Tag: Christian

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Shiloh by Jennifer Lynn Cary Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Shilo: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Muddle (The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue: Book 7)

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy

Release Date: May 1, 2025

From Breck Girl to Hippie to Jesus People…

…It’s been a long journey back home

But can her heart truly find peace where it all began?

When free-spirit Shilo Anderson inherits two million dollars with an unexpected condition—marriage—she refuses to be bound by her grandfather’s will. Until her beloved aunt faces cancer with no insurance to cover chemotherapy.

She won’t marry for money for herself, but to save her aunt’s life? She’ll make that sacrifice in a heartbeat.

Maybe.

Jesse Franklin never forgot his first love. When her grandfather’s will brings Shilo back to their hometown, he discovers his love for her has only deepened with time. Offering to marry her to help save her aunt, no problem.

Keeping it a marriage of convenience, that might be a problem. More like impossible.

As their feelings grow stronger, Shilo faces her greatest fear: revealing the truth about her past decade. Can she make Jesse see she doesn’t belong on anyone’s pedestal?

Return to 1973 Kokomo, Indiana, where faith shapes the journey and the legend of the cardinal in the sycamore still proves true love endures all seasons.

You will enjoy this sweet, quirky tale of second chances, because sometimes the rough patches prepare us for the wildly wonderful.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author and three-time Selah Award nominee, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty-plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy, as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawland The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Her current spin-off series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue, contains standalones with a common thread.

More from Jennifer

The story for Shilo has been fermenting in my brain for a long time. I had always loved Neil Diamond’s song of the same title and could see his characters playing out their parts and thought what would happen if the girl came back after ten years?

However, what I didn’t catch was that Shilo in the song was a boy, an imaginary boy who’d been a friend to a lonely boy.

In my brain, I missed the importance of him turning to his only friend in his mind.

Instead, I had a little girl moving in next door—she was Shilo—and they went from being friends to first loves, but something called her away and though he understood, he called her name like before hoping she’d return.

Okay, so not what Neil Diamond had in mind, but it became Jesse’s back story.

Then I had to ask, what was so important that she had to leave? That’s when I remembered Breck Girls. Do you remember them?

There was a time as a child that I thought one of the Breck Girls on the back of a magazine was so beautiful, I said, “She’s prettier than Mom.”

I was quickly (verbally) chastised by my dad who made sure to inform me that no one was prettier than my mom. I never thought of it as an insult. My mom was the high standard for beauty, and for someone to be even prettier, they were definitely a looker. However, I learned to keep those types of opinions to myself if my Dad was around. Mom understood and didn’t take offense—in fact, as I meant it, she thought it was a compliment that I found her so pretty.

All that to say that Breck Girls were a part of my growing up years, into the seventies. I wondered how Breck Girls were chosen, and if Shilo could/should be one. I learned there’s even an exhibit at the Smithsonian dedicated to Breck Girls and those lovely pastel portraits.

So, when (my) Shilo told Jesse she had to go before he could tell her that he loved her, it was because she’d been chosen to be a Breck Girl. Now I had a framework to start building the story.

I hope that when you read Shilo: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Muddle, you will be transported back to 1973 with many of your own memories.

Abundant blessings,

Jenny

My Impressions

“A legend’s been handed down for many generations, some believe all the way from the Native American days, concerning the sycamore tree in our backyard and a cardinal. They say if a couple kisses beneath its branches, and a cardinal lights above them, then theirs is a true love destined for a long and happy marriage.”

Kokomo, here we come again! Shiloh by Jennifer Lynn Cary is the 7th book in the loosely connected series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. This series is a hoot! After this many books, how Cary keeps coming up with fresh 70s references that delight me and cause me to remember things like Kreske’s, is beyond me. The many time-related references kept me eagerly reading the story, just as the storyline did. 

Two former childhood friends, Shilo and Jesse, separated by 10 years of silence, are suddenly thrust back together by a will. Shiloh has returned to small-town Kokomo from California, to find her former dear friend much more serious, competitive, and spineless than ever. On the outside, Jesse is doing well, a successful lawyer at his grandfather’s firm. However, Jesse’s biggest fault may be that he no longer ventures out like when he followed adventurous Shilo, but rather kowtows to his totally overbearing, demanding grandfather. 

Shilo is everything that Jesse remembers. Beautiful, compassionate, and unafraid. Except… she now has joined the Jesus people and has a real relationship with Him, living her life differently because of her beliefs. 

Shiloh’s compassion leads to a marriage of convenience. While this marriage has benefits for both, both hold secrets that could destroy any renewed relationship Shilo and Jesse are attempting. As Shilo worries and informs Jesse, “‘if you put me on a pedestal, I’m going to disappoint you…you have to see me as I really am.’ ‘And what’s that?’ ‘A messed-up chick who God chased down and dragged out of a never-ending spiral.’”

This is one of those stories when I wanted to shout at the characters, “Communicate!” But how many times do doubts or fears of what others might think of us hold us back from saying things we know need to be said? These two are blessed to have forces like Aunt Sarah (“Just talk to each other. Always. It’ll make the difference, or at least be one thing that will.” ) and Viv in their lives. Maybe less blessed to have Grandfather and Eli! 

One quote that I loved, because it illustrates how quickly Shilo turns her problems to God. “‘What haven’t you told me, Jesse? Something I should know?’ Dread tasted like bile in her throat. Oh, she needed to get somewhere where she could pray and talk with Jesus.” THIS!! Because Shiloh’s first panic reaction is prayer!! How many times do we first attempt to reason things out, complain, discuss them with others, then finally turn to prayer as a last resort?

A sweet little 5-year-old recovering in the hospital is my third choice after Aunt Sarah and Viv for fave secondary characters. 

Next up in the series is Bernadette, which I am more than eager to read. These Kokomo 70s faith-filled romances are quite addicting!!

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

Notable Quotables:

“Their marriage wouldn’t be genuine until he saw her, the imperfect but redeemed ragamuffin, now a daughter of the King.” -(Shilo)

“Believing something doesn’t make it true. It’s true whether anyone believes it or not. Nothing changes the truth.” – Shilo

“God remained here with her. Even if Jesse let go of her hand, He never would.”

– (Shilo)

    “And when one gives up their backbone at an early age to please the one in power, it’s mighty difficult to grow another.” – (Jesse)

    My Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Magnificent! These characters are becoming so real with each successive book, you may find me searching Kokomo on my next visit for the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue!

    Blog Stops

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 15

    The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , November 15

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17

    A Reader’s Brain, November 18 (Author Interview)

    Texas Book-aholic, November 19

    A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 20 (Author Interview)

    For Him and My Family, November 21

    Books Less Travelled, November 22 (Author Interview)

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23

    Mary Hake, November 24

    The Mommies Reviews, November 24

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 25

    Roads to Everywhere, November 26

    Fiction Book Lover, November 27 (Author Interview)

    Pause for Tales, November 28

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Jennifer 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://promosimple.com/ps/3d5a5/shilo-celebration-tour-giveaway
    ARC, Barbour, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Kindle, NetGalley, Purchase

    Mistletoe and Mayhem by Janice Thompson Review and Giveaway

    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

    “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 43:1–3

    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

    ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, NetGalley, Purchase

    What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom Review

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Title: What the River Keeps

    Author: Cheryl Grey Bostrom

    Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

    Released: August 12, 2025

    Genre: Women’s Fiction (with notes of suspense, mystery, and a thriller)

    Back Cover Copy:
    Hildy Nybo is a successful biologist, her study of the Pacific Northwest’s wild fish both a passion and a career. But behind her professional brilliance, Hildy’s reclusive private life reflects a childhood fraught with uncertainty. Despite her father’s love and her mother’s sympathy, she grew up constantly losing even her most cherished belongings, unable to recall where she misplaced them. Haunted by the confusion of those early years, she now records her life in detailed diaries and clings tightly to memory-prompting keepsakes.

    Then her mother’s health fails, and Hildy accepts a job near her childhood home, joining a team of scientists who will help restore her beloved Elwha River after the demolition of two century-old dams. There Hildy settles into one of the cabins on her family’s rustic resort―a place she both loves and dreads, for reasons she can’t fully explain.

    When local artist Miranda Rimmer rents an adjacent cabin for her pottery studio, Hildy shrinks from such a close neighbor. But then Miranda’s carpenter brother, Luke, shows up to help with construction and captures Hildy’s attention. Now a few years beyond a tragedy that brought him to his knees, Luke recognizes a kindred soul in Hildy, and they build a relationship that dismantles the walls Hildy’s built to keep people out. As troubling pieces of the past surface, Hildy dares to wonder if she can banish the shadows that have burdened her and follow her river’s course to freedom. 


    Buy links:

    Amazon: https://a.co/d/cL9Epn2

    Amazon CA: https://a.co/d/4O1vP8e

    Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/4ak264kj

    Books-A-Million: https://tinyurl.com/4fn6p679

    Christianbook.com: https://tinyurl.com/42dwxrp9

    Bookshop.org : https://tinyurl.com/5xfy2dn5

    About the Author

    A keen student of the natural world and the workings of the human heart, Pacific Northwest author Cheryl Grey Bostrom captures the mystery and wonder of both in her lyrical, surprising fiction.

    Her novels Sugar Birds (Christy finalist, Amazon bestseller, and Book of the Year) and Leaning on Air have won more than two dozen industry honors, among which are Christianity Today’s Fiction Award of Merit and American Fiction, Reader’s Favorite, ACFW Carol, Nautilus, Best Book, IPPY, Foreword Indies, and International Book Awards. Kirkus Reviews named Cheryl’s newest work of contemporary women’s fiction, What the River Keeps, as a Best Indies Book of June 2025.

    An avid birder and nature photographer, Cheryl lives in rural Washington State with her husband and a pack of half-trained Gordon setters.

    My Impressions

    “‘There’s Love in that book. It’s a road map out of the dark.’ Out of her anxiety, too?”

    What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom is about a brilliant fish/river naturalist in the PNW who, due to childhood issues, could be considered an unreliable narrator. Hiding her true self from most people, Hildy limps solo through life, until the past comes calling and forces a return home. Will this change destroy her, or will she find the strength and courage to overcome fears of the past? Heart-wrenchingly beautiful! This book will tear you up and make you cry before it rebuilds your faith in humanity and God’s ability to take care of his precious chosen ones. 

    “They hush me, Daddy. Every fish I see.” At 10, Hildy is overwhelmed by the sense of the amazing, the obvious evidence of a great Creator God when she sees fish. Her father, a warm nurturer, encourages her to look for God in nature. However, her mother, quick to correct Hildy and obviously ashamed of what she deems as “quirkiness,” quickly shuts down Hildy’s searching nature. 

    Years later, we find Hildy as a brilliant fish biologist and river conservationist, but a person who has very few social skills and very definite oddities, stiff-arming most people. 

    I loved Junie and her hubby Otis who love the family and serve the family business selflessly. While they love unconditionally without judgement, Otis does tell Hildy, “‘You want to get free a those chains a yours? All that anxiety?’ Here we go again. ‘You know I do.’ ‘Then—‘ ’Stop, Otis. You’ve told me fifty times.’ Maybe not fifty, but while Fourth of July campers had settled into the resort’s quiet hours, he’d repeated himself so often she could hear him in her sleep: ‘Do some diggin’. Find the lie.’”

    Against incredible odds, when Hildy meets new cabin renter Miranda’s brother, Luke, a gradual rapport develops between the two. Luke’s had losses in the past, but he has learned to turn them over to God, so he can have the strength to move on. Hildy and Luke dance around a relationship, with Hildy’s issues rising up like a monolith dam to separate them. Luke wants to face Hildy’s stunting emotional issues with her- will she allow him that close? Will Hildy be able to accept that someone could love her wholeheartedly, and how will surprising revelations from her past affect or stall her growth? 

    Bostrom creates Hildy, a character so full of anxiety and fear for her own sanity, that I thought she’d be hard to relate to. Instead, I learned to love her deeply. I wonder how many other people may be out in our world, limping by on their self-made crutches when God wants to heal the source of the problem. 

    One of my top books of 2025!

    I received a copy of the book from the author and Tyndale Publishers. I also bought my own copy. No positive review is required, and all opinions are my own. 

    Notable Quotables:

    “That locust verse I promised to send you, different version: ‘I will give you back what you lost.’” – Luke

    “Some lies get handed down, become strongholds kids are raised with.” – Luke

    “That cabin’s a big old stove, darlin’, with stories still cookin’ inside…I trust those memories will make sense to you once they’re baked. Some will even be beautiful.”– Junie 

    “I’ve spent the better part of my life hiding the fact that I’m crazy, Luke. Crazy. If people knew what goes on in my head, I’d lose what little credibility I have.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Superior!! I just want to rise and give a standing ovation!

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

    Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Title: Hearts Aweigh

    Series: Love Overboard #2

    Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap

    Publisher: Kregel Publications

    Released: May 20, 2025

    This witty, heartfelt romance is an absolute treat for readers.”
    —Elly Gilbert, coauthor of Under the Blue Skies

    Cheeky septuagenarian matchmakers, the “Shippers” are on a mission to secure a dreamy Mr. Right for Abby O’Brien, a sunny, optimistic childcare worker for Monarch Cruises. She loves her job looking after the children of vacationing parents, but harbors one unfulfilled desire: to be a wife and a mother.

    With his shy five-year-old daughter in tow, divorced elitist lawyer Spencer Randolph Masterson has anything but romance in mind. His goal on the MS Buckingham is to persuade his mother, Daisy, to leave her ridiculous cruise ship lifestyle and return to New Orleans. But Daisy isn’t interested in life on land. Besides, she and her matchmaking posse have a marriage to arrange.

    When a secret from Daisy’s past surfaces and threats of blackmail start flying, the Shippers must protect their own while attempting to convince Spencer’s scarred heart to weigh anchor and boldly set sail for a future with Abby.

    “Inspirational romance readers will relish every cozy moment they spend with the Shippers!”
    —Bethany Turner, author of Cole and Laila Are Just Friends

    My Impressions

    “One voyage wasn’t long enough to fix the things that were wrong with this man.” 

    Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap is such a cute multi-generational rom-com!! The Shippers, 4 elderly ladies who practically live on the cruise ship, are back. (Yes, this is book 2 in the Love Overboard series. I felt like reading bk 1 first was helpful, but not entirely necessary to understand this one.) With one highly successful match under their belts, these fearsome ladies are ready to tackle victim ( I mean, client) number 2.    

    I love the Shippers! We get to know each of the four a little more on this cruise on the MS Buckingham. Daisy, the Southern, genteel lady of the group, has secrets that nobody knew. And this cruise brings her some big surprises. 

    I love that the Shipper’s target in this novel, Abby, a Kids Kingdom worker aboard ship, has asked for their help. “it’s lonely by myself. I’d rather have a partner. Someone to share things with. That guaranteed one person who’s always on my side. My best friend.” Of course, the Shippers eventually settle on stuffed shirt, workaholic lawyer Spencer as a possible match for Abby. Abby’s response is noted at the beginning of the blog!! 

    A sunshine vs. Mr. Grumpy, a “child-whisperer” vs. a father who has no idea how to be a real dad. Someone who adores Daisy vs. someone who definitely does NOT!! How can this match ever work? And so begins a very trying back-and-forth, unpredictable romance. Will it be or won’t it? The one thing that IS predictable is the laughter!

    Plus the adorable factor. That would be Spencer’s daughter, 5-yr-old Madeleine, afraid to speak, play, or move a muscle. How can Abby help this sad little girl out of her shell? But, Abby, being the Pied Piper that she is, has Madeleine playing and giggling and beginning to experience being a child. “Certain children claimed a room in a person’s heart and lived there.” As Maddie claims this spot in Abby’s heart, Spencer finds her invaluable. But he waffles on why he needs Abby near. 

    With that romance teetering, the Shippers also have a blackmailer to catch. I love how all that works out, and I foresee another Shipper’s story coming out in a future book. 

    If you like romcoms, this is a must-read! 

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

    Notable Quotables:

    “A well-stocked library is as close as we get to heaven on earth.”– Seamus

    “Once you repent, it’s under the blood. The Bible promises complete forgiveness. Feeling guilty isn’t part of the deal.”

    “Faith is for when we don’t understand God’s plan. Sometimes we have to walk in the dark awhile and hold tight to his hand.”– Althea

    “Dad gave her everything she needed.”“Not the things she needed most. Love, understanding, acceptance.”

    “The greatest weapon you can wield is silence. When you say nothing, people rush to fill the awkward void. The one who speaks first relinquishes control of the conversation to the other person. Don’t be in a hurry to answer.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Superior! Quadruple the busybodies, quadruple the fun! Never a dull moment with the Shippers at work!

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

    Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: Capture the Moment

    Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Genre: Contemporary Romance

    Release date: May 6, 2025

    Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild.

    With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

    Click here to get your copy!

    About the Author

    Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

    More from Suzanne

    A Spark that Lit a Story 

    By Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Capture the Moment (Revell—May 6, 2025)

    Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places—like a gift shop in Grand Teton National Park. While browsing, I struck up a conversation with a college student who had never set foot outside Alabama until her mom dropped her off for a summer job in the park. One minute, she was home in the Deep South; the next, she was surrounded by towering peaks and moose crossings. Talk about a culture shock.

    That conversation lit a spark that eventually became my National Parks Summers series. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fascinating mix of people who work seasonally in national parks. You’ve got fresh-faced college kids on their first big adventure, retirees finally living their bucket-list dreams, and everyone in between. These parks aren’t just natural wonders—they’re crossroads for people from all walks of life, all chasing something unique.

    In Capture the Moment, I wanted to explore what happens when people and landscapes collide. Kate Cunningham, a determined zoo photographer, swaps enclosures for the wilds of Grand Teton, chasing an elusive bear and her own sense of purpose. Along the way, Kate meets Grant Cooper, a rugged park ranger with a knack for tracking and a talent for keeping her on her toes.

    National parks are more than just beautiful backdrops—they’re places where people find themselves, lose themselves, and sometimes stumble into something extraordinary.

    Maybe even love.

    My Impressions

    “399…Queen of the Tetons…”

    “‘A living, breathing legend.’ ‘Exactly. She’s a symbol of the wild, a reminder that even in the heart of nature, there are stories, personalities, and connections waiting to be discovered.’”

    And…we’re off on a journey to visit some of our nation’s great national parks with Suzanne Woods Fisher, told in her gentle, heart-warming style. First stop in this new series, National Parks Summers, is Grand Tetons National Park, in Capture the Moment. 

    If you are a fan of nature, underdogs, Suzanne Woods Fisher, plot twists, and gentle reminders to listen to the still, small voice of God, this is a must-read.

    I adored the novice photographer, Kate, who thought she would get the original photo that no one else had. What a shock she gets when she arrives at the best viewing spots for the old grizzly, 399, only to discover a great crowd of disdainful professional photographers ahead of her. Fortunately, Kate is willing to learn from her mistakes and not wallow in her failures. ( And being a city-slicker, there are plenty!) “She reminded herself that mistakes were a natural part of the learning process. “Each one has a lesson to teach,” she said to herself.” Another verse that helps her when she is amazed at her own obtuseness( and don’t most of us have blinders on in some area of life?) is “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Do you not perceive it?” What I love about this moment is that Woods points out this is a verse God brings to Kate’s mind because she had hidden it in her heart long ago. Do we have verses like that? Second, are we, as we age, still working on memorizing, so God can bring those verses to mind?

    Woods populates her novel with so many other wonderful characters! Of course, everyone will love Coop! How can you not! Handsome, knowledgeable,  expert on bears, and compassionate. He champions Kate, the underdog, plus he understands and mentors the impossibly belligerent Frankie. This is no small feat, because it is obvious he would rather not have this sidekick 24-7! And, he is unafraid to tell the truth as it is… to those that need to hear it… which his acting director, Sally, tries to silence.

    Sally. She is acting director of the park, and a piece of work! I was surprised to find that I didn’t like her any more after a night of “sleeping on it” than I did when I finished the story. 

    And Tim and his granddaughter, Maisie! To meet Tim is to love him, unless you are Frankie. Such a wise, thoughtful, man rooted in faith. His granddaughter, Maisie, who frequently gets dumped on him? She’s 13, loquacious, loud, and goes non-stop 24-7. Everyone seems to have a love-avoid her relationship with her. Maisie wants so hard to be accepted, loved, and seen as special. Pops finally tells her on one occasion when she takes imitation overboard, “a tulip doesn’t struggle to be different from a rose.”

    Bonus note: With a great detailed map of the park at the beginning and a list of the most important characters also at the beginning, I felt well-armed to tackle the book. 

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

    Notable Quotables:

    “she realized that seeing things differently was a gift, not a burden.”

    “But holding on to anger isn’t doing you any favors.”…“It’s like a poison.”…“Forgiveness is the antidote.”

    “what you’re looking for can’t be found within. Only outside ourselves. Only in God.” 

    “…he didn’t have to hang on to that hurt anymore.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Superior! National parks story told in Fisher’s heart-warming, feels-like-a-hug-style, complete with a grizzly, romance, humor, faith, and a bit of mystery.

    Blog Stops

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

    Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 22

    By the Book, May 23

    Carla’s Book Crush, May 23

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

    Devoted To Hope, May 24

    Book Looks by Lisa, May 25

    Texas Book-aholic, May 25

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 26

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26

    lakesidelivingsite, May 27

    Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

    The Avid Reader, May 28

    Blossoms and Blessings, May 28

    Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 28

    Stories By Gina, May 29 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, May 29

    Blogging With Carol, May 30

    For Him and My Family, May 30

    Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

    Karen Baney Reviews, May 31

    Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

    Holly’s Book Corner, June 1

    Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 2

    Books Less Travelled, June 2

    She Lives To Read, June 3

    Pause for Tales, June 3

    A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 3

    Lily’s Corner, June 4

    Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 4

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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.

    http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54226

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

    Shadowed Secret by S.F. Baumgartner Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: Shadowed Secret (Mirror Estate Series Book 5)

    Author: S.F. Baumgartner

    Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

    Release date: May 13, 2025

    In a world of secrets and shadows, a priest, two accountants, and an elite task force must protect what’s hidden or risk it all.

    Fr. Phil, a former Navy SEAL turned priest, finds his quiet life at Mirror Estate shattered when a priest from the Vatican pays him a visit. Asked to retrieve a secret book before it’s auctioned on the dark web, Fr. Phil must face lethal adversaries and race against time, knowing his life is on the line.

    Tommy Rivers’s date with Mia Granger turns deadly when they’re attacked upon discovering a colleague murdered at the office. Assuming they have the book, ruthless operatives have Tommy and Mia in their sights.

    With the exposure of the secret book threatening the lives of countless operatives, Fr. Phil, Tommy, Mia, and an elite FBI task force must prevent a catastrophic intelligence leak before time runs out.

    Click here to get your copy!

    About the Author

    S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. 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.

    More from S.F.

    Unraveling Secrets: The Journey of Writing This Book

    Some books come together effortlessly. Others take their time, demanding patience, persistence, and more rewrites than I care to admit. This latest installment falls firmly into the latter category. The story simply didn’t gel the first couple of times I attempted to write it. I knew where it needed to go, but the journey to get there felt off. Characters resisted the paths I initially set for them, subplots unraveled at the seams, and the pacing never quite clicked the way I wanted it to.

    It took several drafts and a fair amount of frustration before things finally started falling into place. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was that this book needed to do more than just continue the story—it had to weave together past threads while setting the stage for what’s to come. That’s a delicate balance, and it wasn’t something I could rush.

    Why I Wrote This Book

    The simplest answer? It’s the next chapter in the story. After everything that has happened in previous installments, there were lingering questions that needed answers, loose ends that needed to be tied up—or, in some cases, unraveled even further.

    This story is about Fr. Phil. He’s no longer just the priest of Mirror Estate’s chapel; he’s once again being pulled into the shadows of his past. Old alliances resurface, and new threats emerge. At the same time, Olivia and Simon’s upcoming wedding adds a deeply personal layer to the story. In many ways, this book is about past decisions catching up with the present—whether in matters of faith, espionage, or personal relationships.

    And then there’s the Ghost. Marge Beaumont remains as enigmatic as ever, and while she’s playing by the rules—for now—it’s clear she’s still ten steps ahead of everyone. The question isn’t just whether she can be trusted, but whether anyone can truly outmaneuver her.

    The Challenge of Getting It Right

    What made this book particularly challenging was the complexity of the narrative threads. There’s a missing book that may or may not contain dangerous secrets. There’s an auction on the dark web that threatens national security. There’s a decades-old mystery involving hidden treasure. And, of course, there’s the ever-present undercurrent of trust and betrayal—who’s telling the truth, who’s working an angle, and who’s about to make their next move?

    Balancing these elements while keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high took longer than expected. Some subplots had to be reworked entirely, others had to be trimmed down, and a few surprises emerged that even I didn’t see coming in the early drafts.

    What’s Next?

    Now that this book is finally complete, I can say with confidence that the struggle was worth it. The twists, the revelations, and the character moments that emerged from this process have made it stronger than I initially imagined.

    For readers who have been following this series, I hope you enjoy the ride. Expect high stakes, hidden agendas, and a few moments that might just leave you breathless. And as always, thank you for sticking with me on this journey—because the story is far from over.

    My Impressions

    “It was about discernment. About seeing beneath surfaces. About understanding that even the holiest façades could conceal the darkest intentions.”

    Just how often can you come in on a thrilling psychological series in the middle or end, yet not feel totally befuddled? Kudos to author S.F. Baumgartner, author of Shadowed Secret, Book 5 of Mirror Estate Series!! I was fit to be tied when I discovered I was reading a new-to-me author, a psychological mystery that definitely builds book to book, and I was coming in fresh on book 5 , a 500 page book at that. Plus, the list of characters is enough to make your head spin!!

    But Baumgartner is a writing wizard!! She starts out Shadowed Secret with a recap of each of the previous books! Not only that, but the books are a tangle of relationship connections- and at the FRONT of the book are several pages of relationship maps. Often, if there is such a thing, it is relegated to the back, and what help is that then?! Plus, a map of the estate. Now, I’m only left with two objections to reading the book: a massive 500 pages and how on earth am I going to keep so many different people’s story threads clear in my head?!

    Again, Baumgartner has done her due diligence in editing her book, pulling making sure all threads tie together. And she does so in such a thrilling, compelling way, I couldn’t put the book down until 1:30 am. Because of clear, concise wording, and short sentences and chapters, one can speed through the book. And you will be so anxious to follow the thrills and chills you will need to! 

    As I mentioned, I put down the book at 1:30 am. I thought I left my new friends, Dylan, Lily, Olivia, Fr.Phil, and others in a relatively safe place after progressing through more incredible twists than I thought possible. WRONG! I’m left wondering if this is truly the final book!! I will be picking up the books I missed ASAP and already picked up the first of the spin-off series, Mirror Estate Psychological Thrillers!

    I am blown away by this book! If you like psychological thrillers. S.F. Baumgartner is a master! 

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

    Notable Quotables:

    (Please note: these are not all life- inspiring!!)

    “It’s not about faith. It’s about power, and power comes with wealth.”

    “You know what will help?” “What?” “Pray. Let’s pray. You can just say what you want from the heart. Don’t worry about any prayers.”

    “Don’t assume you’re safe just because you don’t see the threat.”

    “Remember it’s not the medal itself, but the power comes from God.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Superior- My version of six stars!!

    Blog Stops

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 10

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 11

    Stories By Gina, May 12 (Author Interview)

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13

    Texas Book-aholic, May 14

    Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Author Interview)

    Betti Mace, May 16

    Artistic Nobody, May 17 (Author Interview)

    Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

    Blogging With Carol, May 19

    Guild Master, May 20 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, May 20

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 21

    For Him and My Family, May 22

    Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (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.

    http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54216

    ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Purchase

    Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: Home Baked Bribery (Addie Masters Mysteries Book 2)

    Author: Gina Holder

    Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

    Release date: March 4, 2025

    The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

    The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

    Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

    Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

    Click here to get your copy!

    About the Author

    Gina Holderis an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

    More from Gina

    Choco-Banana Bliss Bars

    -Mac Gordon

    • ½ cup unsalted butter
    • 1 cup packed (light or dark) brown sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 1 cup (all-purpose) flour
    • 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 large bananas)
    • ¾ cup chocolate chips

    Instructions

    1. Allow bananas to ripen until outside is mostly black.
    2. Allow butter and egg to reach room temperature.
    3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    4. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.
    5. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Mix at a medium-high speed for 2 minutes.
    6. Add in 1 large egg, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp salt. Mix at a medium-low speed until combined.
    7. Mix in 1 cup of flour. Mix on low until just combined.
    8. Fold 1 cup of mashed banana into the batter until they’re fully incorporated.
    9. Fold in ¾ cup chocolate chips. Save a few chocolate chips.
    10. Pour the batter into the glass dish. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top.
    11. Bake for 33-37 minutes, until the edges are golden brown, and the center is baked through.
    12. Place on a wire rack to fully cool. Gently remove the bars from the pan. Cut into squares.

    My Impressions

    “You did what God wanted you to do. That’s all that matters.”

    I knew I was going to really enjoy the humor, the writing style of Gina Holder, and the contemporary cozy mystery presented in Home Baked Bribery when I finished the first paragraph! 

    “Tuesday 8:45 am Why are smoke detectors so loud? Addie grabbed a dish towel, sprang onto a kitchen chair, and waved the white flag of surrender. The piercing scream ceased. Her cookies were burnt. She was well aware of that fact—her nose worked just fine. Did that annoying little thing have to announce it to the entire cape?”

    Cozies can be such a maybe, maybe not in style for me, even though I love many. So it was wonderful to get through the first paragraph and realize there would be enough humor to satisfy me, enough downright fun, plus of course a mystery that promises to be bad language- free and faith-based. Bonus: this is book two of the series, but it stood on its own very well. 

    Addie Masters is our main character who, of course, cannot keep her nose out of an investigation, no matter how many warnings the police chief gives her. With one solved mystery under her belt, this one is personal. The celebrity judge from Sheol’s Pantry is killed during a contest in which Addie’s best friend Talia is participating. With his terribly rude demeanor and unnecessarily harsh criticism, no one likes Mac Gordon. But which of the contestants hates Mac enough to do him in?

    When Addie decides to investigate, her purpose is to clear one of the contestants. One that is especially cantankerous and unkind to Addie. Can she persist in her quest? She remembers her deceased father’s influence. “He’d taught her to treat others with love and compassion, the way Jesus would treat them.”

    If that weren’t enough, Addie’s maybe boyfriend comes to town as a state detective to investigate the death. Noah gives off conflicting vibes concerning their relationship or lack thereof, and Addie begins to have her head turned by another visitor to town. 

    Do not read this book on an empty stomach. You will be searching out the nearest bakery as fast as you can Google it! I have a feeling some of these desserts will dance in my head tonight! 

    I enjoyed this book. I couldn’t decide if I thought Addie should or shouldn’t investigate, though! I loved her menagerie including a pot-bellied pig! Fun! And the centenarians! They are a blast!! Grab your copy and get to know these people of a coastal town near Boston! 

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

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Deliciously Magnificent!! Ready to devour the next in series!

    Blog Posts

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25

    By the Book, April 25

    Vicky Sluiter, April 26

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

    Book Looks by Lisa, April 27

    She Lives To Read, April 28

    Leslie’s Library Escape, April 29

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

    Madi’s Musings, May 1

    Hannahbandanarama, May 1

    Texas Book-aholic, May 2

    Locks, Hooks and Books, May 3

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4

    Holly’s Book Corner, May 4

    Lily’s Corner, May 5

    DevotedToHope, May 6

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

    Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 8

    For Him and My Family, May 8

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!

    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/00adcf54204

    ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Kregel, Launch Team, NetGalley, PB, Purchase

    The Accused by Cara Putman Review

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Title: The Accused

    Series: Secrets to Keep, #2

    Author: Cara Putman

    Publisher: Kregel

    Released: April 15, 2025

    Genre: Legal Thriller

    A brilliant novel that fans of the genre won’t want to miss!”
    —Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author of The Line Between

    When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn’t believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

    Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he’s ready for an in-house corporate position.

    When Chase is assigned to Anneliese’s case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

    Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese’s innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder?”Gripping and brimming with chemistry, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.”
    —Lynette Eason, best-selling and award-winning author of the Lake City Heroes series

    Purchase here:

    https://mybook.to/IadZm

    About the Author

    Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing award-winning books with the count currently climbing to 40 published and more in the works.

    In addition to writing, I am a mom of four, attorney, Clinical Associate Professor at a Big Ten university who also runs a center, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University’s MBA program. You can learn more about my books on my website, which is easy to find because it’s simply my name dot com. And if you’d like to read my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me on my website, and I’ll send you the link.

    My Impressions

    “Sometimes you have to do what’s right even when it could cost you everything.”

    Stunned! That was my  reaction on finishing The Accused, a legal thriller by Cara Putman. A spin on the Amanda Knox case of a few years ago, my heart was in my throat nearly all the way through the book. 

    Putman starts out by introducing us to the two main characters, Margeaux Robbins and Chase Crandall. Margeaux teaches law at a small college, cares deeply for her students, but has no courtroom experience. Chase, conversely, is a burnt-out court-appointed criminal defense lawyer who doesn’t appear to care much about his clients. 

    When German exchange student Annaliese is arrested for murder of her roommate, she contacts Margeaux, who cannot help…not only is she not qualified for the courtroom, as Chase so quickly points out, but Annaliese won’t confide in Margeaux or anyone.

    Each doubting the other’s legal abilities, Chase and Margeaux team up to defend Annaliese in court. Strange, given their mistrust of each other. “I wonder which is more important to the attorney. Justice? Or the truth? Because sometimes they get in the way of each other when we’re trying to live by ‘innocent until proven guilty.’” However, both lawyers begin to see Annaliese as worth defending, although the doubts of her innocence start to creep in. The evidence is invariably confusing and Annaliese won’t talk. 

    I wasn’t sure I would survive the stress until it was all sorted out. Or if I would like the outcome. I was certainly left slack-jawed at Putman’s ability to create a legal thriller with so many twists and turns. 

    I like how faith was an integral part of the novel . Margeaux’s past has made her slow to believe God is always with her. Chase has turned away. With the stakes so high, will the two do things their own way or look to God for help?

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

    Notable Quotables:

    “God should never be her last resort, yet he often was.”

    “Slowly she sensed his peace flowing into her, reminding her that even when she forgot to turn to him first, he was still working and waiting for her to remember. She was never built to be an island. And even if she was alone, she wasn’t ever alone.”

    “Emotion is dangerous in my line of work…I have to keep a tight grip on logic to defend my clients.”

    “A simple twist here and another twist there and suddenly constitutional protections disappeared, lost in meaningless legal wrangling.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Superb! Nail-biting suspense! I never saw the end coming!!

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

    Sabotage at Cedar Creek by Janice Thompson Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: Sabotage at Cedar Creek (The Little Red Truck Mysteries Book Two)

    Author: Janice Thompson

    Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

    Release date: February, 2025

    Who Would Sabotage the New B&B?

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

    It’s summertime in Mabank, Texas, and the Hadley family’s new antique business is open and running well with Tilly, the red antique truck, as its mascot. Raelynn Hadley enjoys driving Grandpa’s truck around as she seeks out antiques for her family’s store.

    Raelynn is excited that her best friend, Tasha, will soon open a new vacation rental to accommodate the area’s growing tourism, but an unexpected act of sabotage threatens to spoil all that Tasha has worked for.

    Raelynn immediately gets to work sleuthing out who could be behind the crime. Could it be the bitter neighbor, intent on spoiling Tasha’s plans? Perhaps it’s a nearby resort owner, worried about the potential loss of revenue. Maybe it’s the former owner’s daughter who was left out of the will and believes the home should be hers. Or maybe it’s the squatter who had taken up residence in the home before renovations. Raelynn is determined to solve the mystery for her friend in time for opening day. 

    Click here to get your copy!

    About the Author

    Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

    More from Janice

    Travel with me to East Texas to celebrate the 4th of July. Let’s meet at Cedar Creek Lake, a vast expanse of water tucked in and around some of the sweetest little Texas towns you’ve ever seen: Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Payne Springs, Eustace, and Seven Points, just to name a few.

    Along the edge of the lake you’ll find 320 miles of idyllic shoreline, dotted with homes, campsites, and cabins for rent. And right there, on the prettiest patch of land imaginable, you’ll discover a newly renovated vacation home, recently purchased by a local gal named Tasha. Her quaint fixer-upper is just about ready for its first guests and she’s giddy with excitement.

    Also thrilled is Tasha’s BFF, RaeLyn Hadley! RaeLyn has grown up near the lake and loves this place. She can hardly wait to see her bestie’s dream come true.

    Of course, not everyone in the Cedar Creek area is happy to see Tasha’s new vacation rental open for business. Behind the scenes, evil lurks. Nefarious plans are already in motion, though RaeLyn and Tasha can’t yet see them.

    Days before the house is listed, the beautiful home is vandalized! Clearly, someone wants to stop Tasha in her tracks. But, who would sabotage the inn. . .and why? RaeLyn won’t quit until she’s got answers, but she needs your help.

    What role will you play in this tale? Visit the inn. Get to know the gals. Help them figure out the whodunit. Spend time in town with the locals, celebrating the 4th of July. I promise, you’ll have a blast. There are quilt shows, cupcake walks, and more Texas BBQ than you can eat in one visit.

    Your belly will never be empty as you set out to help RaeLyn and Tasha solve this crime. Just don’t let all of those handsome Texas fellas distract you from the task at hand. They have a tendency to do that.

    Hang on for the ride, folks, because an East Texas tale is one that’s always filled with twists and turns! So, what are you waiting for? Jump into that little red truck and let’s hit the road, headed to Cedar Creek Lake!

    My Impressions

    “God places the lonely in families.”

    The perfect cozy to read on a cold, blustery day, Sabotage at Silver Creek by Janice Thompson takes place in the idyllic, but hot, Texas countryside. Peach cobblers, pies, cookies, and all other sorts of delicious edibles parade through the pages of this second Little Red Truck  who dunnit. And don’t forget the Texas Blue Bell ice cream!

    Successfully avoiding eating ( but just barely!) while reading this twisty tale, I was happy to see RaeLyn Hadley and her tight-knit family, plus her bestie, Tasha Dempsey. It seems Tasha is ready to open her AirBnb, but sudden glitches start to arise. Poor Tasha worries about the new mortgage payments she has taken on, as RaeLyn, her boyfriend Mason, her brother Dallas, and her aunt, Bessie Mae, all rally to help Tasha. 

    To enjoy this book best, you need to read book one, Tracking Tilly first. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a lot of spoilers. Clayton is just as despicable as he is when we first met him, although we view some around him a little differently. Mason is an incredibly patient man, willing to see the best in everybody and give anybody a second chance. (“Sometimes people just need to be given a chance.”) He is very loyal and encouraging. One of those people who could “…foster open communication and cooperation. He also seemed to know how to address concerns and dispel problems.” Also great at unifying people. 

    I was a bit disappointed in the “girls,” as they were quick to lay suspicion and slow to look as carefully for multiple suspects as I wanted them to. Conner amazes me. With a less than stellar background, he could choose to become what everyone thinks he is…and that certainly would be the much easier choice. Bessie Mae is one of those aunts that few families have, but wow, she adds so much to the life of the Hadley family! 

    Spending time with RaeLyn and her family and friends, you will get that warm, fuzzy feeling like you have been included among family as people gather for celebrations, to plan events, or to catch culprits. 

    I was surprised by the reveal of the guilty. I am pleased to note there is a third book in the offing. 

    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:

    “Oh, I’m happy. I’m very happy.” “You might want to tell your face.” 

    “God designed us to live in community.”

    “Loneliness and bitterness can turn even the kindest heart hard.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Magnificent! A fun cozy with some convicting truths!

    Blog Stops

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 27

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 28

    Texas Book-aholic, March 1

    Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

    Pause for Tales, March 3

    She Lives To Read, March 4

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 5

    Blogging With Carol, March 6

    Labor Not in Vain, March 6

    Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 7

    Stories By Gina, March 8 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, March 8

    For Him and My Family, March 9

    Lily’s Corner, March 10

    Holly’s Book Corner, March 11

    Lights in a Dark World, March 12

    Leslie’s Library Escape, March 12

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package 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.

    http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54164

    ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Kregel, NetGalley, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

    Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by Sharon Mondragon Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Title: Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals
    Author: Sharon Mondragon
    Publisher: Kregel Publications
    Release Date: February 11, 2025
    Genre: Contemporary Fiction

    Something is brewing in Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia–and it’s not sweet tea.

    In a small town where gossip flows, bedridden Mary Ruth McCready reigns supreme, doling out wisdom and meddling in everyone’s business with a fervor that would make a matchmaker blush. When her best friend has her world rocked by a scandalous revelation from her dying husband, Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say “pecan pie.”

    But just when things are starting to look up, a blast from the past waltzes in with an outrageous claim. But as Grandma Ruth always says when things get tough, “God is too big.” With him, nothing is impossible–even bringing long-held secrets to light. Grandma Ruth and Sarah just might have to ruffle a whole mess of feathers to do it.

    PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

    About the Author

    Sharon J. Mondragón is a Southern girl at heart, having spent most of her adult life where tea is sweet and mac and cheese is a vegetable. Settled in Midlothian, Texas, she writes, facilitates the prayer shawl ministry at her church, and teaches at the local yarn shop. She’s the author of the Purls and Prayers series, and her work has earned recognition from The Saturday Evening Post, ACFW, Foreword INDIES, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

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

    My Imprssions

    “…things are not always, or even often, as they seem.” – Father David

    Wow! What a fun ride this book, Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals, is! This is my first novel by Sharon Mondragon, but her others just moved way up my TBR. Grandma Ruth is a bed-ridden Southern matriarch whom no one can deny and whose specialty is “meddling love”…though she would call it staying informed about her friends and loved ones. Grandma Ruth has a great understanding of the human psyche and uses that and her respected age to her advantage. 

    Her twenty-four year old granddaughter, Sarah, our narrator, finds herself Grandma Ruth’s personal *assistant* and co-conspirator, representing the older lady at social events, esp. funerals. Sarah is caught between showing her grandmother proper respect, obeying her grandmother, and proving she can make her own decisions, including who to date. 

    I had a perma-smile on my face and often broke out in laughter as I read. Grandma Ruth is such a force to be reckoned with. She refuses to allow her granddaughter to listen to gossip, but is quite willing to “gather information” by listening to others’ opinions of facts. In this novel, Grandma Ruth wants most to comfort her newly widowed best friend and to set up Sarah with her best friend’s grandson. Cookies and brownies are a sleuth’s best friend, in Grandma Ruth’s case! Plied with enough, a visitor to Grandma Ruth’s room would soon be spilling the beans. 

    The novel zigs and zags along as it rollicks towards its rather surprising and totally satisfying conclusion. I personally hope Meredith somehow merits her own story. 

    Get your copy ASAP! You won’t be sorry! 

    I have to insert… the novel takes a good look at eyes. As in eye crinkles, eye rolls, kind eyes, etc. Obviously Mondragon and Grandma Ruth are firm believers that “eyes are the windows to the soul.”

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

    Notable Quotables:

    “Miss Charlotte had the right idea, I mused. It was better to know the truth, even if it hurt, than to eat your heart out over suspicions and possibilities.”

    “God was indeed too big—too big for me ever to have imagined what he had in store for me.”

    “It’s about time you learned that meddling upsets the innocent as well as the guilty.”

    “It’s better to leave the past in the past and get on with life.”- Grandma Ruth

    Tour Giveaway

    (1) winner will receive a signed copy of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals and a $25 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 February 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 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 the policies found here.

    Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 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 the policies found here.

    Enter Giveaway