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The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti Review and Giveaway

July 22, 2026July 27, 2026 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

It’s time for Christmas in July! I never miss a book in Danielle Grandinetti’s Christmas Cabin series, and am excited to join Just Read Tours in presenting this book and author!

Let’s Talk About the Book

Title: The Robber and the Witness
Series: Christmas Cabin Historical Romance Novellas #3
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: July 21, 2026
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance/Mystery

Christmas … a time of reunions and unexpected surprises.

A simple favor, a best friend’s promise, and the end of the line.

Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend’s sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. He thinks he’s merely escorting the girl he once knew, but she’s grown into a charming beauty.

Evangeline Whitaker’s older brother always warned that her kind heart would be the death of her. It might at that. First, when she’s an unwitting accomplice to a robber. Second, when her childhood crush becomes her bodyguard.

With a robber on their trail and a tangle of emotions between them, Evangeline and Gideon detour to his boss’s cabin to wait out the ensuing manhunt. However, Evangeline’s Christmas spirit might be the death of them both.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

A sweet 1931 Christmas mystery featuring a closed-door romance between a protective bodyguard and the woman who witnessed too much.

Where can you buy this book?

More to Explore in This Series

Just a note… you may notice that these covers are new and refreshed to be more unique to the series!

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Meet the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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My Impressions

“It’s what Evan is always telling me, that my kindness is going to be the ruin of me. He’s right.”

Poor Evangeline Whitaker! Back in 1931 in a train station in Minnesota, there was no loud speaker such as we have in airports nowadays blaring over the air. “Do not watch the bags of strangers!” Danielle Grandinetti’s female main character in The Robber and the Witness is just too kind for her own good. Her brother Evan says so. The fact that she is stuck literally holding the bag when two policemen come to investigate says so. The only one who doesn’t say so is Deputy Gideon Lundgren, Evangeline’s brother’s best friend and appointed guardian for a Christmas visit to Gideon’s friends’.

I loved the way Gideon smoothly assesses Evangeline’s situation and need and comes to her aid based on his knowledge of her past personality and his friendship with her brother. He is willing to give her the shadow of a doubt she needs in a sticky situation, and provides a great safety net for her. He provides confident leadership.

The train ride in the snowy Christmas atmosphere would have been magical if there weren’t the very real possibility of their being followed. Gideon is very good at assessing people, situations, taking charge, and giving commands to help protect not just Evangeline but the whole group of train passengers.

Evangeline is very brave, stoic, and willing to follow GIdeon’s lead. But…Is she naive, or is she just willing to see the best in people? When her soft heart rises up yet again… will it be the death of her and Gideon and maybe more?!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. I also purchased my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

If you like short, nostalgic, Christmas -themed romantic suspense, I recommend this book and series. Each book stands alone, but it is beneficial to recognize characters from previous books.

Notable Quotables:

“The thief was a variable he could not account for.” ( Gideon)

“People don’t always believe me because they think I’m too kind, I think. Maybe. I don’t know. I suppose I don’t really understand why people don’t always believe me. But you do?”- Evangeline

“…he led with quiet confidence and assurance that all would be well, even if he didn’t believe it.”– Gideon

“Don’t not be kind just because other people make bad choices.”- Gideon

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! Another great addition to this sweet series!

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What’s the Prize (Giveaway)?!

(2) winners will each receive a signed paperback of The Robber and the Witness, a notebook/pen set, and a wooden ornament!

Rules, Regulations, and Fine Print

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Favorite Truth Nuggets, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Launch Team, NetGalley, New-to-Me Author, PB, Purchase, Tyndale

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde Review and Giveaway

July 21, 2026July 20, 2026 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Light of Stars
Author: Jenelle Hovde
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

Also Available

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About the Author

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

Connect with Jenelle by visiting jenellehovdeauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Impressions

“I’m not afraid of failure. I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” – William Carey

Book Coma!! Jenelle Hovde’s latest historical romance, The Light of Stars, has left me in a book coma. I am so overwhelmed by this book I don’t know if I can move on. Typically, stories of India, The East India Tea Company, England, and Parliament do not sound exciting to me. But let Hovde get ahold of these threads, and she weaves them together with a marriage of convenience story and faith nuggets into a beautiful work of art!

In London in December of 1814, unconventional, headstrong English heiress Kitty Grenville greatly resents her “Iron Colonel” grandfather, who treats her as a pawn in his grasp for money and power. Masterminding her kidnapping from a palace in India as a young girl, her grandfather now insists Kitty marry a man he chooses. This man, Sebastian Sinclair, is a grandson of the chairman of the board of The East India Tea Company. Kitty, who studies astronomy diligently, is threatened to have that freedom taken away, plus her inheritance, if she refuses to comply. Already caught with her brother between two worlds, Kitty has two desires: to be controlled by no man, and to find her mother.

Sebastian, after years of wasteful living, has finally found God and returned to his place in his grandfather’s family. Leading the East India Tea Company will one day fall to him, but now he must prove his worth and loyalty by marrying the granddaughter of an old comrade of his grandfather. He must also defend the East India Tea Company before Parliament.

Kudos to Hovde, who helped me understand the politics of the time involving the East India Tea Company, the response of India’s people to the company, and the mission of people like William Wilberforce and William Carey who believe the English heads of the company of great wrongdoing. Slowly, Wilberforce and Carey remind Sebastian of his duty to mankind as a Christian.

“It is the true duty of every man to promote the happiness of his fellow creatures to the utmost of his power,” Wilberforce says. While Carey tells Sebastian, “The gospel is the true means by which the world changes, Sebastian—not these political positions you seek. To belong to Jesus is to embrace the nations with Him.” But can Sebastian be convinced that his precious tea company and his one way to prove his loyalty to his domineering grandfather might be less important than the call of God on his divided heart?

So many times this amazing book plucked at my heartstrings. Two adults desperately looking for approval from grandparents that are hard and overly demanding. Two young adults (not necessarily the same) who, due to their heritage, cannot find acceptance in either society. Again, two adults whose siblings are living lives the former are ashamed of and grieve over. Ah, the romance, the intrigue, the action, the suspense, and the twists! And the astronomy lessons! How fun to have the stars be a focus of the book, yet the happiness Kit would have, should she be allowed to continue her beloved studies, is as unlikely as a new celestial discovery by a woman.

A book for historical fiction lovers, Regency romance lovers, readers of Julie Klassen and Sarah Ladd, plus those who enjoy reading of women in STEM and marriage of convenience stories. I adored it and highly recommended this novel!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through JustRead Tours via NetGalley. I also bought a couple of paperbacks- one for my trophy shelf and one to share with a friend!

Notable Quotables:

“Yet even in this, I see the hand of Providence. I can trust Him—not only in the doors He opens, but in those He closes as well.” “Could I trust God to chart my path?”– Freddy, (Kitty)

“We do not have to be bound to our family’s curses or their poor choices. We can choose differently, aye?”- Sebastian

“Even those who think themselves uninvolved are often complicit if they do nothing.” -Carey

“We cannot allow our mistakes, nor the evil of others, to define our path or our identity.” – Freddy

“These men had not come to be entertained. They had come to change the world. Or set fire to it, if my grandfather was to be believed.” – Sebastian

“…mercy is a necessity for peace. Perhaps this is why we so desperately need God’s help. To calm the storm.” – Kit

“They’re the same stars. But from here, they feel like a promise…Neither you nor I are lost, not when we see God’s handiwork.” – Sebastian

“Forgiveness changes us,” he had told me once. “A repentant man is no longer defined by his sins.” – Carey

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! The Light of Stars checks all the boxes for me. It is on my shortlist of fave books of 2026!!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

ARC, Barbour, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town Review and Giveaway

July 3, 2026 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town (Enduring Hope Book 5)

Author: Naomi Musch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: June, 2026

Past and Present Collide on the Railway

When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Lily Mae Dodge flees Wyoming by night to find her mother, who sent her west on an orphan train ten years ago. After she’s arrested in Chicago, help comes from a man with a rare vision impairment whom she only just met on a train. Francis Basnett is a roustabout for the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, where he helps Lily gain employment. Their friendship grows into more, and it seems Lily is closer than ever to finding her mother. . .until the night a rogue troop train slams into the stalled circus train, killing dozens and splintering hope.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Naomi Musch is an award-winning author who writes from a deer farm in the pristine north woods of Wisconsin, where she and husband Jeff live as epically as God allows near the families of their five adult children. When not in the physical act of writing or spending time loving on her passel of grandchildren, she can be found plotting stories as she roams around the farm, snacks out of the garden, and relaxes in her vintage camper. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Wisconsin Writers’ Association, and the Lake Superior Writers. She loves engaging with others and can be found all around social media or at her site.

More from Naomi

Did you ever dream of running away with the circus? I must admit, it was never something I imagined doing, but like most kids of my generation, my wonderment did soar the first time I stepped foot beneath a “big top”. Some of those sensory memories stayed with me through the decades since, and of course, made their way into my novel. Nowadays, the trains or wagons no longer roll into town. There are very few circuses still around.

I grew up in the region not far from Barnum and Bailey’s Circus World in Wisconsin, but when traveling circuses were at their peak (much earlier than my day, I will add), there were nearly 100 of them traversing the country, nearly a third of them by rail. One of the largest was the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus based in southern Indiana. (Originally northern Indiana, but they transitioned to a warmer location where they wintered their animals.) They traveled in two trains—one that hauled the animals, laborers, and roustabouts, and the other that hauled the performers with their families and other work staff.

The circus was a city within itself, and more importantly, it became like family to most of the performers. Into this world is where my cast of characters gathers in The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town. Lily Mae Dodge is in search of just such a place to call home and people she can think of as family while she searches for her mother, lost to her when she was sent west on an orphan train as a child.

I never imagined myself writing a circus story, but when I learned about the real-life history of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, and tragically, the terrible circus train crash that stands as the most devastating in history, I needed to get to know some of the performers and people who worked there. I also wanted to add my own characters in a way that would bring this historic circus family to life. To tell the story of the crash, it was important to me that I do it in a way that would honor the lives and memories of those who were involved.

“Tomorrow’s Town” is a circus phrase referring to the place of the next show. The traveling circus season was a busy one, and sometimes performers who were already looking ahead to the next show simply referred to the next location as “tomorrow’s town.” While The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town is set in 1918 during WWI when the tragedy took place, it is primarily a story of hope, dreams, love, healing, and found family.

I hope you enjoy Lily and Francis’s story, and that you’ll settle into dazzling discovery with the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus!

My Impressions

“He might not see well, but everything about Lily was perfectly clear. She was searching for home, possibly for the mother who had never returned to claim her.”

The Girl from Tomorrow’s Train by Naomi Musch is a five-star read for me! Published by Barbour as part of its loosely connected series Enduring Hope, this is book #5. Sent West on an orphan train at nine years old, Lily Mae Dodge escapes a life of enforced slavery with her adopted family. Traveling East on a train, she meets Francis Basnett, a young man whose curious eye condition prohibits him from joining the War efforts in 1918.

This novel is so many things. It is a historical romance. It is a story of an American tradition- the orphan train- that helped many, but harmed just as many, while adults turned a blind eye to children’s suffering. It is the tale of a young woman searching for the acceptance and love that she was denied as a child, her soul searching for answers.

We also see a young man whose eye disease makes him the object of unaware society’s scorn. A young man who thinks his inability to see reflects on his ability to be the man God made him to be. Musch presents the historical Hagenbeck-Wallace circus train wreck of 1918, the largest and most disastrous circus train wreck in history. More than that, we are treated to a slice of life under the Big Top, backstage with the workers who become family for each other. Faith shines through in the dark of the tragedy, and hope is born again.

Francis quickly falls for Lily, but feels himself unworthy. He realizes how much Lily is winging her every decision, and invites her to join him in working for the circus. He often encourages her in her faith, with sayings like this: “He’s a big God. There’s no telling what He’ll accomplish through your prayers. The charge to pray might seem simple yet be bigger than you know.” How I loved that reminder for my own life. And, he is so kind, so patient, and thoughtful of Lily. I was always rooting for the two of them, but Francis about “slew” me when he spoke a certain phrase to Lily, in a voice she couldn’t hear, but in the pattern in which she often speaks aloud to herself!

Lily grabbed my heart from the get-go, in her suspenseful escape, her cautiousness, and her need for someone to love her. Yet, she opens her heart to the people around her: first, Jenny; then Alice and Leslie. She looks for ways to help in the search for survivors among the train wreck and to offer aid. And finding Suzie, Lily recognizes and fills a big need. I also loved the way Lily helps Francis as she acts as his eyes, whether alighting from the train, or reading the news to him. Then…how do you describe colors to someone who had never seen them? “Pink is the first breeze on a summer morning, tingling up your arms with the dawn.” No wonder Francis falls hard!!

One paragraph made me especially think.

“People happily came to see the shows and delight in the thrills, but many believed that the folk who lived and worked with the circus were mostly freaks and shysters. At best, they viewed them as a peculiar lot and not meant to associate in pubic life.” THIS MAKES ME SO SAD!! But it is such a true statement of how we as society pass easy judgment, often ignoring the fact we’re guilty on the other hand of promoting an activity or (particpating in one) we claim is wrong.

I received a copy of the book from CelebrateLit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“It’s not ridiculous to want to go home.” A puff of air escaped her lips. “Is there such a place?” – Francis, Lily

“I can’t give up on the future. I must cling to hope if it takes my last breath.”- Lily

“God didn’t promise to remove our suffering while we’re here, but He promises to be the lap we can climb into while we go through it. He will hold us and love us through. He’ll give us peace.” – Francis

“A still, small voice whispered into her ear that this was how it should be, that something good could come of her own hard past.” -( Lily)

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! I love these stories of historical fact woven into fiction, where I learn so much while being entertained and built up in my faith at the same time. The romance doesn’t hurt!😁😮

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1

Simple Harvest Reads, July 2 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 3

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 5

Connie’s history classroom, July 5

Guild Master, July 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7

Fiction Book Lover, July 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, July 9

The Bookish Ledger, July 10 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, July 11

Holly’s Book Corner, July 11

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 13

Books, Books, & More Books, July 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/M32Wq/the-girl-from-tomorrows-town-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Just Read Tours, Kregel, Launch Team, PB, Purchase

The Eyes of River by Cindy Sproles Review and Giveaway

June 24, 2026June 24, 2026 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Eyes of River
Author: Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: June 23, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction

A heart-wrenching Appalachian novel from a best-selling, award-winning author

In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run. She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.

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

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

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About the Author

Cindy K. Sproles is a speaker and best-selling,award-winning author of several novels, including Mercy’s Rain, Liar’s Winter, and Coal Black Lies. She is the executive editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. She also mentors and coaches new writers with Write Right Author Mentoring Services. She is an Appalachian-born-and-raised mountain girl who now lives in East Tennessee.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindysproles.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Impressions

“The truth shall make you free. The truth shall make you free. I kept repeatin’ the words, tryin’ to convince myself it was true. All the while, the memory of River’s eyes scorched my soul.”

Whoo, boy! I feel just a little numb after reading this Appalachian novel, The Eyes of River, by Cindy Sproles. Writing with her unparalleled mountain voice, Sproles transports the reader back in time to 1913 Tennessee, south of Chattanooga.

There we meet rough, but spirited Lizzy Haney, 17. After watching her deadbeat drunk father kill her mother, Lizzy believes her father’s threats to kill her younger 9 year-old brother, whose deep-green eyes “could bore a hole through your soul.” Her father can’t stand the judgment of those innocent, discerning eyes. Believing herself River’s only protection, Lizzy mails him off to her mother’s friend in Chattanooga. Things progress from bad to worse when her cruel father sets Lizzy up to take the wrap for murders he commits. Soon on the run, with her plans in ashes, will Lizzy accept help from others? Will she find the truth that can set her free?

I love Alton for his patience with Lizzy. He has loved her for a long time, but Lizzy has looked no further than first impressions and appearances. Alton offers to help guide Lizzy in the mountains, at a risk to his own life, but Lizzy can’t stop depending on her own wisdom and insisting they do things her way. Alton finally rebukes her, “Lizzy, you need to learn to hush. Be quiet. You need to understand you don’t know everything, and sometimes folks is just trying to help you.” Somehow, Alton has become a mature, wise man when Lizzy wasn’t noticing.

Lizzy finds this journey not only dangerous but frustrating and full of self-discovery (“ye shall know the truth”), but often that truth is painful. As the Sheriff tells Lizzy, ( and so does Alton!) “You do have a problem with doing what you’re told.” If the rescue of River will depend on Lizzy being quiet and doing what she’s told, there could be some huge snags!

I loved the variety of people that populate the secondary character stage. They are well-drawn, some heart-ugly, some beautiful from within, but all compelling and great catalysts for action. Jerelene and Joe are wonderful encouragers and “growth prodders” for Lizzy. Lizzy’s daddy and Yeager are worthy undesirable criminals who need caught!

If I could hear a single song playing as the soundtrack in the background as I read this book, surely it would be Foreigner’s “I wanna know what love is. I want you to show me.” Lizzy wants desperately to know what love is. From some characters, she gets very skewed ideas or imperfect love. From others, like Alton, the Wileys, or Tilda, she sees true love, but as I said above, a love that cares enough to tell the truth. Will she connect with the Source of perfect Love?

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. I also ordered a paperback for my keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“…real love don’t care what or who you are. It just cares that you are.”

(what Lizzy learns from Jerelene)

“You can’t change what you are, no matter how you scrub the hide. Instead you learn to accept it and change from the inside.” – Jerelene

“At that moment I began to understand what it meant to trust. Trusting someone meant having no doubt they would do what they said they would do.” – ( Lizzy)

“A body doesn’t have to ask questions. He just has to listen. You learn a lot when you listen.” – Sheriff Mosley

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! Capturing the raw Appalachian life from the early 1900s, Sproles has captured the essence of that era and voice. She shows how hardship forces a young girl to mature and find truth and love. Highly recommended!!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Eyes of River and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 24, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Purchase

Stolen Secrets by S. F. Baumgartner Review and Giveaway

June 5, 2026 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Stolen Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book 7)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Thriller with Christian elements

Release Date: June 2, 2026

An adopted daughter. A vanished teenager. A secret that must stay hidden.

FBI Special Agent Charlie O’Rourke believed adopting Jamie Beth would keep her safe. But when her best friend vanishes during a school band rehearsal, Charlie discovers the threat isn’t random.

As Jamie Beth desperately searches for answers about her best friend’s disappearance, she has no idea she’s next.

To save his daughter, Charlie must choose between protocol and survival.

Perfect for readers who love the layered conspiracies of Daniel Silva, the emotional stakes of NCIS, and the shadow-war tension of The Blacklist.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartnercrafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets and Forgotten Secret—Books 1 & 2 of her Mirror Estate series—named Top Picks in the thriller & suspense categories, respectively, at Killer Nashville, and Tangled Secrets—Book 3 of Mirror Estateseries—won couple of awards in the Christian Indie Awards and the Incipere Awards. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work. And as always, her books are all clean.

More from S.F.

Stolen Secrets is the seventh book in the Mirror Estate series, and for me it represents something I didn’t fully realize when I started writing it: the beginning of the end of the Ghost arc.

When I began the series, I never mapped out a long, eight-book storyline for the Ghost. In fact, I didn’t even think about how long that arc might last until around Book 6, Shadowed Secret. That’s when it started becoming clear that the threads surrounding the Ghost, Dylan, and the larger conspiracy needed more room to unfold. Book 8 will wrap up the Ghost storyline, though the Mirror Estate series itself is far from over. There are still many stories left to tell.

One of the continuing mysteries involves Dylan and the buried treasures connected to Mirror Estate. Whether that storyline concludes in Book 8 or continues beyond it is something I’m still discovering as the story evolves.

Stolen Secrets also includes a bonus story titled “Shadow Extraction.” Writing that novelette was one of the hardest parts of the project. It features Olivia in the middle of a black-ops mission that unfolds at the end of her honeymoon in Italy. The emotional and operational stakes in that story made it especially challenging to write, but it also became one of my favorite parts of the book.

Another element I enjoyed writing in Stolen Secrets involves Jamie Beth and Owen. Watching those two characters work their way through danger and figure out how to escape was incredibly rewarding as a writer. Those scenes capture something I love about thrillers—the moment when characters must rely on their own courage and quick thinking to survive.

Looking back, Stolen Secrets feels like a turning point for the series. Secrets are beginning to surface, alliances are shifting, and the long game surrounding the Ghost is finally moving toward its conclusion.

But even as that arc approaches its end, the world of Mirror Estate still holds plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

My Impressions

“Every family had secrets. Probably hers too. She was adopted. That alone meant there was a whole history she didn’t know. A mother. A father. A reason they gave her up.”

I hope I can sleep tonight! I just finished Stolen Secrets, #7 the Mirror Estate series, by S. F. Baumgartner. The novel is touted as a thriller. I had forgotten since the last book just how thrilling, in chilling way. We are following the story of the Ghost, an infamous criminal who is now cooperating with the FBI and CIA. For unknown reasons, the Ghost has decided to help protect 17-year-old Jamie Beth O’Roarke. Jamie was adopted at 5 years old by Charlie and his wife, partly as their answer to prayers and partly as an assignment. “Are you asking me to help you disappear a child?” “I’m asking you to help keep one alive.”

When a friend is mistaken for Jamie and kidnapped, events are set in place that interconnect. Rescue and intelligence-gathering operations are detailed and complicated. And my eyes were absolutely glued to the pages as I read! I could feel the tension, the terror, the confusion, every emotion Jamie and Owen felt as well as those of their parents and all the agents involved in this case. I loved seeing the creativity of Jamie and Owen when the cards were stacked against them.

I was very grateful for the opening pages of the book. Each previous book in the series is summarized. Even better, there is a relationship chart that takes up two full pages. I took pictures and referred back to the charts frequently as I read to get a clearer understanding of all the moving pieces in this story. Plus, there is a map at the beginning of the book. Kudos, Ms. Baumgartner!

If you love exciting action, multiple characters, rapidly changing scenes, and a complicated mystery, this book and series is for you! I can’t wait for the next book and more of the ongoing mystery to be solved!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“He and Charlie weren’t so different, the two of them. Fathers. Willing to sit with devils. For their children, they’d walk through fire.” ( Marco)

“Here was a father who’d spent his whole life running from his family’s shadow, building something clean, something legitimate. And now, for his son, he was sitting at this table with the people he’d tried to leave behind.” (Marco)

“Secrets were the hallmark of his family. And the Ghost’s secrets had a body count.” ( Dylan)

“Welcome to the intelligence community. Everything is compartmented. You only know what and when you need to know.” Fr. Phil

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Superior! I would read the next book immediately if I could! Mesmerizing!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 1

The Lofty Pages, June 1

Simple Harvest Reads, June 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 3

Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6

For Him and My Family, June 7

Guild Master, June 8 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Blogging With Carol, June 10

Fiction Book Lover, June 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 11

Because I said so -adventures in parenting, June 12

The Bookish Ledger, June 13 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, June 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/9cIN6/stolen-secrets-a-thriller-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, Barbour, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by Carolyn Miller Review and Giveaway

May 30, 2026 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Not Precisely Mr. Knightley (The Silver Teapot Series Book Two)

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction

Release Date: May, 2026

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?

Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley.

Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

More from Carolyn

Do you know someone who has found love online?

I do. I have numbers of friends and even a family member who have found love and married thanks to dating apps and the like. This newer form of meeting people is something I’ve referenced in several of my books (including Only You Can Love Me), as several of my characters have used an app called Dream Match, a romance matchmaking app for Christian singles around the world. But when I first mentioned Dream Match years ago I didn’t realise at the time that I’d end up writing a story about how the inventor of Dream Match would finally meet her match.

And it seemed perfect to me that Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, known for her matchmaking skills, should be reflected in a modern day context as being the ultimate matchmaker, EJ Bennett, who is responsible for helping hundreds of people find love online. Even if she doesn’t think she needs or wants love for herself.

Playing with Jane Austen’s characters and putting them in a modern setting is a lot of fun. So not only does Emma Woodhouse become EJ Bennett, but George Knightley becomes EJ’s best friend and app co-designer Jordan Knight, the straight shooter she needs. And Frank Churchill, the man Emma starts to fall for, becomes Eric Churchill, son of a TV mogul squillionaire.

The first book in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, also played around with some of Austen’s settings, placing the story in a small town in Australia called Wattle Vale. I had fun further developing the Australian connections by setting other key scenes in iconic places like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, which naturally meant I had to visit for “research.”

So I hope readers enjoy this little taste of Australia, and all the fun references to Jane Austen’s Emma. Be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media for more Jane Austen inspiration and fun, and get ready to enjoy Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, a sweet and swoony best friends-to-more romance that shows the path to true love is never smooth – even for the professional matchmaker.

Happy reading!

My Impressions

“I’m not crying.” “You should be, Emma-Jane Bennett,” Jordan said. “Then maybe you’d wake up to yourself and realise what is real and what is a lie and who your real friends are.”

As I shared my excitement over emotional fireworks in this story, one friend called it a great “comeuppance,” as the before-now unlikeable female main character( EJ Bennett) finally gets her “what for!!” I must say, Carolyn Miller has written her two main characters so convincingly in Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, that it is easy not to like the self-absorbed, social climbing, rather money-hungry EJ.

Such a fun story, that I loved especially because of the main character’s growth. EJ, from a small Australian town, has been best friends forever with her neighbor and now-business partner, Jordan Knight. Both are now living in Sydney. The two start a very successful online dating app, which catches the attention of Gwen, who promises to introduce EJ to rich investors. As EJ begins to follow the path to schmoozing with the rich and famous, her discontent with her former life grows and Jordan becomes concerned. “That’s the thing, EJ. I can’t keep making excuses for you. And as your best friend, I’m supposed to tell you the truth, and if I’m honest, I’m concerned about where all this is taking you.” Yet, EJ wants her taste of the high life. If that means ignoring Jordan and her family, so be it. Since EJ’s new friends scoff at her faith, EJ is careful to keep that under wraps, too.

As Jordan’s feelings for EJ begin to deepen and he helplessly watches her become a different person, I really began to love him and strongly dislike her. I wanted Jordan to stop pining over EJ and find somebody else. So when the comeuppance scene finally explodes, I was one ecstatic camper. Gentle, kind, and loyal Jordan finally erupts and tells EJ the truth… not something she wants to hear. Now, from this watershed moment, can EJ and Jordan find their way back to forgiveness, restoration, and the friends-to-more conclusion Miller has primed us to desire?

I fell totally in love with the book when Jordan finally decides “Real friends held each other accountable” and that EJ needs a good dose of reality. There are some great one-liners that are applicable to many relationships. I loved seeing how easily Jordan turns to prayer and recalls Scripture to encourage himself when the path gets tough.

It is great to see the other Bennett sisters again, as well as the parents and Jordan’s parents. We see some good foreshadowing of the next book and also we see characters that provide grounding for our main characters. Who are we without family and God?

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Body blows couldn’t hurt more than his words right now.” ( EJ)

“He didn’t want to be another voice, adding to the noise. He wanted his ears tuned into the One whose voice set the world in motion. Because by listening to that eternal voice, Jordan would hear those words that actually needed to be said, and those would be the words that would truly make a difference.” (Jordan)

“Truth might sting at times, but at least it was honest. Flattery was lovely, but it wasn’t real. Flattery felt like a house of cards, one breath and it would all tumble down.” ( EJ)

“It’s a good thing that God is still in control, huh?” – Ben

“You don’t need to be the Holy Spirit’s little helper, trying to help EJ see the error of her ways.” – Ben

“Catastrophising” (- a new fave word Miller introduces)

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Superior! Is “comeuppance” a trope? It should be! This scene makes me award this book a strong five stars!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28

Book Looks by Lisa, May 28

The Sacred Line, May 29

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 30

Pause for Tales, May 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 31

Stories By Gina, June 1 (Author Interview)

To Everything There Is A Season , June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Texas Book-aholic, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Lyssa Loves Books, June 5

Wishful Endings, June 5

Fruitfully Planted, June 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , June 6

Cover Lover Book Review, June 7

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, June 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf , June 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 8

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Holly’s Book Corner, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/doE7D/not-precisely-mr-knightley-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, JustRead Tour, Kindle, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

Crossbones by C.C. Warrens Review and Giveaway

May 28, 2026May 27, 2026 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the JustRead Tour for Crossbones, by C. C. Warrens.

About the Book

Title: Crossbones
Series: A Holly Novel #6
Author: C.C. Warrens
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 15th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

“Sticks and stones will break your bones, if you make me hurt you.”

Some truths are better left buried, but Jace Walker is determined to unearth the skeletons in her family’s closet. Leverage is all she needs to keep her brother alive, and she’s willing to risk everything to save him.

Even her life.
But is she willing to risk the lives of her friends?

Holly and Jordan take on the case, but what should be a simple investigation takes a deadly turn when they stumble onto a murder. Family secrets are the least of their concerns as their path intertwines with a killer intent on remaining hidden.

He doesn’t want to be found.
He doesn’t want to be known.
And anyone who threatens his anonymity dies.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

If she’s not writing, she’s attempting to bake something—however catastrophic that might be—or she’s enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with her husband. One of the many things she’s learned since she started this journey is that the best way to write a book is to go on a long stroll with her husband. That is when the characters—from their backgrounds to the moments that make them laugh or bubble over with anger—come to life.

Connect with C.C. by visiting ccwarrens.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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My Impressions

“I survived, and I wouldn’t give the rest of my life over to bitterness. Whatever days I had left were mine, and I would focus on the joy rather than the pain.”

Whew! I have safely survived reading Crossbones, A Holly Novel #6, by C. C. Warrens! I thoroughly enjoyed myself as I journeyed with Jordan, Holly, Sam, and Jace through the dangerous and complex cold case of Jace’s brother, Scott. This is the first C. C. Warrens book I have read. I must say, while I would not suggest most pick up the series this far through, Warrens gives enough backstory that this novel made perfect sense. Will I have spoiled previous novels? Perhaps, but more so, I now need all the deets that I just have an inkling of, in so many cases. So, now I need to go back and read all the Holly series books!

Jace, a young woman from one of New York’s most affluent families, is suing her mother in court for the power of attorney rights over her comatose brother, Scott. Jace idolizes her big brother, and even though he’s been kept alive by machines for four years, she is certain her mother has an ulterior motives in wanting to pull the plug. So, Jace hires her best friend’s boyfriend’s detective agency to discover her mother’s secret. Time is essential, and Holly, part of the JGH agency, refuses to stand by, as requested, and let her boyfriend, Jordan, investigate by himself. Noble of her, but after reading just a few paragraphs, the reader will be pretty uncertain Holly has the physical prowess to defend herself.

While headstrong Holly is begged by both her boyfriend and her police officer “dad” to be careful and do nothing on her own, somehow… she sure gets herself into lots of situations that require either a quick escape or a rescue! Holly has a strong faith that she tries to share with her bestie, Jace, as they work the case. “Church is not gonna fix this.” “It’s not about fixing things. It’s about drawing closer to God and letting Him fill you up when the world has drained you dry.” Unfortunately, Jace has been indoctrinated against Christianity from her mother.

One question is often at the forefront of Jace’s mind, and also Holly’s. What happened that caused Mrs. Walker to turn her back on her son? Why is Mrs. Walker such a difficult, controlling person? The answers are very shocking!

Warrens does show a bit more detail of the crimes than some authors. However, no more than one might see on an intense crime show mystery. What I absolutely love about her writing is the way she inserts such humor into very tense situations. I actually laughed out loud many times just after I had bitten my nails down! I’ll never see Chia seeds the same!

And just when I thought it was safe to peek out from under the covers… Bang! Huge plot twist! Well-played!!

I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“I know that, too often, people dismiss the truth because it’s easier to cling to what they already believe, even if that belief is wrong and harmful.” – Holly

“I’ve seen a lot of people sink so deeply into their anger that it consumes them, and eventually, it’s all they have left. I don’t want that for you.” – Holly

“Before was a concept I knew too well. The life, dreams, and identity that existed before tragedy tore them away and forced a person to start over.” (Holly)

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! Chilling romantic suspense with messages of Hope and Faith. Recommended!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a grand prize of a signed Crossbones paperback with bookmark, sticker, character art card, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Up to (5) winners will each receive an ebook of Crossbones, delivered via Bookfunnel!

Up to (4) winners will each receive an audiobook download of Crossbones!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 25, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for grand prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

ARC, BLOG, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Kregel, Purchase

The Targeted by Cara Putman Review and Giveaway

May 22, 2026 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Targeted by Cara Putman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Targeted
Series: Secrets to Keep #3
Author: Cara Putman
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up?

When Chloe Ainsworth’s older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe’s abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won’t allow them to suffer the way she did, but she’s desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case.

Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can’t get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe.

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It’s clear they’re onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it’s too late?

More Books from this Series:

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About the Author

Cara Putman is a professor, an attorney, and an award-winning, best-selling author of more than forty novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series, the Hidden Justice series, and The Vanished.

Connect with Cara by visiting caraputman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Impressions

“‘I am always alone.’ He will never leave me or forsake me…

It didn’t matter if people would leave her or let her down. God never would. He promised that, and his promises were true. Always.”

This review may well be one of the hardest I’ve ever written. Because The Targeted by Cara Putman, contains such sensitive and trigger-inducing content that I may have ever read. The legal drama, book three of the Secrets to Keep series, tells the story of the last of three young women involved in the legal world.

Very well executed and written with an obvious knowledge of the law, this fictional story becomes very relatable and painful to read. Plus, a second trigger was lying in wait in the form of Cloe’s mom, as we see her fading in and out of reality with her early-onset dementia.

Putman shines a light on how easily abuse can occur between a minor and a trusted adult. Her character, Cloe, is a great example of a groomed victim who, because of age, trust in adults, and negative reaction when she tries to share bits of her story, stuffs it all inside. Without her once-beloved older sister, Ginny, who left fourteen years prior, and her mother’s dementia clouded mind, Cloe has learned to become an island onto herself.

Roadblocks occur when she attempts to bring her abuser to justice. Sometimes, Cloe herself is the issue. Sometimes it is others. Can 2nd year law student Dare help her file a complaint years after the event? What happens when the abuser is closer than Cloe is comfortable with? Will she use the community of friends and law resources around her, or will she quietly run away from her memories and hurt?

There’s hope in this story! I could keep reading, hard as it was to be confronted with truths and memories of the past, as I realized Cloe would fight not for herself but for the new crop of gymnasts. She is determined to make a difference. The hardest question keeps her going: “What if by not trying, by staying silent, we’ve all been complicit? We’ve all allowed him to continue his behavior because none of us have taken the risk of saying it has to stop?” Ooh. Rough. Time to take action!

While needing to stay unattached as her legal counsel, Dare realizes his attraction to this brave, strong-though-wounded young gym coach. He looks for ways to help, and prays for her. I loved this line…

“How was it possible that the man morphed more into her hero each time he showed up? It wasn’t so much big, heroic actions as the small, consistent moments of showing up again and again.” That’s how these two and their team hope to win at this terrible loop life has thrown them… start with the small steps, complete each task step by step, until they have solved this case and won. Unfortunately, a big twist occurs and the action becomes very urgent!

In summary, expect a very well-written read with potentially difficult subject matter. I wish there had been a trigger warning at the front of the book. But… knowing what kind of fiction this author writes, I did know she would show how God can bring good out of bad. That makes a hard story worth reading!

I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“He couldn’t change her history, but he could create a different future.” (Dare)

“Remember that sometimes God simply asks us to take the next step. He rarely tells us every part of the journey that’s coming.” – Janae

“Before, this was about me and the past. Now, it’s about the present and protecting my girls, today’s gymnasts.” – Clie

“‘What could I do as a junior man on the team?’ ‘Speak up. Believe them. Validate their experience.’” – Dare, Cloe

“Life demanded a decision. Everyone else had to move on, even if she didn’t.” ( Cloe)

“She needed the possibility of more, even if she chose to stay. What she really wanted was the illusion of choice.” (Cloe)

“She knew her strength at one level, but at another level, she was still the girl who had allowed bad things to happen to her.” ( Cloe)

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! For legal drama lovers, those who have endured abuse, or those who need to understand victims of abuse and how to help them.

Tour Givaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Targeted and $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 20, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase, Revell

Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher Review and Giveaway

May 20, 2026 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Chase the Light (National Parks Summers Book 2. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary

Release Date: May 5, 2026

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (and friends) inspire her stories.

More from Suzanne

If a trip to Acadia National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and when you go, don’t miss warm popovers on the lawn at the iconic Jordan Pond House.

The Unofficial-but-Close-Enough Jordan Pond Popover Recipe*

Back in 1895, Nellie and Thomas McIntire bought a Maine farmhouse overlooking the clear waters of Jordan Pond. On their wide green lawn, they served tea and towering popovers to well-to-do summer travelers. In 1928, J. D. Rockefeller purchased the land and later donated it to Acadia National Park. The lawn remains. The view remains. And the popovers? Still iconic.

While the original recipe is famously guarded, this version comes deliciously close.

Makes 6–8 large popovers.

What You’ll Need

4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of baking soda
2 tablespoons melted butter

Let’s Make Them

Start with a hot oven (and a hot pan).
Preheat your oven to 425°–450°F. Place your popover pan (or a muffin tin) in the oven while it heats.
Whisk the batter.
Beat the eggs for about 2–3 minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
Fill the cups.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
Bake.
Bake at 425°–450°F for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 15–20 minutes. The high heat creates the lift; the lower heat helps them set inside.
Resist the urge to peek.
Do not open the oven door while they bake. The steam inside is what makes them puff and keeps them tall.

Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.

A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers

Room temperature matters. Cold eggs or milk will slow the rise. Let them sit out a bit before mixing.
Heat is your friend. A properly preheated pan jump-starts the puff.
No peeking. Steam is everything here. Let the oven do its work.

*Recipe adapted from Weston Table.

My Impressions

“The best stories are the ones God unfolds in his perfect timing. It’s always best when we let God write our story.”

Suzanne Woods Fisher. Another auto-buy paperback for the trophy shelf author! While Chase the Light, a novel about Acadia National Park, is a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading book one first, as several relationship groundworks are set up.

I love that Fisher includes a list of characters in the front of the book and a description of each. With a year between books, the reminder of who’s who is helpful. We see returning characters like Chief Ranger Tim Wilson, his manipulative 15 yr-old-granddaughter Maisie, clueless 18 yr-old Frankie, and a few tertiary characters who momentarily step up for short, but notable contributions. We are also re-introduced to FMC Scout Johnson, a dedicated park ranger who has worked her way up to her dream job, interpretive ranger in Acadia National Park.

Frankie and Maisie with their self-absorbed, centrisic attitudes cause quite a ton of problems. But they also step forward to become central secondary characters. They add so much color to the story, instigating (by carelessness!) the discovery of the 170-year-old park secret.

At first, I was #TeamChase. He seemed like a very nice man, good looking, church -going, newspaper owner, passionate about his work, and fun to be around. Good match for Scout, right? (Oh, did I say Frankie is clueless? Chase can be, too! He sure doesn’t read relationships well! Sometimes, I was left just shaking my head at his interpretation of events!!)

But, as the story went on, another man, Wananaki Dana, a Penobscot Native American policy maker whose side passion is Maine shipwrecks caught my eye (and Scout’s). A fun line inserted repeatedly- “Naki will do.” His passion is to help his people out of generational poverty, alcoholism, lack of education, and other issues that plague a people forced onto a reservation. And does he understand Acadia National Parks! He just might be a tad bit tall and a tad bit swoony, too! But as Chase’s mother once communicated to him, “…a person’s looks became subjective the moment you got to know them. They grew more attractive, or less.” Which man, by his very different choices in the difficult circumstances that arise following the lighthouse discovery, will end up showing a solid character?

With themes such as family relationships, forgiveness, moral character choices, found family, second chances, and even maturation, this novel is a must read. Great for National park lovers, Maine lovers, shipwreck lovers, those who love to see how choices can make or break a character. Plus, the mystery, the romance, the faith. Nearly something for everyone in an easy-flowing readable style! Pretty sure this one will be pulled for a re-read!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own pb for the keeper shelf. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“A family is like a big house. Each person peers into it from a different window and sees a different view.” – Naki

“…it dawned on her that she might be guilty of projecting that same disappointment onto God. Not entirely trustworthy. Not dependable when it really mattered. She’d never put it into words before, but now it sat in her mind like a truth she couldn’t ignore. That wasn’t the right way to think about God. He’d been there, all along.” -(Scout)

“‘On the truth that the ultimate unity is the body of Christ. If we could only see people through God’s eyes, we would be the model of what the world is desperately longing for.’His gaze moved to the sea in front of them. ‘I wish my people could understand that God made them the way they are for a purpose.’” – Naki

“Forgiveness and trust shouldn’t be confused.” – Naki

“Coincidences weren’t something she believed in—not in her job, not in her life. God had his plans, and while they might be mysterious, they were never accidental.” – (Scout)

“His faith steadied him, a constant reminder that he didn’t need to have it all mapped out—only to take the next step.”

-(Tim Rivers)

“To turn a beacon of safety into a tool for destruction—it felt like a betrayal, not just of duty, but of something deeper.” -( Scout)

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior!!

I foresee myself pulling this book out for a reread! Sooo good!!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Lyssa Loves Books, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Texas Book-aholic, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Lakesidelivingsite, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

EmpowerMoms, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 23

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Lily’s Corner, May 25

Devoted To Hope, May 25

She Lives to Read, May 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 27

Cover Lover Book Review, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lights in a Dark World, May 28

Wishful Endings, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/f01pi/chase-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Launch Team, Purchase

Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti Review and Giveaway

May 19, 2026 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Shipwrecked Faith
Series: Dawning Sisters #1
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Ashberry Lane
Release Date: May 15, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

Chicago, October 1929—Kellan O’Roark is running on borrowed time. After handing over his cousin’s incriminating bootlegging ledger to the police, he intends to vanish before the mobster exacts revenge. His destination: the SS Wisconsin, a steamer headed for Milwaukee, upon which he’s secured work despite his fear of the water.

But despite his pressing need for escape, Kellan faces obstacles while leaving Chicago—including one who may break open his heart. Sadie Dawning, desperate to return to her family’s Wisconsin farm and ailing father, escapes a kidnapping attempt at Chicago Union Station when Kellan steps in and offers to smuggle her aboard the Wisconsin. His decision turns nearly fatal when an autumn storm capsizes the ship.

Washed ashore, the pair arrive at Sadie’s family farm to find new storms brewing on land. While Kellan hides his past to continue evading his cousin, Sadie fights for her place among her sisters while the farm battles the beginnings of the Great Depression. Caught between duty, a dangerous past, and a budding love, Kellan and Sadie must rely on their newfound faith in each other and renewed faith in God to weather the growing storm.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | WhiteFire Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Also Available:

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romance filled with mystery, suspense, and hope. She is a second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions. Fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature, her stories explore love and belonging in hard times.Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Impressions

“She was a vulnerable, naive, beautiful soul. And he was a streetwise snitch of an orphan. Could someone like him take on the responsibility of getting someone like her home?”

Le Sigh! Instant love. Not the characters. Me for this book, Shipwrecked Faith, by Danielle Grandinetti. The first of a new series about a family of Irish immigrants, we find ourselves plunged into mystery and intrigue in the first sentence. What is Kellan O’Rourk up to? We quickly find out there is a betrayal going down, between Kellan and his older gangster cousin, Tiernan. “Family was complicated, yet family didn’t betray one another.” Especially not in October 1929 in crime-infested Chicago. Now, he must flee.

Our heroine, Sadie Dawning, has just received a telegram summoning her home from her city job. She is desperately needed to help care for the family farm and her near- death father.

As Sadie enters the Union Station to catch a train, she finds herself accosted by thugs. A stranger rescues her, then whisks her away through the streets of Chicago. Once they realize Sadie also needs a way home that no longer includes a train ticket, Kellan convinces Sadie to disguise herself and stow away with him on the SS Wisconsin. You’ll have to read the book to find out why that method of travel is the one Kellan is sure will keep Tiernan from discovering his whereabouts.

I want to research this shipwreck now. One hears much more about shipwrecks on Lake Superior than Lake Michigan, and it’s easy to forget that Michigan has also buried her boats and victims. How terrifying a time Kellan and Sadie have. Can Kellan keep his promise to Sadie to deliver her safely home? “‘I’ll get you home, Sadie. I promise.’ Determination laced his tone. ‘I have my own penance to observe.’” In throes of imminent death, Kellan considers the faith of his mother. “What was he thinking? How could he consider giving his new life to God? With his past, what good could he do?” But God is at work through Mr. Downing. He reminds Kellan, “God sees the heart, and there is always hope for mercy and grace when you put your faith in His son.”

I love the many layers of this story. The physical dangers of the lake. The running from the low-level gangster. The questioning of one’s past making one unacceptable to God. The sister rivalries. Ooch, one sister tries to shoulder all responsibility in her own way, another misinterprets her sister’s intentions and holds resentment. Plus, tries to solve the family’s problems her way. Yet, another feels unseen with the badly ailing father, the “favorite” daughter (as sisters view it), and the disastrous plans of another sister. Surely she is not needed. ( I hear fodder starting for more books! I love these foreshadowed hints!) And, still more trials to surface!

Mr. Downing, with his sickness, is a fave character as he works hard to be intentional with his daughters and now with Kellan. It’s as if he can see to Keegan’s soul. When Kellan dodges the question of what his intentions are for Sadie, he states they haven’t known each other long. While agreeing, Mr. Dawning sees what Kellan can’t- that trials also reveal character and feelings. “Love, the kind that makes a marriage, takes time and work to deepen. Trial—the type that leaves one’s wife unable to walk without crutches or a husband unable to take care of his family—it reveals what type of love is between you.”

I love everything that Danielle Grandinetti’s writes. Shipwrecked Faith is a great chance to get in on a new historical romantic suspense series at the beginning. Highly recommended!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher and JustRead Tours. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“The more friction and trial that love sees, the faster and hotter the love burns. It might not look pretty, but hard times can prove love that lasts. If you can place your faith in someone to love you when the world falls apart and it strengthens that bond, then you can trust them through anything.” – Mr. Dawning

“Nothing for it but to put one foot in front of the other. To trust God to work out the future while being faithful in the here and now.”

“The words worked themselves past his pride, cracking open a place in his heart he had never planned to unbury.” ( Kellan)

“He’d read her like a book, and she had no way to hide the truth from him.” (Sadie)

“He’d never been a hero before and, right now, he felt like one.” – (Kellan)

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! I always exit a Grandinetti novel with deep satisfaction, but deep regrets that it’s over. Shipwrecked Faith continues in that wonderful tradition!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Shipwrecked Faith, paperback journal, and Danielle Grandinetti tote bag!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 19, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 26, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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