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The Single Mom’s Second Chance by Tara Randel Review and Giveaway

February 6, 2026 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Single Mom’s Second Chance by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Single Mom’s Second Chance
Series: A Golden, Georgia Romance #2
Author: Tara Randel
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Genre: Wholesome Romance

A fresh start…

Then an unexpected curveball

When Addie Lane returns to Golden, Georgia, to open her own fitness center, she’s surprised to find her late husband’s best friend, professional baseball player Nolan Travers, offering to invest. Recovering from an injury, Nolan finds solace in helping a friend—and coaching her son Jacob’s baseball team. As the summer continues, their close bond threatens to be undone by Nolan’s expected return to pro ball and Addie’s challenging relationships with her mother and sisters. Only time will tell if their separate paths will pull them apart—or if Addie and Nolan can hit their love out of the park together.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

More in This Series

About the Author

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. Tara has received the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

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

My Impressions

“Could there actually be more to life than baseball?”

I had never read any of Tara Randel’s A Golden, Georgia Romance series before. Now that I’ve finished book #2, The Single Mom’s Second Chance, I’d like to revisit this small town where everyone knows your name, and unfortunately, your business as well! I love how main character Addie one day realizes that she and her 8-yr-old son Jacob have not only a supportive family, but friends and neighbors who rally together to support each other, as evidenced by the town’s support of the summer rec boys’ baseball team.

But I need to back up. Addie and her young son have moved back to her hometown of Golden after her husband’s death. While that brings family support, Addie is just beginning to rebuild relationships with her sisters that were severely damaged following their dad’s betrayal. Between her father and her husband, Addie has learned that she will never be first in relationship and has determined to stay out of romantic relationships rather than open herself to hurt.

The return to town of her long-time friend, Nolan, an injured professional baseball player, threatens her promise to herself and her sanity. Nolan becomes Addie’s business partner in her life’s dream of opening a fitness center, then becomes the coach of the town’s rec baseball team as Addie realizes her parental enthusiasm isn’t enough to make her a good volunteer coach.

It took me some time to get myself truly invested in the story, but by the midway point, my interest was thoroughly piqued. I enjoyed seeing glimpses of each of the Connelly sisters as well as their mother, and getting insight into their life as well.

Poor Nolan, whose career is everything to him, has to ask himself some questions. “Who am I without baseball?” he whispered. He is afraid to find out what life might be like without the driving force of his life. He does get lonely, because his intense career focus means he has few friends. He wonders if “putting baseball first meant he’d always feel this alone.” Dare he pursue a relationship with Addie, when he can’t promise a future?

Coach and Linda are tied for my fave supporting secondary characters. Linda because she has found a way to forgive the past, is an incredible grandma, business owner, plus she develops a story thread of her own. But her love and care are examples for her girls to follow. And Coach? He is constantly showing up for Nolan, encouraging him in all endeavors, not just those of the professional team. He pulls no punches with Nolan, and strongly encourages him to be all that he can be.

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

Notable Quotables:

“The game teaches us a lot, but mostly it shows us how to handle disappointment and how to be good people in the process. I want that for each and every one of you.” – Nolan

“She’d rather lie to herself than face a possible broken heart.”

“the best way to get through a life-changing event was not to fight it but to just go through it, one step at a time.” -Addie

“But not coming to terms with the past will only cause more stress down the road.” – Nicole

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! I’m looking forward to more visits with Connelly family members in the small town of Golden!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a reading journal, ‘It’s a good day to read’ tote bag and three autographed print books by the author!

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 2, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 9, 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

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

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase

Before the Dawn by Erica Vetsch Review and Giveaway

February 5, 2026 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Before the Dawn

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined wife and a blind mining engineer—separated by fear, connected by love, and tested by darkness that threatens to tear them apart.

David Mackenzie was the most capable mining engineer in Colorado until a cave-in left him blind and filled with guilt over the deaths of his workers. Now he fears he’ll never be worthy of love or respect again. When his fiancée returns from nursing her sick aunt, he must find the courage to break their engagement before she wastes her life caring for a broken man.

Karen refuses to give up on the man she loves, but David has built a wall between them that grows higher with each passing day. When he tries to call off their engagement, she forces him into marriage through an unconventional lawsuit. Now she must find a way to break through his bitter shell and prove that her love hasn’t changed—before his fears and pride drive them apart forever and she loses not only the man she loves but also her chance at the family she’s always longed for.

When David’s cousin reveals a deadly secret about the cave-in, Karen and David find themselves trapped underground, forced to work together to survive. In the darkness, they must confront the fears that threaten to destroy them both. But even if they survive, can they find their way back to the love they once shared?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

My story, Before the Dawn, is set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. As a girl born and raised in Central Kansas, the first time I visited mountains, I was in awe…and also a little worried. Having grown up in a land where you can watch your dog run away for three straight days, not being able to see very far when in between mountains was a bit claustrophobic.

My children, growing up in SE Minnesota, had a similar experience. We were able to take the kids to Colorado several years ago, which is where I first became interested the history of Colorado Mining.

We took the kids to Idaho Springs, where we toured a mine and ore processing facility from the 1880’s. The Argo Mine was fascinating. When I ask my kids about what they remember, it’s always the panning for gold. My daughter reminded me that I was the first in the family to find any gold in my pan, a few little bright flakes, upon which many an adventurer has wagered his life.

The kids also got to sift through a box of sand and dirt to find colorful stones. As my son was enamored with agates and polished rocks at the time, this was the highlight for him.

When I wrote Before the Dawn, I tried to make the setting a character. The story is so tied to the setting, that if I changed where the story took place, it wouldn’t be the same story at all.

I hope, as you read Before the Dawn, you are drawn into the mountains, that you can feel a bit of the same sense of awe that I felt the first time this prairie girl saw the Rockies.

My Impressions

“You are so swamped with fear, you aren’t just blind. You’re emotionally paralyzed.”– Rex

I love Christian fiction marriage of convenience stories. Before the Dawn is an older story of Erica Vetsch’s, set in Colorado in the 1880s. Karen Worth, the young, beautiful fiancée of David MacKenzie returns to her fiancé’s home to an unpleasant surprise. David, a mine engineer, is caught in a deadly explosion. It robs him of his sight and also of his life’s purpose and faith. When his personality and treatment of his family and Karen become unbearable, they take matters into their own hands.

I am proud of the MacKenzie family for their refusal to allow David to sulk his days away in self-pity and hatred. Many measures they put into place are very helpful, if hard for David. But, the final solution may be the death of David and Karen’s forced relationship!

I could easily relate to either main character, David or Karen. David, with his frustrations, feels like life has stopped and left him at the station. Karen now has full responsibility for David’s care and emotional well-being. I am amazed at Karen’s resourcefulness in her husband’s behalf. I love that she employs Rex to teach her husband. I wanted to thrash David more than once for being such a heel and refusing to try to relearn how to live.

With a few prominent, ringing Scriptures that David and Karen hear at a school presentation, Truth nuggets begin to work their way into the couple’s life- slowly. Of course, there is a great twist just when things begin to improve in the marriage.

My fave secondary character is a tie between two different men. The first is Rex, who is a teacher at the school for the blind in town. He is an amazingly patient, understanding, and yet prodding teacher. The other is Buckley, the family butler. He never seems to pity David, but somehow is a very supportive friend.

I loved the mystery and action that are a part of this marriage of convenience story. I look forward to reading the next book.

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

Notable Quotables:

“Prayer was the only thing that kept despair at bay.”

“He wanted to pray, to ask for guidance, but he was afraid. Afraid God wouldn’t hear him. Even more afraid the answer would be no.”

“We never realize what we have until it is gone.” – David

“As for losing my independence, isn’t that what God wants most for us as His children? God doesn’t want us to be independent. He wants us to be totally dependent on Him. Without Him, even men with perfect vision are blind.” – Rex

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! Especially recommended for readers who love learning about mines in the Old West, marriages of convenience, and dealing with pride and blindness.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 5

Sydney Schmied Books, February 5

Books Less Travelled, February 6

She Lives to Read, February 7

Devoted Steps, February 7

Book Looks by Lisa, February 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 9

Lyssa Loves Books, February 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

lakesidelivingsite, February 11

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

Bizwings Blog, February 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Cover Lover Book Review, February 16

Holly’s Book Corner, February 17

Devoted To Hope, February 17

Pause for Tales, February 18

Simple Harvest Reads, February 18 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica 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/QhNDV/before-the-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Purchase

No Plan at All by Denise M. Colby

November 30, 2025 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: No Plan at All

Series: Best Laid Plans #3

Author: Denise M. Colby

Publisher: Scrivenings Press

Released: November 4, 2025

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned.

Sarah Anne Baker never wanted to be anyone’s burden. But hours after losing the Godmother who raised her, she faces an impossible choice: marry her late fiancé’s brother—or flee into the unknown. With fear as her only companion, she places her trust in the one man leaving town that night—the enigmatic traveling peddler known only as Mr. Smith.

Alexander Sinclair walked away from his noble title in Scotland to live a quiet, hidden life. Peddling wares from town to town has given him peace, free from the weight of expectation. Until a desperate young woman crosses his path. He can’t turn her away… no matter the cost.

Together, Sarah and Alex set out on a journey through loss, healing, and a bond neither expected to find. But as secrets surface and choices demand to be made, both must decide: cling to the lives they planned—or risk everything to embrace the future God has written for them.

A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever.

About the Author

Passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels—Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800s.

An avid journal writer, Denise usually can be found with a pen and notepad whenever she’s reading God’s word. Each year, Denise chooses a word to focus on. She shares her learnings about that word throughout the year on the two blogs she writes for.

A wife for thirty years and mother to three boys and daughter-in-love, Denise loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80s and musical songs, dance, and spend date nights with her husband.

Writing Historical Christian Romance novels combines her love of learning about history and reading. Visit Denise’s website to sign up for her newsletter or connect with her on her social media.

https://denisemcolby.com/

Also available:

My Impressions:

“…they needed to piece together some sort of plan they both could accept.”

No Plan at At All is a fun historical romance by Denise M. Colby. Young Sarah hitches a ride with a traveling peddler, Alex Smith, in a last- ditch effort to avoid a marriage to a man she doesn’t love.

With no plan in place at all, but simply to escape that unwanted life, Sarah unknowingly puts poor Alex (and herself)in a very compromising position. Two young unmarried persons traveling together.

Sarah finds a way to make herself indispensable to Alex, while still staying out of sight. Their journey is fraught with fear of discovery, constant illness, and a gradual attraction that develops, though secrets unknown will keep the two from being able to act on their feelings.

Alma, a fave secondary character, is a much -needed friendly mother-type figure for Sarah. When Sarah relays her true feelings to the sweet older lady, Alma sagely tells her, “What you feel is real. Sometimes we can’t control the feelings, but we can ask the Lord to help guide our actions.”

I wasn’t sure at first what to think of Will, Sarah’s brother. He certainly is an example someone whose actions may or may not be as interpreted. I did like one piece of advice Will had for his sister:

“Praying is a practice everyone needs to put into motion. You have to work at it. It doesn’t happen automatically. And you have to keep at it.” Always a good reminder!

Tropes of hidden identity and forced proximity together with faith nuggets and historical romance flavored with Scottish influence, make this a fun story. I did keep looking for a wandering rooster, to no avail!

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

Notable Quotables:

“In the daylight everything was exposed. More pronounced. The sun shone on things that were easy to hide in the dark.”

“You know how the people of the world see things. The perception is much worse than the actual reality.”

“But I also trust God to provide. His ways are better than me own. I can’t go out in the world fearful of things going wrong.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! A very fun story with some great lessons!

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase, Wild Heart Books

Maggie and the Maverick by Erica Vetsch Review and Giveaway

November 14, 2025 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Maggie and the Maverick

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 13, 2025

A jaded lady marshal and a stage driver with a past—bound by duty, tested by lies, and drawn to a love that could change everything.

A wary lady marshal and a reformed stage driver—entangled by secrets, shadowed by danger, and tempted by a love neither dared to trust.

U.S. Marshal Maggie Davis has learned the hard way not to trust men with charming smiles and winning ways. Her reticence makes her the perfect undercover investigator for a string of daring stage robberies. When the case leads her to stay with a local family, she finds herself drawn to Cal McConnell, the handsome stage driver who could either be her greatest ally or her prime suspect.

Cal has worked hard to put his wild past behind him and build an honest life as a stage driver. When a mysterious new lady comes to town selling ladies’ garments, he’s instantly captivated by her beauty and fierce independence. But as stage robberies escalate and murder enters the picture, Cal must decide if he can trust this woman who seems determined to keep him at arm’s length—even as his heart tells him she could be the one.

When the line between truth and deception blurs, will they cling to caution—or risk everything for something real?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetschloves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

Did you ever watch the movie Stagecoach? The movie that launched John Wayne’s career? My father introduced me to the movie when I was young, and that sparked my interest in westward expansion, cowboys, and stagecoaches.

When I was a teen, I read a book called Six Horse Hitch, by author Janice Holt Giles. In the book, she goes into all the details of stagecoach driving, stations across the west, the coaches, the passengers, the US mail delivery, and more. I was enthralled.

Stagecoach drivers (sometimes called Jehus) were a breed apart. Brave, resilient, and bold. Heroic.

Which meant, when I became an author, I wanted to create a hero who was a stagecoach driver. Enter Cal McConnell in Maggie and the Maverick. He’s the third of three sons, with a dry humor, and a bit of a jaded outlook on life.

Truthfully, I patterned him after Heath Barkley, a character on the 1960’s TV show, The Big Valley, played by Lee Majors. Even down to the light brown/dark blond hair and blue eyes.

One thing that is important when writing romance is to ensure that the heroine is worthy of the hero and vice versa. So I imagined what kind of a woman would be a great life partner for Cal. She would have to be spunky, smart, and compassionate.

Maggie Davis, an undercover agent, fit the bill. Her guise was that of a ladies’ unmentionables saleswoman, and that job leads to a memorable encounter upon meeting Cal for the first time.

I’m so thankful that Maggie and the Maverick is getting a new release out into the world through Wild Heart Books. I hope that you enjoy this rollicking western with a stage driving hero and undercover agent heroine.

My Impressions

“Agents who worked secretly for the U. S. Marshal’s office couldn’t afford to let anyone that close. Which made Maggie the perfect candidate for this type work. She didn’t trust anyone anyway.”

Erica Vetsch has re-released her series The Brides of Money Creek, as part of The Brides of the West series with Wild Heart Books. Maggie and the Maverick is the third book in the Brides of Money Creek sub-series.

A historical romantic fiction novel set in the Old West, Maggie and the Maverick has a bit of an unusual premise. The stage has been robbed multiple times near Silver Creek, and US Marshalls are secretly sent in to discover who the thieves are. One undercover Marshall is Maggie Davis, who is to ride the stage back and forth, posing as a salesperson for ladies’ unmentionables. A very amusing incident occurs as Maggie meets our hero, stage driver Cal McConnell for the first time.

Both Maggie and Cal have had very hard knocks in life that have caused them to be slow to trust. As Cal realizes, “Trust is built up slow.” If only he knew just how slow!

While both try to guard their hearts, what will happen when they both prove untrustworthy? It’s like hearing the Oregon Trail disaster music playing, this time not only for any romance between Cal and Maggie, but for their bruised hearts as well.

Fave secondary characters are Georgia, Jack, and Angus. Georgia for her loyalty and willingness to listen to people who have messed up. Jack, because he’s not very brave or confident, yet he’s a wild card. Who will he help when the chips are down? He’s a great catalyst to story action. And Angus. Stinkin’ drunk, no- good, tavern vermin Angus. Maybe no one is beyond redemption.

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:

“It’s been my experience that people who are suspicious of everybody are usually hiding something.” – Cal

“I’ve been paying lip-service to trusting God and not being afraid of what men can do to me, then turning back to do things my way.” – Maggie

“I don’t think Cal will survive much more of you doing your job.” – Alec

“Her experience told her once a scoundrel always a scoundrel, and it was the ones who pretended to change that needed watching the most.” – (Maggie)

“She played you like a fiddle, and you danced like a trained bear.”– Powers

“Both of them taught us how much we needed God’s love and forgiveness.” – Cal

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great! Fun historical romance set in the Old West.

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, November 11

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

Lyssa Loves Books, November 12

Fiction Book Lover, November 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, November 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 15

For Him and My Family, November 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 16

Devoted To Hope, November 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 17

Artistic Nobody, November 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, November 18

lakesidelivingsite, November 18

Simple Harvest Reads, November 19 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Book Looks by Lisa, November 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 21

The Mommies Reviews, November 21

Cover Lover Book Review, November 22

Blossoms and Blessings, November 23

Holly’s Book Corner, November 23

Vicky Sluiter, November 24

Pause for Tales, November 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica 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://promosimple.com/ps/3d59d/maggie-and-the-maverick-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Love Inspired, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks Review and Givaway

October 9, 2025 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Escaping the Wilderness
Author: Carrie Stuart Parks
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

On the run through the mountains—
with only each other to trust.

Amanda Cotton’s privileged life takes a harrowing turn when her grandfather’s dying wish places a target firmly on her back and she’s attacked by unknown assailants. Rescue comes in the form of widowed outdoorsman Boone McGregor, but the threat is just beginning. Unable to trust local law enforcement, they flee across the rugged Montana mountains. As they evade deadly enemies and navigate harsh terrain, they must put aside their differences to survive. But when a family secret is exposed, danger is closer than they imagined and more than just their lives is at stake…

Also Available

About the Author

arrie Stuart Parks is an internationally known forensic artist and law enforcement instructor, working on major criminal cases nationwide. She trains law enforcement professionals such as the FBI, Secret Service, NCIS, Federal Marshals, RCMP, Texas Rangers, and local and regional officers. She was nominated for Law Enforcement Trainer of the Year offered by the Federal Law Enforcement Academy at Glynco, Georgia. Her career highlights also include winning Woman of the Year for the Spirit of the American Woman and the first Educator of the Year by the Lewis Clark Alumni.Her bestselling mystery/suspense novels have won numerous awards including two Christys and four Carols. She was mentored by her friend Frank Peretti for eight years before launching her fiction writing career. Before that, she wrote and illustrated best-selling art books for North Light Publishers. As a professional fine artist, her paintings hang in many corporate and private collections.

Connect with Carrie by visiting stuartparks.com/carrie-stuart-parks-home-page to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

My Impressions

“I’m also sending you the Bible I bought with the passages marked. I really need to change what’s between us and make things right, one way or the other. This deception can’t continue. If all else fails, I’ll send you the key.”

Amanda Morton’s deceased mother has left a cryptic letter to her father, Amanda’s grandfather. Carrie Parks Stuart sets her Love Inspired romantic suspense, Escaping the Wilderness, in a remote, mountainous area of Montana. Amanda’s mother, before her death, is largely absent in Amanda’s life. Amanda’s caring grandfather has given her the “assignment” to go off grid with some of her mother’s belongings and write what she discovers about her mother. She is told to “get to know my mother through my heart, not my head.”

Unfortunately, Amanda barely starts on this adventure before she is physically attacked, and her rental house and her mother’s belongings are destroyed by ruthless men. Boone MacGregor gets involved when he sees the original attack on Amanda. Thinking he will quickly get her to safety, it is soon evident that safety is hard to come by. Helicopters, drones, snowstorms, a fire, and much more all point to the fact that Amanda is hiding something. Yet, Amanda herself doesn’t know what she possesses that would be worth igniting this maelstrom of disaster.

It took me a while to become invested in these characters. I remained fairly detached until about midway through the book. Then it seemed the action kicked into urgent overdrive ( because it already was intense) and I finally cared very much about Amanda and Boone. I followed their progress closely as they had to decide who to trust, and if his simple rancher’s world can meld with her high society world, enough to even work together. “They were worlds apart. When they got out of this, could he fit into her world? Would she fit into his?”

Cookie, Boone’s Bernese Mountain dog, is a force that unites them. She is a poignant, beautiful part of the story sure to appeal to any dog lovers.

At first, faith is another area that drives a wedge between the two. Boone is a firm believer in prayer, Amanda has rejected it after her prayers for several people go “ unanswered.” Boone is not afraid to pray aloud. When Amanda dubs him religious, Boone responds, “Religion is man’s response to the Creator. I have faith in the completed works of Jesus Christ. There’s a difference.” That starts Amanda thinking, as she watches Boone’s care and prayers for her as they have several enemy encounters.

I am not going to hang up my detective shingle yet. I thought I knew who was the mastermind early on, but there are so many moving parts and people that the truth gets hidden! And the twists! I got whiplash, for sure!! Well done, Ms. Parks.

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:

“Sometimes family secrets take on a life of their own,” -Boone

“Even the kindest, most thoughtful and loving people can have a side we never see.” -Boone

“I truly believe everything happens for a reason, though I may not know, nor ever know that reason. I just have to trust the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, will work things out.” – Colleen

“Trust was a fragile thing, easily shattered,” – Amanda

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! As a first-time Carrie Stuart Parks reader, I’ll be back for more!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a small, original watercolor by author & professional fine artist Carrie Stuart Parks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 2025. 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

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

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

Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson Review and Giveaway

October 3, 2025 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Mistletoe and Mayhem (The Little Red Truck Mysteries: Book Three)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction/Christmas

Release Date: September, 2025

A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

More from Janice

In the mid-90s, as my children and I drove up to the Mabank area from our home in Houston, we saw smoke off in the distance. The closer we got to my mother and stepfather’s acreage—sixty-three gorgeous acres of cattle land—the thicker the smoke got.

When we arrived on Mom’s street the reality of what faced us was unavoidable. The property across the road, to our left, was in a roaring blaze, flames moving so fast my car could barely get past them on the narrow country road.

We miraculously made it to Mom’s driveway and went inside her home, hearts racing. In that moment, a decision was made to gather in a circle and pray. We offered up a passionate plea for the Lord’s protection then rushed outside to grab hoses to help water everything down.

As I sat to write Mistletoe and Mayhem, my latest cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, I was faced with the memories of this terrifying trip. Just as you read in this story, firefighters got that massive blaze stopped, right at the edge of her property. And I can tell you as a first-hand witness that not a spark landed on any of us. Whenever I reflect on this event I’m reminded of God’s ultimate faithfulness. He spared us from certain catastrophe.

I can assure you, we as a family never forgot the mercy and grace of God as we faced our Isaiah 43 moment. No doubt you’ve been through a few fires, too. Fear not. The Lord is right there, ready to carry you through. You can trust Him, even in the fiery trials of life.

Blessings on you all,

Janice Thompson

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1b-3

My Impressions

ISAIAH 43:1–3

Outside the small Texas town of Mabank, RaeLyn Hadley’s life dream of the perfect ranch wedding is about to come true. So we discover in Janice Thompson’s cozy mystery, Mistletoe and Mayhem, #3 The Little Red Truck Mysteries. These books are all quick, rather amusing reads. I would suggest reading them in order to get the best feel for the series and characters. Several secondary and tertiary characters are repeats from the first two books, and I got a clearer picture of them. In fact, the bride-to-be and main character-sleuth is beginning to rub off on me. Just as RaeLyn has an “infamous spreadsheet” for every wedding detail she’s planned, my spreadsheet would show which characters I now put into categories of “like,” “love,” ”don’t like,” or “wish they would change this trait.”

As the wedding approaches, RaeLyn wonders if fiancé Mason is getting cold feet. Their usual communication and time together is tanking. Uh-oh.

I loved every minute we get to see Aunt Bessie Mae. As unique as her name, she is a blessing and a veritable matriarch of the family, though she has no children.

I did want to give RaeLyn’s mom a good shaking. A parent needs to be willing to let her children mature and fly the coop. Yet RaeLyn’s mom is grasping each grown child by their tail feathers as they strive to make an independent life for themselves. I thought she would create her own Hades on earth! in her efforts to keep anything from changing.

Even this quiet little town has its share of greed, big corporations, rumors, and disasters. And of course, RaeLyn is neck-deep in it all the week of her wedding, when disaster strikes. Will the ranch survive? The wedding take place?

Miraculously, through it all, RaeLyn manages to look out for others. She has a heart as big as Texas for her ever-expanding family. She encourages her blacklisted sister-in-law. “God redeems every situation, if we let Him. And clearly, you’ve let Him. Now He’s given you the desires of your heart.”

Despite the turmoil and the search for an instigator, RaeLyn clings to her faith. She knows that is how they will all overcome the difficulties. “And pray… That’s the best gift you can give us right now. Pray.”

For those who like cozies with a bit of Texas Blue Bell ice cream, small ranches, changing families, and faith, this is a series to be enjoyed.

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

Notable Quotables:

“But there was coming a day when all would be made right.”

“A hug could solve a thousand problems,”

[my personal fave quote, next to Isaiah 43]

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! A clean, faith-based cozy set in Texas.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 5

Texas Book-aholic, October 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7

For Him and My Family, October 8

Blossoms and Blessings, October 9 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 9

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 11

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Bizwings Book Blog, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 15

Labor Not in Vain, October 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away 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://promosimple.com/ps/3d26a/mistletoe-and-mayhem-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Purchase

Cruise to Death by Sarah L. Jameson

August 14, 2025 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Cruise to Death

Author: Sara L. Jameson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2021

When opera singer Riley Williams agrees to sub as a musical-theater performer on a luxury Rhine/Moselle riverboat cruise, she gets more than she bargained for. Not only must she come up with 250 Broadway songs, she is required to dance with the male passengers. Dance—the subject she nearly failed in her Conservatory courses, and the cause of her recent flop in a European Opera House. To make matters worse, she overhears two terrorists at a café in Antwerp, Belgium, discussing the transfer of deadly agent X to the highest bioterrorist bidders.

Interpol agent Jacob Coulter, an anti-terrorism desk analyst in Brussels, Belgium, insists on serving as an undercover agent after his best friend Noel is murdered by terrorists from the Brussels cell he infiltrates. Shortly before Noel dies, he manages to tell Jacob snippets of the terrorists’ plans. Plans that seem to involve the same riverboat cruise Riley is on. When Interpol learns of Riley’s encounter with terrorists, Jacob’s supervisor insists he work with her to identify the terrorists and retrieve agent X. But their relationship is fraught with distrust because of Riley’s suspicious past and a romantic attraction neither of them wants.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sara L. Jameson won Scrivenings Press’s grand prize publishing contract in January 2021. They released her debut romantic suspense novel, Cruise to Death, in June 2021. Death in High Places, (Book 2 in the Troubled Waters series), released February 2023, followed by Vengeance in Vienna, July 2024.

In real life, Sara is a multi-published, former university professor who writes non-fiction under her real name and edits book manuscripts for other authors. She also pens WWII historical novels. When not at her computer, she enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, dog-sitting, and spending time with friends.

More from Sara

For someone who loves to swim and enjoys cruising on a ship as long as land is in sight, a European riverboat cruise solved my anxiety. Cruise to Death was conceived during a Uniworld cruise that originated in Antwerp, Belgium, where my family had lived twenty-fives years prior and fallen in love with the country.

But the lack of security on the cruise concerned me. Especially when our ship docked parallel to another cruise line, and all passengers passed through the other boat to disembark and re-embark without staff scrutiny. Perfect place for someone not on your cruise to hide, right?

Perfect fodder for a romantic suspense novel. Add in a pickpocket who craftily robbed a family member, and a budding novelist determined the crime wouldn’t go unremembered. You know those writers’ T-shirts warning you whatever you say and do might end up in a novel—sometimes it’s true.

Part of the fun writing this story was a chance to retrace the stops along the Rhine and Moselle rivers and stay in settings that appear in the novel. If you have a chance to take a riverboat cruise, I highly recommend it!

My Impressions

“Yes, she’d lied. Something she’d been brought up not to do, something she knew was wrong. A sin she’d have to bring before the Lord. But she’d do anything to protect Jacob.”

I enjoyed this light, romantic suspense novel by Sarah L. Jameson. Cruise to Death explores the betrayal of an Interpol agent and his best friend, Jacob’s, vow to find the leaked link. It also explores the experience of an opera singer, Riley, who subsequently for her sick friend on a European river cruise. Unfortunately, Riley overheard a terrorist plot and spends the cruise trying to help Jacob and Interpol uncover the terrorists. Terrorists suspects are great at disguise, and tensions are high as nearly all passengers on the cruise are closely monitored. Evidence suggests that Riley may be part of the plot. If safety precautions are in short supply, so is the trust factor. Will Riley and Jacob figure out who can be trusted? Better yet, will they put trust in God above their promises to themselves?

I was happy to see Jacob working in his cover professional as waiter. Jameson convincingly has him on job often, as well as portraying Riley onstage singing or (ouch!) dancing. So often in cozies, the main characters forget their jobs in favor of sleuthing.

I enjoyed the many pop culture references to TV shows and stars. One such involved a true quote we can all learn from: “Lone Rangers didn’t win the war, teamwork did. Teamwork between the military and civilians. Female civilians.” This is Riley’s response when Jacob tries to leave her out of sleuthing. We can all learn to accept help, rather than trying to go it alone.

Full of non-stop action, suspects, suspicions, danger, twists, and some truth revelations, Cruise to Death is an enjoyable read.

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:

“One thing you learn as a singer—never play the what if game.”– Riley

“Relationships are built on trust.” “And forgiveness.” -Riley, Jacob

“All her life she’d done what she wanted to do, what others wanted her to do. Not once had she asked God what He wanted for her.”

“Everyone needed a rescuer.” – Riley

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Excellent! I’m happy to recommend this suspense novel.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , August 14

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 15

Stories By Gina, August 16 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 23

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 24

Guild Master, August 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 26

Fiction Book Lover, August 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54278

BLOG, Just Read Tours, Kindle, New Author, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells Review and Giveaway

July 17, 2025 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog Tour for What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: What Brings Us Joy
Series: The Truitts of Texas #1
Author: Teresa Wells
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

1895: After losing their Georgia home, eighteen-year-old Delia Truitt and her family move to Blooming Grove, Texas, to work for a relative on a ramshackle farm. Set on helping her family dig out of their impoverished circumstances, she plans to open a dressmaker’s shop, combining her sewing skills and her keen fashion sense. But owning a business takes money she doesn’t have.

Unless she can finish her quilt in time to enter the county fair. The prize money would be just enough to open her shop. Determined and resourceful, Delia sets her sights on success—until her heart takes an unexpected detour when she meets handsome Clarence Parker.

Bent on respectability, Clarence refuses to let his past get in the way of his future happiness, especially after falling for spirited Delia Truitt. But his hopes shatter when headlines declare members of his former gang have broken out of jail and are heading his way, set on revenge. Though Clarence doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws, he fears his future with Delia is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together.

Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

About the Author

A former teacher and librarian, Teresa Wells treasures a story threaded with redemption and hope. She loves people, history, and studying the Bible. Teresa is a member of Novel Academy and American Christian Fiction Writers Association, where she volunteers behind the scenes. She lives with her family outside of Dallas, Texas. What Brings Us Joy is her first novel.

Connect with Teresa by visiting teresawells.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Impressions

“There is nothing of worth apart from God. We were made to fear Him and keep His commandments. Apart from Him, we are nothing.”

I enjoyed this historical romance by new author Teresa Wells. A story of two individuals’ dreams, the novel is woven around the setting of a small Texas town just before the turn of the twentieth century. Each chapter starts with a quotation regarding “crazy quilts” a popular fad among women from about 1875-1900.

Delia Truitt’s family has been forced to leave their Georgia home and rely on the goodness of her father’s brother. Unfortunately, the job and home he offers them give little hope to the newcomers. Delia is independent and progressive. She may not be the best homemaker, but she has a wonderful ability to sew, and uses it to make crazy quilts. They are, as she tells her new beau Clarence, her identity.

Clarence Parker, meanwhile, has a background that he is forced to share with Delia’s family as he asks to court her. As Clarence explains more to Delia about his change of lifestyle, he says, “‘He said God could redeem my past.’ He stopped pacing and faced her. ‘Even though I can’t go back and change things, I can move forward in the right direction.’” Clarence, conscience clear, begins to dream of owning the hardware and carriage store, plus a wife and family.

Every good romance needs a meddler of some kind, right? There are a couple in this book, and one elicits my severe dislike. Why are her machinations not obvious sooner to the other characters?

Besides the romance progression, and dreams starting to fall in place for Delia and Clarence, we get to meet their families and see individual relationships. I really enjoyed meeting Delia’s sister and brothers. Delia’s parents are very caring and encouraging, though her mother is not a fan of her art.

Clarence’s family has had a tougher time. We meet Sallie, who befriends Delia, but there are underlying problems in this family rear their heads. One of Clarence’s early decisions has had repercussions that are lasting and divisive. Will the family ever heal from this? What about the baggage that Clarence carries?

Topics of truth, forgiveness, listening to God, and extending grace to others are sewn into the story’s fabric.

I recommend this book to historical romantic fiction fans and those who enjoy tales of old Texas. I received a copy of the book from JustReadTours. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“There’s joy in following the path he’s laid before us. God uses willing people, no matter what the task. He’ll put my talent to use, no matter where He sends me.” – Eleanor Baskin

“Independence is a powerful drug, Delia. It can be life-giving, and it can be lethal.”- Clarence

“Sometimes we must walk a hard road before we find joy. And sometimes, hard roads must be walked, whether or not joy awaited.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! I’ll be looking for more in this saga of The Truitts of Texas!

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a print copy of What Brings Us Joy, and items related to the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 21, 2025. Winners 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

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

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

The Aftermath by Tamera Lynn Kraft

June 21, 2025June 28, 2025 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: THE AFTERMATH: Ladies of Oberlin Book 3

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre: Historical

Release Date: February 1, 2025

Betsy loves her husband, Nate, but losing his leg in the Civil War has changed him. He never touched alcohol before the war, but now he’s turning into a drunk. She doesn’t know how to help him, but to save their marriage, she’s going to do everything she can. If only she can figure out how.

Tormented by the loss of his leg, Nate feels worthless. His drinking only makes things worse, but he can’t stop. It’s only a matter of time before he drives Betsy away. Why did God allow this to happen? What does he owe God now, after this betrayal?

Nate’s anger and bitterness are building a wall that neither he nor Betsy can break down of climb over. Only God can help them, but Nate is no longer on speaking terms with the Lord. Is there any hope for them?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

In her spare time, Tamera Lynn Kraftloves to watch classic movies, drink quality teas, and ride on roller coasters, but not while drinking tea. She does drink tea while writing and working as managing editor for Mt Zion Ridge Press, a traditional Christian publishing company. She has always loved adventures and loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. Forks in the Road, The Aftermath, Lost in the Storm, Red Sky Over America, Anna’s Christmas Promise, Alice’s Notions, and Resurrection of Hope are among her published works, some of which have won awards.

Tamera has been married for a very long time to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and the most adorable and smartest grandchildren in the world. She was a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is now the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors and coaches children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She has written children’s church curriculum including Building Foundations and is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

More from Tamera

Oberlin College: Ahead of Its Time

(Insert books picture) All three of my Ladies of Oberlin books feature women who graduated from Oberlin College shortly before the Civil War. Oberlin College, founded in 1833 in Northern Ohio, was a college ahead of its time in many ways. In 1835, it became the first college in the United States to regularly admit African Americans. It’s also the oldest co-educational college in the US. In 1837, it admitted four women, three of whom graduated and earned a college degree. Mary Jane Patterson, another Oberlin graduate, became the first African American woman in 1862 to earn a Bachelor of Arts college degree.

One of Oberlin’s founders once bragged that “Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good”. Oberlin was peculiar in many ways in advancing the causes of the time. Charles Finney, the second president of the college, helped it earn its controversial reputation. He was the founder of the Second Great Awakening, a Christian revivalist movement in the early and mid 1800s.

Oberlin College was the hotbed of abolitionist activity and a stop for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. It was once called “the town that started the Civil War” because of its participation in the Oberlin Wellington Rescue in 1858. Slave catchers came to Oberlin to capture an escaped slave and return him to Kentucky. Most of the town came to the slave’s aid and rescued him. For their trouble, over twenty were arrested and put on trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. During the raid on Harper’s Ferry by John Brown, three men from Oberlin participated.

(Insert arch picture) Oberlin graduates have been involved in all of the movements of the late 1800s including abolition, women’s suffrage, the suffrage movement, and education as well as many charities and helped shape the nation for the twentieth century.

Oberlin was also very well known in the missionary movement of the late 1800s. Between 1860 and 1900, 90% of missionaries sent overseas by the American Missionary Society were graduates of Oberlin College. Between 1899 and 1901, thirteen missionaries from Oberlin were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion of China. An arch in Tappan Square at the center of Oberlin pays honor to their sacrifices.

My Impressions

“Lord, I don’t want Your bright light shining on me. Let me stay in the shadows.”

What an odd quote to pick to represent this post-Civil War novel by Tamera Lynn Kraft! Yet, I feel like it and a few others I’ll mention hit home at the heart of this emotionally difficult-to-read book, The Aftermath, book 3 of The Ladies of Oberlin series. The Aftermath stands well on its own.

What makes The Aftermath hard to read is watching one of the two main characters, Nate Teagan, as he struggles to come to grips with his leg amputation during the War. Feeling like half a man, battling society’s prejudices against people who are less than “whole,” any rejection Nate receives becomes an impediment to his dream of being a lawyer. Nate is unwilling to rely on anyone other than himself. Cage also tries hard to reason with Nate, but finally says, “Your problem isn’t your missing leg. Your problem is with God.”

We continue to watch Nate battle his growing addiction to the whiskey bottle and his mounting refusal to turn to the Lord, Who allowed him to lose his leg.

As we view life from Nate’s angle, we also see it from his godly wife, Betsy’s purview. She becomes more and more involved in the Temperance movement, to eventual Nate’s great embarrassment and shame. As Nate’s personality changes from God-fearing to drink-obsessed, Betsy has reason to fear for her and her children’s safety. Fortunately, Betsy has some wise friends, Cage and Lavena, who are a tremendous help, and a new friend, Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Anderson has a story similar to Betsy’s and she gives her advice Betsy hasn’t considered, plus tells her, “Things would get worse before they got better.” Yikes!!

What will it take for Nate to come to the end of himself and finally be willing to turn to God to help? “Trying isn’t enough. Unless you surrender this to God, you’ll fail. He’s the only one who can help you through it.”

I loved seeing friends Cage and Lavena working through struggles of their own. The writing style was a little preachy to me, and I wanted the characters to have a little more dimension. But by the end of the book, I was fully immersed, wondering if I were in Betsy’s place, would my marriage survive? If I were in Nate’s place, how low would I sink?

My fave secondary character is Johnnie. Life is much less than fair for him, yet he, who originally needs Nate’s help, becomes a helper. Loved seeing this relationship come full-circle!!

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:

“Quoting that scripture and prayer are good ways to start, but that doesn’t mean everything will work out the way we hope. All we can do is trust the God who gives hope to fill us with His peace.” – Betsy

“…but only the Lord can change people’s hearts. We can be His servants and do His will, but we can’t change people. That’s the Holy Spirit’s role.” – Mrs. Adams

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great! May be hard-to-read because of emotional turmoil and reality of situations involving depressed, drinking spouse.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 21

Simple Harvest Reads, June 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 23

Holly’s Book Corner, June 24

Artistic Nobody, June 25 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, June 25

Guild Master, June 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 27

Fiction Book Lover, June 28 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, June 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 1

Bizwings Book Blog, July 2

Cover Lover Book Review, July 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54241

BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, Misty M Beller Books, Purchase

Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy by Misty M. Beller Review and Giveaway

May 30, 2025June 13, 2025 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 29, 2025

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Sampson Coulter is determined to undo his disastrous mistake that is jeopardizing his family’s future. Now he’s deeply embedded in the corrupt mining empire of the ruthless Mick McPharland, and has earned the trust of Jedidiah, the brutal right-hand man. The threat reaches much farther than his own family, and he knows he must dismantle the operation from within…or die trying.

Grieving the loss of her mother, Jewel Hampton is shocked to discover a newborn baby on her doorstep. When she seeks help from her father, Jedidiah, she never imagines he’ll force her to marry Sampson Coulter, the kind man who only gave her a ride to town. Though her father has always been willing to pass her off, at least she has Sampson’s promise to protect her and the baby. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the most handsome man she’s ever seen.

Marrying Jedidiah’s daughter adds an impossible complication to Sampson’s mission. It seems he can’t have it all—redemption for himself, justice for the victims of the corruption, protection for the innocent…and a life with the woman and babe he’s coming to love.From a USA Today bestselling author comes the gripping series finale filled with high-stakes danger, a marriage of convenience, an instant family, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Belleris a USA Todaybestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to share the finale of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series with you! This is Sampson’s story, the black sheep of the family. I thought it might be fun to give you a taste of one of my favorite scenes in the book:

***

Sampson eyed the woman he’d been told to marry. “I’d feel better if you and Ruby weren’t at the mercy of your father. I’d rather give you my name and make sure you have a nice place to live—a safe place. I’ll make sure you want for nothing.” She studied him with furrowed brow. He let his eyes plead with her as he said this last part. “Please consider it. For Ruby’s sake, if nothing else.”

Her expression didn’t change, she simply…stared at him. What thoughts churned in that mind of hers? Did she believe him?

Or did she think he was on her father’s side, trying to manipulate her into giving him control?

Show her the truth, Lord.

At last, her mouth parted as she prepared to speak. Her voice came out hesitant. “Would you expect to…live with us? Like a real husband?”

He shook his head, fighting off the burn in his cheeks at what she really asked. “You can live wherever you like. My family has a ranch a day’s ride from here. You’re welcome to move in there. Or if you want to be on your own, near a town, we’ll find a place you like.” He forced himself to meet her gaze again. They had to be honest with each, and he couldn’t let embarrassment get in the way of anything she needed to ask. “I won’t expect anything from you. Nothing like in a usual marriage.”

Her shoulders sagged a little, as if in relief. But a small furrow remained between her brows. “Why are you doing this? Why would you willingly burden yourself with us?”

He let himself consider her question. Why didhe want her to say yes so much? He didn’t owe her anything. She was the daughter of his enemy—kin to the man who stole a year’s worth of sapphires from his family.

But this woman was different. Nothing like Jedidiah. And for some reason, he craved to keep her safe. To protect her from the evil who’d sired her. She didn’t deserve to be at that man’s mercy. Nor did the sweet child.

Sampson could help her so easily. Not only did he have money from his share of the sapphires, which he’d saved for years, he also had his pay from McPharland.

He swallowed as he tried to put all this into words. “I can help you.” His voice graveled with how much he wanted to do that. And then he let himself say the real truth. “And maybe in helping you, I can make up for my own mistakes.”

***

I pray you love Sampson and Grace’s story in Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy!

Blessings!

Misty

My Impressions

“Once they arrived, she’d be back under her father’s protection. The thought almost made him spit. Jedidiah was no protector. He was a bully. A lunatic. A man without a soul.”

I’ve been waiting for this conclusion to the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch by Misty M. Beller, for a while! Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy is Sampson Coulter ‘s story. Sampson is the Coulter brother that has gone AWOL from the family compound to work for the enemy, Mick McPharland, in his mines. None of the Coulters can understand why, nor why Sampson has refused their efforts to bring him home, out of that extremely dangerous situation. Both Mick and his foreman, Jedidiah, are known for their evil, cruel ways.

When Sampson is out on a mission for Jedidiah, he meets a very young lady with a baby, out in the elements. She claims she is looking for her father and his protection. Only her father is Jedidiah. Having seen violent beatings and other crimes performed at the word of Jedidiah, something stirs within Sampson to provide protection for this poor, alone, young woman. Help that he is sure Jedidiah is not about to provide.

Finding out that Sampson has rescued his daughter, Grace, and baby Ruby, Jedidiah should be grateful. Instead, he forces Sampson and Grace to marry, yet pays no attention to his newly arrived daughter.

Knowing Jedidiah is up to no good, esp. aimed at the Coulters, Sampson walks into a bad situation.

When Sampson, determined to fix his past mistakes, finds himself in an impossible situation, he refuses to try to help Grace. He tells his brother,

“She needs someone better than me.”

To which his brother, wise beyond his years, replies, “You might be right about that. But you’re her husband. Your job now is to become the man she needs.”

“None of us are ever going to be good enough. Not on our own. That’s why we need God and each other, why we’re stronger together. You can’t do this alone, so it’s a good thing you came home.”- Miles

Grace, too, plays the independent card. If only she does this or that, she can fix the situation for Sampson and all the Coulters. After a while, I wanted to shake these two. They are surrounded by so many loving, accepting, warm, and forgiving people. Yet they insist on going it alone. It will take a lot for these two to realize Someone wants to be in on their plans, guiding their footsteps, and that He has given them lots of helpful family!

I only wished we could have had more of Miles’s story. I really liked a totally unexpected twist as the action gets hot. I will miss the Coulters, but fortunately, Ms. Beller is starting a new series, the Lords of the Rockies.

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:

“God loved them, from the very beginning. And He never stopped loving them, trying to reach them, even to the end. Yet He gives us free choice to accept His love or push it away.”