and genuinely helpful way, this book had me thinking even as I chuckled my way through some of the issues of the four ladies. Although the plot is complex with the intertwining of the lives of the women, I never felt lost but instead I was immersed in each of their lives and clearly able to visualize their difficulty. The multiple layers were part of the charm and what kept me so completely engaged in the novel. This book is unforgettable in its clever plot and dynamic characters and is a definite five plus stars for me. It also lends itself to discussions in book groups and even has a set of questions at the end of the book to start those discussions.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives―family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “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 and adorable poodle. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Social Links:

Website: https://susanmallery.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanmallery

Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanmallery

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susanmallery/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanmallery

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-mallery

Mailing List: https://susanmallery.com/join-mailing-list.php

Excerpt

How does the horse look?

Victoria Rogers pressed her good arm to her very bruised, almost broken ribs. “Dad, don’t,” she said, trying to stay as still as possible. “You can’t be funny. It already hurts to breathe. It wasn’t a horse.”

Her father frowned. “I was told you were thrown off a horse.” “I was thrown out of a truck.”

“Then how’d you get the black eyes?”

“The ground was a little bit pissy when I hit it and punched me back.”

There wasn’t a part of her that didn’t hurt. The good news was that now that the medical staff had determined she didn’t have a head injury, they were going to give her drugs to help with the pain. She’d already said she didn’t want any of that weak-ass pill stuff. She wanted a nurse to give her a shot of something that would work instantly and let her rest. Because in addition to the bruised ribs, requisite scrapes and contusions, she had a broken left leg and a sprained wrist. Her previously dislocated shoulder also throbbed, but that was kind of the least of it.

As she lay in her hospital bed, feeling like death on a tortilla, she had the thought that maybe stunt work wasn’t for her. Injuries came with the job, but this was the third time in five years she’d landed in the hospital. The first time she’d messed up, so that was on her, but the other two had just been plain bad luck. The incident with the truck had come about because one of the tires had blown, causing the however many ton vehicle to jump the curb—an action that had sent her flying up and over the side. Gravity, being the bitch it was, had flung her onto the sidewalk. Hence the injuries.

Her father studied her, his brows drawn together in concern. “None of this makes me happy,” he told her.

The incongruous statement nearly made her laugh. She remembered—just in time—that her ribs wouldn’t appreciate the subsequent movement and they would punish her big-time.

“Today isn’t my favorite day either,” she admitted, trying not to groan. “I didn’t wake up with the thought that I should try to get thrown out of the back of a pickup.” Although technically getting thrown out of the truck had been the stunt. Just not when it had happened and without warning or a plan.

“I’m worried,” her father told her.

“I’ll be fine.”

“This time.”

She winced, and not from pain. “Now you sound like Mom.”

Her father, a handsome man only a few months from his sixtieth birthday, brightened. “Thank you, Victoria. That’s such a nice thing to say.”

Given her weakened condition, she let that comment slide. Honestly she didn’t have the strength to deal with it right now, even though she knew her father understood exactly what she’d been saying. He was only pretending to not get it.

“If you’re going to act like that, you should go,” she said, then amended what could be construed as a catty comment into something more kind. Mostly because she only had the emotional energy not to get along with one of her parents, and her mother had already claimed that prize. “Besides, they’ll be bringing my drugs any second. I plan to surrender to sleep, so I’m not going to be very conversational.”

As if to prove her point, one of the nurses walked in with a syringe. “Ready to feel better?” he asked cheerfully.

“Yes, and let me say, you’re my favorite person ever.”

He winked. “I get that all the time.”

He slowly injected whatever the medication was into her IV. Victoria drew in a shallow breath as she waited to feel that first blurring of the edges of the pain. Modern medicine was a miracle she intended to embrace.

The nurse left. Milton took her good hand in his.

“I’ll let you rest,” he told her. “But I’ll be back later tonight.” He squeezed her fingers. “Tomorrow, when you’re released, I’m taking you home.”

Ugh. Victoria knew that her father wasn’t talking about the pretty condo he’d bought her when she’d turned twenty-one. Instead he meant the house where she’d grown up. The one where her mother still resided.

“I don’t need to move back,” she protested, feeling the first telltale easing of the pain. “I have a few bumps and bruises.”

“Along with a broken leg. And what about your ribs? You can barely move without wincing.”

“I have zero pain tolerance. I’m a total wimp.”

He frowned. “You’re tough and stoic. If you’re showing signs of pain, it’s bad. You’ll stay with your mother and me until you’re well enough to be on your own.” He pointed at her. “I mean it, Victoria. You don’t get a vote.”

Her father was rarely stern with her, so his sharp tone warned her he wasn’t kidding. And she knew from twenty-four years of experience that arguing with the man would get her nowhere. Milton didn’t take a stand very often, but when he did, he was the immovable object.

“I wish you loved me less,” she murmured, feeling a little floaty and stumbling over her words. “Okay, I feel drugs. Let me enjoy the experience of breathing without, you know, wanting to die.”

Oh, baby girl. You’ve always been difficult.”

“I know. It’s one of my best qualities.” Her eyes drifted closed. “Love you, Dad.”

“Love you more.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Come alone.”

His soft chuckle was the last thing she heard.

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0778387267

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/otherwise-engaged-susan-mallery/1146329150?ean=9780778387268

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/otherwise-engaged-original-susan-mallery/21831943?ean=9780778387268

Libro.fm: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781488234927

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Otherwise-Engaged/Susan-Mallery/9780778387268?id=9291789850619

Target: https://www.target.com/p/otherwise-engaged-by-susan-mallery-hardcover/-/A-93825000#lnk=sametab

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Otherwise-Engaged-Hardcover-9780778387268/12368102155?classType=REGULAR&from=/search

Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/otherwise-engaged-a-novel/9780778387268.html

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/otherwise-engaged-26

AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/otherwise-engaged/id6714475620

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Susan_Mallery_Otherwise_Engaged?id=jvUjEQAAQBAJ

With much appreciation to HTP BOOKS for including me in the Fall 2025 Blog Tour for Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery.

Review of The Little Drummer Girl by Shelia Walsh

On November 4, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781493451029

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:11/04/2025

Pages:32

Age Range:3 – 5 Years

Isabella loves to dance and sing, so when she sees auditions posted for the Christmas pageant at church, she dreams of landing the perfect part–the Christmas angel with a sparkling halo, flowing white robe, and her very own wings.

But things don’t go quite as planned. She does get a part. The little drummer . . . girl? Drummers don’t wear sparkling halos, flowing white robes, or wings! Will this be the most disappointing Christmas ever?

Filled with witty rhymes and whimsical illustrations, The Little Drummer Girl helps children ages 3 to 5 understand how an awful day can turn into the greatest day of all. This unique telling of the Christmas story from the perspective of a little girl delivers an entertaining message of hope, humor, and the power of God’s love, as shown through his gift of Jesus–not just at Christmas but every day. (Book information from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

This is a sweet Christmas story with a theme of hope and adapting your dreams to what God has planned instead of what you had planned. When Isabella tries out for the Christmas play, she only practices for one part. She wants to be an angel, so she puts her heart and soul into memorizing what she has to do for that part. But when the roles are announced, Isabella is not an angel but a drummer girl. This was not the role she planned for, the one she wanted with all of her heart. The story teaches us all a lesson about how to see the good in things when our plans have to change. It also teaches us about the true meaning of Christmas and even has family support and love in the tale. Good story for children ages 3-5, but I think the older children will enjoy reading it to their siblings and can also learn from the story’s timeless lessons. This wonderful story will make a great gift for the precious child in your life. I read the ARC to my grandchildren and they really got into the story and enjoyed discussing it afterwards and what they could learn from it. Valuable lessons in a well-crafted and beautifully illustrated story!
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

Originally from Scotland, Sheila Walsh is an author, Bible teacher, and television host. She has spoken around the world to over six million people and now hosts numerous shows on TBN, America’s most-watched faith and family channel, including the flagship show, Praise, and the talk show, Better Together, reaching a potential daily audience of 2 billion people through TV and the TBN app.

A three-time Grammy-nominated recording artist, Sheila has recorded over twenty-five albums.

Sheila loves making the Bible practical and sharing how God met her at her lowest point and helped her to rise up again.

Her message: God is faithful, and He is holding you!

Sheila’s books have sold almost six million copies and include multiple bestsellers: It’s Okay Not To Be Okay, Praying Women, and Holding On When You Want To Let Go.

She and her husband, Barry, live in Texas with their crazy little dog, Maggie. Their son, Christian, is a clinical psychologist. For more information, go to her website https://sheilawalsh.com/

Purchase Links

Review of Dark Design by Nancy Mehl

On October 24, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780764243370

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:10/21/2025

Series:The Erin Delaney Mysteries , #2

Pages:336

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin’s help to identify a suspect. The FBI’s team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin’s safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever—and Erin’s life hangs in the balance. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

The newest book by Nancy Mehl is an Erin Delaney thriller that had my heart pounding and my head spinning with the fast-paced action and the surprising twists. I have read most of the author’s books and I just have to say that this book is her best one ever! I could not put it down except to eat and catch a few hours of sleep. I was totally invested in the story, in what would happen to Erin, in who the serial killer was and in how Kaely and Erin would be able to find the killer before he killed again. The plot is terrifyingly brilliant and includes the signature and much appreciated faith foundation of the author. The story is edgy and includes a strong message of hope as well as plenty of skillful misdirection. I was captivated by the characters and their God-given intuition that helped them make wise choices while chasing down a determined and intelligent villain. This book was a page turner, with dynamic characters who are realistically flawed and believable. The good guys are easy to cheer for and the killer is one that is complex and satisfyingly revealed. I loved every minute that I spent devouring this well-crafted book and I am already looking forward to the author’s new Erin Delaney book next year. If I could give this book more than five stars, I certainly would because it is amazing in its clever twists and relentless tension.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for description of victims’ manners of death; Christian fiction with no bad language or violent scenes

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 SuspenseSisters: 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

Review of WASTED by Jerusha Agen

On October 21, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781956683479

Publisher:Sdg Words, LLC

Publication date:10/23/2025

Series:Windy City Westons , #2

Pages:422

Victoria Weston encounters tough things as a home health physical therapist, but this is a first-a dead body. The police call the patient’s death accidental. Victoria knows that can’t be true. Her efforts to convince the police they’re dealing with a murder get her labeled a troublemaker by all but one man-the troubler of her youth.

When Cillian Doherty returns to right the wrongs of the past, he finds his high school flame in a different kind of danger than he expected. As a social worker, he’s in the perfect position to corroborate her cry of murder or give her what she wanted-to handle her problems without his help.

But someone wants to silence Victoria. When lies escalate to violence and threaten more lives, the Weston siblings join the battle to save their sister.

Yet it will take a God more powerful than all of them for Cillian and Victoria to make peace with their past and catch the killer. Before the killer catches them. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved Victoria’s story! There are so many hidden facets of her character that are revealed as the story moves along, revealing her past and her present circumstances. Victoria has always been a buffer between her father and her siblings and the pressure is always on her to perform. The plot thickens when one of her clients is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect. It is made even more complex when Cillian, her high school boyfriend, reappears and has a new job where she is employed. He is her self-appointed protector and is determined to find out who really killed Mr. Briscoe so that Victoria can get on with her life, hopefully one that includes him. I enjoyed seeing all of the family at the dinners and how they generally supported each other. The plot was fast-paced and relentlessly filled with tension as Victoria is targeted by the police and by some kind of stalker. Cillian has a tough job keeping her safe as she continues to reach out to help others, most notably an unwed teen named Sydney whom Victoria welcomes into her home. There are a lot of threads to this complex tapestry, and the author does a fantastic job of weaving them all together into a cohesive and brilliantly written romantic suspense. Note that although this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG, Christian fiction with some intense scenes

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 THE CHRISTMAS RING by Karen Kingsbury

On October 19, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400354764

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:10/21/2025

Pages:208

While searching for her family’s long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a deep and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they’ve found can last.

As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter’s return from college. But Vanessa hasn’t told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn’t anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.

Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.

Certain he now knows where Vanessa’s ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa’s ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

This book is a mixture of genres and all pure and wholesome entertainment! It mixes historical fiction with romance and a little mystery, too. The historical part is how Vanessa’s great-grandfather found the special ring during the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. The heirloom ring is a special treasure for Vanessa and she is devastated when she accidentally loses it on a Colorado ski trip with her daughter. Having already suffered the loss of her beloved husband, Vanessa sets out on a quest to find her ring again by visiting various antique stores and spreading the word about what it looks like. When her daughter Sadie goes to college, Vanessa is at a loss about how to continue courageously with her life, without her husband or her daughter. I loved how she threw herself into serving other military families and used her organizational talents to raise money for them. The way she meets the antique dealer named Ben was while she was looking for her ring. Their romance develops slowly because both have suffered a loss and neither is really ready for more than friendship. The dynamics between Vanessa and Sadie was perfect, a wonderful combination of respect and realization that independence is a part of life. The story is the perfect pace for the story being told, with poignant scenes between Sadie and Vanessa and between Vanessa and Ben as well as Ben and his dad Howard. There are several sub-plots that are beautifully woven together by a master storyteller into a memorable and lovely story with a theme of moving forward towards a promising future.
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 my own.

About the Author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Karen Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren. Website: karenkingsbury.com

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The movie version of the book, produced by Karen Kingsbury’s production company, releases on November 6th. Follow this link to see the trailer and to get your tickets!

Movie Trailer and Tickets

Review: The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

On October 9, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400348695

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:10/07/2025

Pages:368

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she’s helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby’s heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn’t skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he’d fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he’s back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend’s will. Facing the town’s animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram’s beyond-the-grave scheme is working—Shelby’s old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces—one that threatens Gram’s beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

My Thoughts

What a wonderful feel-good story with the trope of second chance at romance/enemies to lovers being the center of an engaging and entertaining read! Shelby inherits her grandmother’s bookstore, but what surprises her is that she is expected to share it with her old flame from high school, Gray Briggs. The story is somewhat predictable, but the plot twists that the author included are delightful, romantic and at times humorous as Gray and Shelby work together to make Gram’s bookstore financially solvent. I loved the relatable characters and the sparkling, just under the surface love story that began to bloom as the two are forced to work together. I thought that the characters were realistic and enjoyed getting to know them. Mostly, I was really absorbed in their story and how the author was going to work everything out since they were both so different, with different lives and goals after years of separation. This is a light-hearted story that begins somberly with the death of Shelby’s grandmother and then flows quickly and smoothly into the current predicament of Shelby and Gray and how they both need each other but don’t know it yet. What a heart-warming and wholesomely beautiful story that the author has shared for the enjoyment of her readers! This book offers the themes of hope, forgiveness and moving forward instead of looking back.
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.

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Review: DOUBLE PROTECTION DUTY by Sharon Dunn

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

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957276

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Dakota K-9 Unit , #7

Pages:208

A family trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns into a nightmare when K-9 officer Kenyon Graves discovers one of his twin boys has been abducted. Now Kenyon needs the help of his team and his longtime friend Raina McCord to save his toddler son. But the kidnappers are elusive—and intent on killing anyone who stands in the way of their sinister scheme. With threats closing in, time is of the essence to catch these criminals…before Kenyon and Raina pay the ultimate price.

My Thoughts

Kenyon is a widowed single father of twin boys and Raina is one of his best friends. She was also the caregiver for the twins when Kenyon was injured during an undercover operation. Kenyon has a sweet canine named Peanut who constantly supports and protects Kenyon. A fun trip to the Wind Caves National Park quickly turns harrowing when one of the twins is kidnapped. Kenyon has to depend on Raina and his team to find Beacon and to safeguard both boys from another possible attempt since they have not yet discovered a motive behind the bizarre event. The twists in the story keep coming even after the suspects are revealed because the motive is elusive and the red herrings are plentiful. When Raina is also targeted, Kenyon is forced to confront his feelings for her and either declare that he loves her or release her to find her own way in life. There is a secondary story that is also filled with non-stop action because Kenyon and his team are tracking down a group of gun runners who seem to be operating in their little corner of the world. These bad guys are intelligent and clever enough to constantly avoid capture and to also endanger Kenyon and his team. This is a fast-moving and brilliantly written story that is a page turner with captivating characters and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to the next book in the series already.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn’t writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. Website: Sharon Dunn

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Review of MEMORY OF MURDER by Debra Webb

On September 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335690197

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:09/30/2025

Series:Colby Agency: The Next Generation , #3

Pages:224

Born to a jailed mother convicted of murdering her husband, Anne Griffin has tried to put her past behind her. The two were always painfully estranged. But when ace Colby investigator Jack Brenner arrives at Anne’s door with new evidence, she decides to help him reexamine the thirty-year-old cold case. One clue is the journal her now-deceased mother kept, vehemently claiming her innocence. But as Anne and Jack come closer to the truth—and each other—danger follows them. Someone wants a secret to stay buried.

My Thoughts

Colby Agency investigator Jack Brenner is on the case, enlisting the help of Anne Griffin, a young woman whose mother was convicted of killing her father. Anne had no idea that her mother might be innocent until Jack showed up with a journal that enlightened her about a lot of things that happened in her mom’s life. Jack and Anne travel to the small town of Crystal Lake, where the crime occurred, to investigate her father’s death and discover the truth about what happened to him, even it it meant that Anne’s mother Mary Morton was actually guilty. There, they stir up a hornet’s nest of lies and secrets that lead to their being in constant danger from an unknown source. With their lives on the line and Mary’s innocence at stake, they continue to pursue the truth wherever it may lead them. I loved the intense drama and the way the mom’s journal was part of the story, giving insight to her life before and after her imprisonment. Many of the characters were not likable since they were suspects in a murder that may have led to an innocent young teacher being jailed for the rest of her life, but all of the characters were dynamic and interesting, adding depth to an absorbing story. As I read, I was totally invested in the story, which read much like a true crime tale from the “Innocence Project.” There were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing and I was shocked at the big reveal at the end. I loved that I did not figure out what was really going on! This is a fast-paced and compelling story that is brilliantly plotted by an author who knows how to build suspense. Fans of the author and of riveting suspense don’t want to miss this one!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 175 novels, including reader favorites Devlin & Falco, Finley O’Sullivan and the Faces of Evil series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity.

With more than ten million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm and spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.

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Review of DISRUPT EVERYTHING AND WIN by James Patterson and Dr. Patrick Leddin

On September 28, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

On Sale: September 29, 2025

Page Count384 pages

PublisherLittle, Brown an Company

ISBN-139780316593946

Disruption is the most powerful force of change in our lifetime.

Every day we are confronted with:

Sudden pivots at our workplace and in the job market
Rule-changing technology such as Artificial Intelligence
Unexpected crises and a culture of chaos
The sinking feeling that we are losing control of our lives

This book is about taking back control. It’s easy to follow and easy to turn into lifelong habits. It has been thoroughly researched and examined. Simply put, Disrupt Everything works.

One question: Are you ready to Disrupt Everything and take control of your future?

My Thoughts

This is a must-read manual for anyone stuck in a rut and wanting real change in their life! With practical and sage advice mixed with true stories of people who have made the decision to change the direction of their lives, this book is fascinating. It is like reading a textbook for success mixed with warnings about how to avoid pitfalls as you set out to make positive and lasting changes. I loved the true stories and how inspiring they were, but my favorite part was the last part of the book which has actual worksheets that allow the reader to put pen to paper and decide on a change and then plan for it. I have never seen such a methodical and well-researched book on a topic that is relevant to just about everyone and helpful to all, even if the change that comes about is a small one. Written for those who plan to make a radical change and encouraging them to go for it, but also giving warnings about obstacles they may encounter and plans they can make to overcome them. I am not usually a fan of non-fiction, but this book was amazing and needs to be in the hands of every young person who is looking for a new direction for their lives.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Authors

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels withBill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient ofan Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal. Website: JamesPatterson.com

As a former Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, Patrick’s leadership journey began with experiences that instilled in him the values of courage, resilience, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.

A true entrepreneur, Patrick co-founded two thriving leadership consulting businesses: The Leddin Group, LLC, and the Inc. 5000 company, Wedgewood Group, Inc. He understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of building a business in a dynamic environment.

Beyond the classroom, Patrick founded The Disruption Project at Vanderbilt, a groundbreaking research initiative exploring how individuals and organizations succeed in the face of disruption. This research forms the foundation of his latest book, “Disrupt Everything!”, co-authored with James Patterson, and his sought-after keynote presentations. Website: patrickleddin.com