Tag: Contemporary

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Lethal Design by S. F. Baumgartner Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Lethal Design (KC & Orlando Prime Book 2)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Crime Thriller with Christian elements

Release Date: August 4, 2026

Some deaths are designed.

The death looks routine — no foul play, no reason to dig. But KC knows this building and what happened here a year ago. And the pattern spreading across the city is no coincidence.

Professionals with no addiction history are dying along eerily similar paths. Someone patient and invisible is engineering these outcomes. As the Orlando Prime task force chases separate leads across the city, the threads begin pointing to the same dark center.

The closer they get, the more dangerous the truth becomes. Some designs were never meant to be uncovered — and the cost of exposing this one may be more than any of them are prepared to pay.

Perfect for fans of Terri Blackstock and Lynette Eason who love fast-paced, clean crime thrillers with the intensity of Criminal Minds and the grit of NCIS.

Follow Kylie “KC” Cassidy and the Orlando Prime task force as they take on the cases no one else can crack, starting with Lethal Design.

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 and Forgotten Secret—Books 1 & 2 of her Mirror Estate series—named Top Picks in the thriller & suspense categories, respectively, at Killer Nashville, and Tangled Secrets—Book 3 of Mirror Estateseries—won couple of awards in the Christian Indie Awards and the Incipere Awards. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

More from S.F.

Lethal Design, Book 2 in the KC & Orlando Prime series, shifts the spotlight in a powerful way. While Fatal Invitation centered on Detective Kylie Cassidy, this installment dives deep into the elite Prime Task Force, especially its leader, Commander Frank Travers.

A year ago, Travers lost his wife to a brutal, unsolved murder. The case went cold. The killer vanished. But in Lethal Design, that past refuses to stay buried.

As KC and the Prime team investigate a new wave of suspicious deaths, threads begin to surface, threads that may finally lead Travers to the truth he’s been chasing. And this time, it’s personal.

What makes this story especially layered is how it connects back to the larger conspiracy introduced in Stolen Secrets. Pieces are moving. Secrets are colliding. And everything must align as the story builds toward a confrontation that’s been a long time coming.

Expect high-stakes action, tight investigative work, and emotional tension as justice and revenge blur into something far more dangerous.

Because when Travers comes face-to-face with his wife’s killer… there’s no guarantee he walks away.

And KC may be the only one who can keep him from crossing a line he can’t come back from.

My Impressions

“On the floor beside her body, smeared and uneven, traced in her own blood with a finger that must have been failing, were the words ‘no suicide confutatis m.’”

I hope you read prologues! If you skip the prologue for S. F. Baumgartner’s Lethal Design (K.C. & Orlando Prime Series #2), you’ll miss vital info in this clean, exciting, thriller novel. I definitely recommend reading the first book of the series, and possibly The Mirror Estate Series first for background. 

Baumgartner creates great tension with her Orlando Prime team, a special crime team, led by Frank Travers, a retired navy commander. Frank’s team is tasked with investigating seven different cases of apparent opioid suicide across cental FL in little over a year. The odd element is, none of the deceased had previous drug histories. While Frank’s team is investigating these, he has quietly asked Detective Kylie (K. C.) Cassidy and her partner on the Orlando Major Crimes police force, Rick Spaulding, to investigate his wife’s murder a year previous.

So interesting to see the workings of the different police, FBI, and other forces as they slowly converge, overlapping each other, sometimes competing, sometimes cooperating with each other. Viewers of shows like NCIS and Criminal Minds will love the procedural detail. 

I enjoyed getting to know Frank Travers and KC better in this story. We also get re-acquainted with the people on the Prime team. Jack is especially interesting.  Probably the youngest on the team, he is the forensic specialist on the team. Smarter than a whip, he can uncover anything asked of him, but can he ever birdwalk! So many eyerolls when team members are conversing with Jack!

The Architect. He is a main player on the adversary side in this drama, and we are privy to much of his convoluted thought life and plans. Can the reader figure out his identity before we are told?  Like the Mirror Estate series, this is very much a psychological thriller! Baumgartner somehow pulls me into a world I don’t frequent or fully understand, but makes me fully invested and ready to lose sleep to discover the answers.  Twists! This book has them in spades! I was a little disappointed to find that the end has a bit of a cliffhanger. But I should know by now! 

Now, I wonder, what direction will this series go? And there will be another spin-off series as well, The Zoe Hunter Mysteries. Wow! Bring ‘em on! 

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

Notable Quotables:

“Truth mattered far less than narrative.”

“Need-to-know had kept people alive for centuries. It also kept them ignorant.”

“…desperation makes people vulnerable,”

“Whoever staged this is good.” “Or arrogant.” “Those usually overlap.”

“His right hand went into his pocket to stroke the key chain he took from his target. A symbol of his win.” -The Architect

“Interesting how memory preserves sensory details.” [too true!]

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 31

The Lofty Pages, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 1

Vicky Sluiter, August 2 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 4

Texas Book-aholic, August 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

For the Love of Literature, August 7 (Author Interview)

Blogging with Carol, August 8

Because I said so, August 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 12

Betti Mace, August 13

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 13

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/uhz7K/lethal-design-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, NetGalley, New-to-Me Author, Purchase

The Second Chance Trailer Park by Katie Powner

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: The Second Chance Trailer Park

Author: Katie Powner

Publisher: Alcove Press

Released: July 21, 2026

Genre: General (clean) Humorous Fiction

From award-winning author Katie Powner comes a funny, feel-good novel about a woman discovering her second chance at life. 

This charming and heartfelt story is perfect for readers who loved Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame.

Fifty-two-year-old Meredith McGillicutty is not having a midlife crisis. She’s just ready for a change of pace, that’s all. The fact that she lied to get into a retirement community has nothing to do with being passed over for a promotion at work or her recent breakup with the only man she’s ever loved. 

Nothing. 

Meredith only wants some peace and quiet. To sit on a porch in elastic-waist pants and mingle with other mature individuals who value a life of serenity. But the residents of the Peaceful Pines retirement community have other plans for her. These quirky and endearing neighbors seem to know her better than she knows herself, and they decide Meredith’s life is only just beginning. 

Blending humor and tenderness, The Second Chance Trailer Park will appeal to fans of Fredrik Backman and Lenora Worth.

Purchase link:

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About the Author

Katie Powner is an award-winning author who lives in Montana, where cows still outnumber people. She writes contemporary fiction about everyday people, filled with humor and heart, including the Christy Award-winning novels Where the Blue Sky Begins and The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass. Katie is a mom to the third power (biological, adoptive, and foster) who loves candy, Jesus, and red shoes…not necessarily in that order.

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My Impressions

“A person must be fifty-four and a half or married to someone who is to apply to live in Peaceful Pines Trailer Park for Seasoned Adults, the form began.”

“Meredith McGillicutty was neither.”

Ooh, wee!! Bingo!! When Katie Powner starts off her newest novel, The Second Chance Trailer Park, I’m already busting a gut! It could only get better from here! And it does. Tired of the rat race that she chooses to leave behind, deciding she will identify as an old soul, Meredith worms her way into a trailer for senior citizens. What I found hilarious was that the person who is living the biggest lie can ferret out all kinds of trailer park rule violations and turn her neighbors in for them. “Out, out, bleepity log!” I wanted to yell at Meredith as she picks at the motes in others’ eyes! 

You would think life in a senior citizen’s trailer park is dull. Not so this one. At least, certainly not after Meredith moves in. Between her nosiness, her bossiness, and shenanigans that could only occur in a place where people have lost a few inhibitions, wow! I was laughing almost every other minute. Uproariously. Trying to be quiet, but I probably woke any nearby neighbors. 

Oh, yes… Team Patrick or Team Rowdy? I couldn’t decide which to choose, and kept flipping sides throughout the novel. 

As we progress through the book, we begin to see some of the residents, including Meredith, beginning to get a clearer look at themselves through the faithful mirror of friends and loved ones. I loved these character arc growths. Maybe there will be a second chance for Meredith…

If you like to laugh, you NEED to read this book. 

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

Notable Quotables:

 “But she didn’t really know who she was these days, apparently. Only who she was trying to be, which was someone like Lois.” ( Meredith)

“We’re going to grow blind and deaf and stubborn as mules together, I promise.” – Meredith [saving this one!!]

“She wanted to want people in her life, but she didn’t want to need them.” ( Meredith)

“Their minds never grew up enough to get a driver’s license. But they’re happy people, as long as their cats are okay.”- ( an amusing couple)

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! One of my top two comedy reads so far this year!! I would recommend it to anyone!

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Have you read this book? What did you think? What books are high on your comedy list for this year?

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The Escape Game by Gina Holder Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

(My note for my regular blog visitors. Yes, you have seen this post before. I mistakenly signed up for the book in two different review teams. Fortunately, it’s such a great book, it deserves a second go-round!! Sooooo… here we go!!)

About the Book

Book: The Escape Game (The Game Masters Book 2)

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 5, 2026

20 years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared…

Demi Kayne, owner of a popular puzzle shop, has spent years searching for her father, who vanished without a trace. When she cracks the code he left behind, the trail leads her to a secluded mansion—and straight into danger.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary with a passion for puzzles, is desperate to find his missing sister. His investigation brings him to Silver Falls, where his path collides with Demi’s in ways neither of them expects.

Drawn into a deadly escape game designed by a brilliant and vengeful mind, Demi and Liam must unravel twisted riddles and confront buried secrets before time runs out. Losing could cost them everything. Their faith and each other may be their only means of escape.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you’ll never see coming.

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

The Book I Almost Gave Up On

When I turned in the first full draft of The Escape Game last September, I hated it.

Not in a playful, self-deprecating way. I really, truly hated it.

I had that awful, hollow feeling in my stomach. The one that whispers, This isn’t good enough. You aren’t good enough. Why did you ever think you could pull this off?

Honestly, I believed this book was beyond my abilities.

And it was.

But I forgot I have Someone on my side who can do all things.

Back in 2022, this story idea was supposed to be simple. A shorter novel inside a collection. I had a fun premise, a few intriguing characters, and a basic plot: a second chance romance with the two main characters locked in a deadly mansion.

Easy peasy, right?

Wrong.

I realized the story needed space to breathe, so I wrote something else for the collection, and put this story back on the shelf until the right time.

Fast forward to 2025. The Escape Game was proposed as book 2 of The Game Master series.

I started writing. Characters pushed back. They wouldn’t talk. Inside my head, there was silence.

Some books flow. This one fought.

I wrestled with tone and pacing. I rewrote entire sections only to delete them again. Scenes that sparkled in my head fell flat on the page. I second-guessed everything.

My heroine was supposed to be the faithful Christian girl who wins the bad boy to the Lord.

She wasn’t.

And my hero? He was all wrong.

So, I did something terrifying.

I replaced him.

Completely.

I created an entirely new character—Liam Shepherd.

On the surface, Liam was perfect—kind, protective, devoted to the Lord, close to his family. Every Christian girl’s dream.

But fiction doesn’t work that way. Perfection isn’t compelling.

I asked God to show me Liam’s wound.

When it came, I cried.

No, I bawled like a baby.

Liam wasn’t abused. He didn’t come from a broken home. He had love and stability. Then tragedy struck, and he faced a choice.

He chose wrong.

And it haunted him.

But the troubles were far from over.

This wasn’t just a tricky plot or a stubborn manuscript.

This story touched some deep places in my own heart—places I didn’t expect to have to revisit. Writing it meant digging into tender, uncomfortable emotions, facing truths about fear, grief, and courage that I hadn’t fully confronted. It hit a little too close to home.

Some days it felt less like writing fiction and more like surgery.

And surgery is exhausting.

By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t excited. I was just tired. I turned it in because it was due, not because it felt finished.

Then the editing began.

If drafting this book was wandering through a dark forest, editing was finally being handed a flashlight. Sentences tightened. Motivations clarified. Scenes I thought were essential were cut, and others grew stronger. What felt hopeless started to feel possible.

Slowly—painfully at times—the story started to come into focus.

My editor asked hard questions. I rewrote the entire book. (Not completely, but it felt like it.)

Each round of edits chipped away at the parts I disliked and revealed the story underneath—the one I’d been trying to tell all along.

Somewhere along the way, something unexpected happened.

I stopped hating it.

More than that, I started to like it.

Everything clicked. The story finally had the depth—and the heart—it had been missing.

And now, sitting on the other side of the process, I can honestly say something I never imagined saying last fall:

I’m proud of The Escape Game.

Not because it’s perfect—no book ever is—but because it represents persistence. Growth. The courage to dig into hard places and stay long enough to find the heart of the story.

And that heart is what I hope you feel when you read it.

What started as a small, simple idea grew into something deeper than I expected. Something that required more from me than I thought I had to give.

And in the end, it became something God and I built together.

This book reminded me of something important:

We’re all first drafts.

God is shaping us, molding us … and we fight back. We look at our lives and wish things were different. We replay our wrong choices. We feel regret, frustration, and fear.

Sometimes, we even hate what we see.

But hating your draft doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

It just means God isn’t finished yet.

And sometimes, the stories we struggle with the most end up being the ones we’re proudest to hold in our hands.

My Impressions

“Something in his gut warned this would be unlike anything he’d ever faced before. Were they up to the challenge?”

Whew! I am never going to be able to do another escape room! The Escape Game, bk 2 of The Game Masters series, by Gina Holder, kept me spellbound and enthralled.  This gripping, romantic suspense novel of chilling proportions stands well on its own. I had not read the first book, but now, of course, it’s on my TBR pile!

I was reminded of a Shakespearean tragedy set in current times as I read through this nail-biting suspense. Poor grown-up Demi, puzzle solver extraordinaire with an IQ off the charts, desperately seeking the love and affirmation that she missed all her life. Her father disappears when she is younger, and she feels abandoned by any who may get close to her. Her intelligence level and social awkwardness allow her few friends. Then her best friend, Maddie, gives her unsettling news. As she meets Liam, a daring missionary and escape room solver expert, she develops a tenuous bond as they search for his sister. Yet, she realizes as their dangerous search of an unknown real-life escape experience escalates, Liam, too, has future plans that don’t include her, should they be so fortunate to escape alive. 

“Trust—the word hit like a gut punch. It hurt to trust—people always let her down. Abandoned her when she needed them.”

Liam is a great, noble, selfless, brave, daring, and handsome young man who is frantically searching for his missing sister.  Joining forces with Demi, the two form an attraction which Liam realizes will not last, given Demi’s lack of true belief in God. He shares his faith with Demi whenever he can, but Demi has learned to protect her heart and believes her intellect and self-sufficiency will eventually save her. 

My Rating

There are some great twists involved in the story, that threaten to rewrite the narrative. A great look into different kinds of relationships and how they affect the human behavior. And how God is willing to step in and re-direct our stories, forgiving the unthinkable, IF we will let him!

Don’t miss this book!! I know I won’t miss another of Gina Holder’s in this series!

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

Notable Quotables:

“This was not the lost-and-found box. These were trophies. And someone was still collecting.”

“You can’t win by playing smarter. You need a Savior, not a strategy.”

“Pride is the monster; humility is the key.”

“My IQ would make Einstein jealous.”

“The eagle does not fight the snake on the ground. It changes the battlefield.”

“Because forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurt.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior!! If you’ve never read this author’s romantic suspense, you’ll be in good shape if you start with this series!

Blog Stops

SydneySchmied books, June 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 27

Lyssa Loves Books, June 28

Book Looks by Lisa, June 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 30

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

For Him and My Family, July 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 3

Holly’s Book Corner, July 4

Mary Hake, July 5

Pause for Tales, July 6

Cover Lover Book Review, July 7

The Lofty Pages, July 8

Lights in a Dark World, July 8

Lily’s Corner, July 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a copy of The Puzzle Within and 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/P1o9U/the-escape-game-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

Read, Write Rendezvous 2026 Blog Tour with Review and Giveaway!

Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog Tour that brings Rendezvous 2026 to you, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Bringing Rendezvous ’26 to You!

Rendezvous: reader and writer gathering
November 7, 2026
Holiday Inn Nashville Airport

I am so excited to go again this year to Rendezvous and meet so many authors and other reader friends! Everyone is very friendly and happy to include others. Whether you are a newbie, a longtime attender, an introvert, or an extrovert, you will find friends and join in laughter, fun, and great times of faith with like-minded readers and authors. Come!! Join us!!

Readers and Writers will gather at the fourth annual Read Write Rendezvous, organized and sponsored by JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC, on November 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT at the Holiday Inn Nashville Airport. Rendezvous celebrates Christian fiction and sweet reads, featuring corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small-group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up bookshop, and book signings. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Over forty featured authors are participating, including The Christy Award Hall of Fame and bestselling author Tamera Alexander who will deliver the keynote address. USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author Lisa Phillips will lead worship. We will announce several more authors in the coming weeks! We prayerfully honor the legacy of the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat through each Rendezvous event, and this year we are especially celebrating the very first CFRR which was held 10 years ago in Nashville. Rendezvous is open only to registered attendees. Want to extend your reader getaway? The Christy Award Gala and Art of Writing conference will be held at a nearby venue on November 6.

Learn more about the 2026 Rendezvous

If you’re unable to attend Rendezvous this year, we don’t want you to miss out on getting to know our authors and their books. Our bloggers are bringing Rendezvous to you by spotlighting several of the participating authors this week. Follow along to grow your TBR list to astronomical proportions!

Check out recent releases by these participating authors in the JustRead Amazon Storefront.

About My Featured Author

Liz Johnson

Liz Johnson is the author of more than 20 novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist, a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and winner of an FHL Readers’ Choice Award in 2025. She makes her home in Phoenix, where she loves exploring local theater, cheering for the 49ers, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She reads and writes stories filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters.

Liz’s Featured Book

About the Book

Title: Sidelined by Love

Released: February 17, 2026

Genre: Sweet Rom-com, Sports Romance

Zoe Peebles: America’s Sweetheart or Drama Queen?

The tabloids have always been kind to me—until an on-set scandal leaves me single, unemployable, and looking for a place to hide. My only option is staying with my grandma in Colorado Springs, but my dad—owner of the local professional football team—makes it clear that he doesn’t want my personal brand of drama in his locker room. No problem. I’m not interested in dating anyone in the public eye. Ever again.

But I do need quarterback Grant Reddington’s help preparing for an audition that will be my last if I can’t land the role. As I spend time with my father’s QB1, I discover there’s a lot more to him than a rocket arm and a ridiculously handsome face.

Grant Reddington: Fumbling His Most Important Role

When my sister is deployed for six months, she asks me to take care of her 13-year-old daughter Kenna. They’re my only family, and I can hardly say no. But having a teenager obsessed with acting at my place isn’t exactly conducive to focusing on the game and taking my team to the playoffs, especially since she and I have nothing to talk about.


But the moment Kenna discovers that I know a real-life movie star, she begins to smile again, and maybe we have a way to connect. Now I have a certified drama queen hanging around my house. I can’t believe half the tabloid stories about Zoe, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to have her around. Especially when she’s becoming my favorite distraction.

Purchase here:

https://www.amazon.com/Sidelined-Love-Fourteeners-Football-Romantic-ebook/dp/B0DXF41VFL

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My Impressions

“What do you know to be true right now?”

“Well, let’s start with the good ones. You’re forgiven. Completely and wholly by the only One who matters. You are loved by a good God and a cranky grandma. And you are worthy to be loved.” -Nan

I am to the point as a reader that one of the best parts of a book is a “Notable Quotable,” ( as I call them) a takeaway Truth that I can either live by or share with someone else in need. So this review of Liz Johnson’s sports comedy- slash-sweet rom-com may be backwards from my usual. The above truth nugget is such a life-changing mind shift if our rumor-beleaguered actress Zoe can wrap her brain around it. But it is so relevant to life today. 

All that being said, guess who, besides Zoe, an actress being smeared by the tabloids, and hunky NFL quarterback Grant “Red”, is my fave secondary character? Nan, of course. I just love these supporting characters who quietly come in and stand in the gap for hurting MCs when everyone else (i.e. Zoe’s Fourteeners owner father, her agent Cyndi, and producers) treat Zoe like poison for a mistake that she couldn’t foresee. Nan is so wise, and she takes Zoe in when no one else will. If need be, Nan will become a formidable human dervish that could mow down Zoe’s naysayers. 

As I write this, Father’s Day is coming. Zoe would have absolutely no reason to celebrate her rich, famous, and double-standard father. His treatment of her makes me want to cry. 

Thank goodness for muscly, 5-o’clock shadow, great smelling, (did I say hunky) star quarterback Grant Reddington, who is on Zoe’s father’s team. Totally off-limits. Totally uninterested in helping Zoe when asked. But the catalysts for the start of their relationship might be furry beasts and a sullen 13-yr-old niece of Grant’s, forced to live with him temporarily. 

Such a fun story to read and watch the characters grow and see the different relationships mature or dissolve. Personally, I could have used a little less emphasis on the physical, but Johnson does keep it sweet. A couple of words I prefer not to see in CF, but as some might say, soft. Still, the cute story stays within its category boundaries and I believe most will get a good kick out of it! Great for those who love sports rom-coms, sweet rom-coms, great Truth lessons, and novels written in first-person present POV with alternating narrators.

I bought my own copy of the book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. 

Notable Quotables:

“You’re not who they say you are,” he whispers into my ear. “You are who God says you are.” Grant

“The truth ceased to matter a long time ago. No one cares what really happened. They only care what they can sell. Reality is whatever the headlines declare it to be.” -Cyndi

“‘The truth always matters.’ She clamps her wrinkled and spotted hand over mine on the table. ‘It will set you free. Jesus said it, so it must be true.’” -Nan

“The Good Book says that love casts out fear. It also says that a cord of three strands is stronger than two. When you’re with the right person, you’re a stronger, better version. Of both of you.” Hank

“None of us should be judged on our worst mistakes.” -Grant

My Rating

Great! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved the Marriage of Sweet Rom-com and Golden Truth Nuggets!!

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Giveaway

(11) winner will receive a $30 gift card (winner’s choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 15, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 22, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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Sunflowers in Paris by Ashley Rescot Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Sunflowers in Paris by Ashley Rescot, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Sunflowers in Paris
Series: The Strings of Sisterhood #2
Author: Ashley Rescot
Publisher: Rescot Creative
Release Date: April 7, 2026
Genre: Clean Contemporary Split-time Romance

After a career-altering injury, violist Adrienne Pearson digs deep into her French roots. As the second of five sisters, she seeks individuality. But when several of her family members and friends decide to join her on a French excursion, she must navigate old and new relationships while finding her place in a foreign land. Will she rediscover her voice in the home of her ancestors?

Jean-David Béranger, a brooding, reclusive French journalist, finds his life upturned when his eccentric godmother invites an entourage of American students to live with them while studying music at the local conservatoire. Can Adrienne, a beautiful American sunflower girl, dismantle the fortress surrounding his heart and convince him to turn toward the light?

Sunflowers in Paris takes the reader on a journey through the Loire Valley, Versailles, and Paris, the City of Light, weaving elements of historical and contemporary French life with a centuries-old cold case about a real, 18th-century composer.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Ashley Rescot is a professional violinist, educator, writer, and Fulbright Scholar. An aficionado of music, pedagogy, family, faith, and language, she writes about her life as a musician. With degrees in both violin performance and French literature, she hopes her stories will inspire the next generation of musicians, encourage music professionals, and educate others about the exciting world of music.

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

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My Impressions

“Adrienne had always played viola as though it expressed her very soul, her voice. Until the injury took it away from her. The ache and pain had never gone away. Now she, like the doll ballerinas, felt trapped in a world where she could go through the motions, but she’d lost her voice. Would she ever find it again?”

Sunflowers in Paris is a contemporary dual-timeline by Ashley Rescot. A new-to-me author, I picked up the book because I love seeing how authors fit together characters from two different centuries. I also loved the idea of much of the narrative taking place in France. I loved the virtual tour of different locales and the history that went with each. I also enjoyed the extra French phrases, but in some cases, wondered if non-French students would miss out. There is a glossary at the back of the book, but I never go to the back of the book before my reading takes me there, afraid to spoil the ending. Who doesn’t remember seeing pictures of Notre Dame de Paris burning in 2019? I was glad to see this included and the resolution. 

The story itself held me captivated as former viola player, Adrienne Leclaire and some of her sisters find themselves traveling to France to study abroad. They are hosted by their grandmother’s( GiGi) sister, CiCi. I enjoyed seeing the love and camaraderie of the sisters. This contrasts to the fraternal relationships we see in the 300 year-old journal that Jean-David, CiCi’s godson, finds in her ancient home. So many relationships in this story are fraught with peril or, in some cases, rejected as characters strive to stay in their comfort zone. Can Jean-David find and accept the family offered him?

Adrienne is so very empty after her accident that leaves her unable to play her beloved viola. While several of sisters are musical or dancers, Adrienne has had to change her study focus to music history instead of performing. She feels left out. Will the two hearts that feel alone find strength and comfort in each other and ultimately God?

I loved the mystery of Pierre’s family from the past. To make it more tantalizing, Rescot feeds us short snippets from Pierre’s lifetime journal, bit by bit. 

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

My fave secondary character has hot yo be CiCi. At 80, she is doing things many 20-year-olds would not! The strength of character, warmth, generosity, and care for those around her, wow. She would be a woman to meet. 

Notable Quotables:

“See, even amidst the darkness, light shines through…I do know who holds the future. God never leaves us truly alone.”- Adrienne

“So, why did you come?” “For Cici.” She shrugged. “That’s what we do for family. Why are you here?”  He smiled. “The same reason.” He extended his arm to her. “For Cici.” – to be discovered

“All he’d ever wanted was to have his family back. But had God really sent Cici, and even the Americans,  to be his family?“ (Jean-David)

“Reading about people is my passion, so reading people is my superpower.” – Louisa

“Tonight, God had brought them to each other at this ancient church, tested by fire, aging, and destruction. And if he had helped Notre Dame rise from the ashes, God would also help them do so as well.” – to be discovered

“I don’t like change. I prefer things to stay how they were, like  the Medieval castles.” “You mean the fortresses?” She frowned. “Guarded and walled off.” – Jean-David, Adrienne

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I will be picking up the first book in the series, as well as future books about these sisters.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive French chocolates and a copy of A Change in Tune and Sunflowers in Paris!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 1, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 8, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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

Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

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

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary

Release Date: May 5, 2026

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

More from Suzanne

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

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

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

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

Makes 6–8 large popovers.

What You’ll Need

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

Let’s Make Them

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

Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.

A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers

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

*Recipe adapted from Weston Table.

My Impressions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notable Quotables:

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

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

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

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

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

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

-(Tim Rivers)

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

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior!!

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Lyssa Loves Books, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Texas Book-aholic, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Lakesidelivingsite, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

EmpowerMoms, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 23

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Lily’s Corner, May 25

Devoted To Hope, May 25

She Lives to Read, May 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 27

Cover Lover Book Review, May 27

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

Lights in a Dark World, May 28

Wishful Endings, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Giveaway

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

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

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

BLOG

Stronger Than the Storm by Deena Adams Review

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Stronger than the Storm

Author: Deena Adams

Publisher: Scrivenings Press

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Releases: April 28, 2026

A runaway teen. A wife’s devastating secret. A family’s reckoning.

Beth Holbrook has spent years building a life centered on faith and family. As a pastor’s wife, mother of three, and respected parenting coach, she’s devoted herself to helping families raise godly children. Now, with a publishing contract within reach, Beth stands on the verge of realizing a lifelong dream.

Then her daughter runs away.

Eighteen-year-old Leesa is tired of living under expectations she feels she can never meet. One impulsive decision sends her fleeing to Myrtle Beach, determined to take control of her life. But when she returns home weeks later with shocking news, the fragile peace inside the Holbrook family fractures.

As tensions rise, Beth struggles with growing conflict in her marriage, painful criticism from her mother, and the crushing realization that the advice she’s given other parents may not save her own family. Worse still, the secret she’s hidden for nearly two decades threatens to destroy the very foundation of her life.

When a powerful hurricane barrels toward their Virginia Beach home, the Holbrooks must confront the storm raging inside their hearts.

Can grace and forgiveness rebuild what secrets and betrayal have broken—or will the truth tear their family apart?

Perfect for readers who love Christian women’s fiction filled with emotional depth, family drama, and themes of redemption and healing, Stronger than the Storm is a powerful story of faith, forgiveness, and the courage to face the truth.

Fans of Nicole Deese, Karen Kingsbury, and Amanda Cox will love this compelling and heartfelt novel about family secrets, healing after betrayal, and God’s power to restore broken lives.

Get ( or pre-order)your copy here!

https://www.amazon.com/author/deenaadams

About the Author

As a Jesus girl for over thirty years, and a pastor’s wife for most of those, Deena Adams has a wealth of experience counseling women who’ve navigated unimaginable adversity. Through these interactions she’s gained great insight into topics women relate to, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true-life stories.

Three-and-a-half years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and completion of the Certified Mental Health Coach program through Light University have equipped her to write stories that address deep family-related themes with authenticity, wisdom, and compassion.

She is an active ACFW member, a six-year ACFW Virginia board member, and founder of the Marathon online writers group. Her writing awards include: 2019 Foundations Award finalist, 2019 ACFW First Impressions double finalist and winner, 2021 ACFW Genesis finalist and ACFW Virginia Crown Award winner, 2022 Cascade Award finalist, 2023 ACFW First Impressions finalist, 2024 ACFW Genesis double semi-finalist and winner, 2024 Foundations Award finalist, and 2025 ACFW Genesis finalist. She also enjoys promoting hope-filled fiction authors on her blog.

Deena lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends, playing board games, and doting on her seven grandchildren.

Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

My Impressions

“God’s power can turn messes into ministry and trials into  a testimony when we entrust our hurts to him. I’m living  proof.” 

Stronger Than the Storm by Deena Adams is a women’s fiction story I found more relatable than I would like. My family’s situation was not the same in many respects, yet I understood the pressure of living in a glass house because of being in a pastor’s family. Both Kevin, a pastor, and his wife, Beth, have hopes for the future based on their performance- Kevin hopes to advance to senior pastor of the church,  and Beth hopes to publish her first book as a parenting expert. 

Their dreams begin to crash around them like the winds of the hurricane that later attack the house. Their oldest daughter runs away, and when she does return, continues to make life choices that are both hurtful and dangerous. I found it interesting that Beth is the strict parent who wants firm rules and apologies from the errant young adult child. “God is full of grace  and love, but His Word makes it clear there are consequences  for sin. How will Leesa ever learn from her mistakes if we  rescue her at every turn?” Kevin, much easier going, would rather “err on the side of grace.” “I’m more willing to offer grace and unconditional love.” And he does! Guess which parent Leesa gravitates towards? I wonder, if, in many marriages, there is a child-rearing theory conflict like this, each thinking themselves following God’s will and Word?

Things gets worse and stormier before they get better. The family is on the verge of total collapse. A secret kept for years. A grief that almost kills the marriage. I loved the fact that the two consider a Christian counselor to help. But one still needs to listen to any sound advice, pray a lot, and determine to obey God. Both Kevin and Beth are amazed by what they find when they take a look at their individual hearts. Will they have the strength to pursue reparation for their marriage and family? What about Leesa, who feels her life has ended before it has barely begun?

Isaac, Megan, Tyler, Jackson, and Teresa are all secondary characters with major influences on the three main characters. I love how accepting and helpful Jackson and Teresa are especially, but all are essential in this family drama. 

Highly recommended! For mature readers, but possibly teens, depending on their exposure. For church people, to see what their expectations and gossip can do to their leaders. For leaders, to carefully re-evaluate the inner motives and transparency. And, of course, for parents of prodigals! Discussion questions at the end would make this book ideal for a book club. 

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher and pre-ordered my own ebook. No positive review was required and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Perhaps embracing every seemingly insignifcant moment with those you love transforms normal into extraordinary.”

“You know going against God’s Word is never His plan, but He can and will use anything  for good. Even our worst mess-ups.” – Jackson

“We all need second chances … and third, fourth, and “fifth.” – Kevin

“I’m learning relatability is more important than a perfect  reputation. It’s hard to point people to hope if we hide our  messy stuff.”  – Beth 

“We do what we think is right in the moment. If we learn  from our mistakes, they’re never wasted”…“When we give our regrets over to God, He can redeem them in ways we could never imagine.” – Beth

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior!! Hard to believe this is Ms. Adams’s debut novel! She deals with such difficult, gritty topics so sensitively, connects with the reader’s emotions and shows how Hope can break through the storm.

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

The Silver Lode by Suzanne J. Bratcher

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: The Silver Lode

Author: Suzanne J. Bratcher

Genre: Mystery

Release Date: 2020

JEROME, ARIZONA:

Billion-dollar copper camp alive with rags-to-riches tales

Beneath the ghost town that clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill, a maze of abandoned mine tunnels conceals a vein of silver ore mixed with pure gold. Seventy years ago, the discovery of that silver lode caused a murder. Are more coming?

Historian Paul Russell is about to lose his job and the woman he loves. He doesn’t have time to search for the legendary silver lode. But when a student drops a seventy-year-old unsolved cold case on his desk, a murder connected to the silver lode, the mystery offers Paul the perfect opportunity to work with Marty Greenlaw and win her back.

As Paul and Marty search for the silver lode, suspicious deaths begin to happen. When Paul’s son disappears, the stakes become personal.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne J. Bratcher, Ph.D., delights in writing contemporary mysteries sprinkled with history. Her award-winning novels are set in the very real ghost town of Jerome, Arizona as well as the Four Corners states: New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Bratcher lives in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading with her granddaughter, laughing at her rescue cat, and piecing colorful quilt scraps.

More from Suzanne

When readers ask me where I get my ideas, I sometimes wonder if they expect me to reveal a secret process for starting a book. I only wish I could. But far from proceeding along the steps of a process, each of my books begins with nothing more than a spark that catches my imagination like a match catches a piece of kindling. I pile ideas on the spark and when I have enough for a blaze, I start to write. The spark for The Silver Lode was a 3-D display of the myriad abandoned mining tunnels that crisscross the hill beneath the ghost town of Jerome, Arizona.

The idea for The Silver Lode came to me while I was still an English teacher. So, what was I doing studying a model of a long defunct copper mine when I should have been reading William Faulkner or e.e.  cummings? The reality was-at the time, I had no idea I was studying a copper mine. I thought I was visiting an old house.

The first time I turned off Arizona Highway 89A to visit Jerome State Historic Park, I wanted to tour to the Douglas mansion, the park headquarters. I love old houses. I’ve visited Thomas Jefferson’s home, George Washington’s, numerous antebellum mansions scattered throughout the South, and the family homes of many famous American writers. The Douglas Mansion, then, was a natural stop. But besides old houses, I also love research-learning simply for the sake of learning. I don’t have to have a specific goal in mind to enjoy adding bits of information to my hodgepodge of knowledge.

So…as I strolled through the high-ceilinged rooms in the Douglas mansion, I found myself drawn into the history of copper mining in Jerome. In addition to the three-dimensional display of the mine tunnels, I saw shelves of rocks and minerals bathed in ultraviolet light, a wall of photographs of the Douglas family that included one of Winston Churchill’s sisters, and a video that told the story of the ghosts of Cleopatra Hill. My interest piqued, I plunged more deeply into research. I bought books and read firsthand accounts of life in the billion-dollar copper camp. I visited the Jerome Historical Society and read yellowing newspapers. I ventured into the Mining Museum and wandered through a reconstructed mineshaft. I searched the internet for information about mining in the late 1800s and early 1900s, whether for copper, silver, or gold.

By now I was actively working on a plot that would revolve around mining for silver in Jerome. Because The Silver Lode was the second book in my trilogy of Jerome mysteries, I already had the main characters for the story. In my head I could see Scott, a young teenager, exploring those interlocking tunnels under the town. But I didn’t know what he was looking for. I needed another spark to start that fire.

I ran across it quite accidentally as I was reading about a large deposit of silver mixed with gold discovered in Virginia City, Nevada in 1859. Dubbed a silver lode, it was one of the richest deposits of its kind ever discovered. Of course, the Comstock Lode had nothing to do with mining in Jerome between the two World Wars. Nor did the history of Nevada influence the history of Arizona in the 1920s. Still, as I read about a large deposit of silver mixed with gold called a silver lode, I knew I had found both the treasure and the title for the story I was working on.

The next big story question was “Who else is looking for the silver lode?”  In other words, “Who is the villain?” It was clear I needed secondary characters to drive the search for my imaginary silver lode buried deep in Cleopatra Hill. These characters came from my research into the families who built the town of Jerome and spread down the hill to build Clarkdale. I had my ideas.

Now…back to the question my readers sometimes ask: where do I get the ideas for my mysteries? The answer is as simple as it is complicated: I get my ideas from research. As I write, I use these ideas as a springboard so that they appear in camouflage. When you read The Silver Lode, I hope you find these nuggets of fact buried deep in the imaginary story of the long ago murder of a college student’s grandfather, a contemporary search for a legendary silver lode, and a desperate rush to save a child’s life.

My Impressions

“When I’m facing something I know is bigger than my strength, I repeat Philippians 4:13 three times, adapted a bit. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, even __.”

Who hasn’t, at one time or another, wanted to uncover a long-buried treasure  or solve a mystery that has eluded people for decades? Suzanne J. Bratcher, a new-to-me author, takes both of these ideas and skillfully melds them together, along with great faith lessons, in The Silver Lode. 

Dr. Paul Russell assigns his college students to interview a family member about an important historical event of their lifetime. Alex Reyes’s take on that assignment leads Dr. Paul Russell and his family and friends on a quest for the truth about a rumored silver mine in the area and a suspected murder 70 years old. 

It was nice to read about a conflicted romance such as between Marty and Paul. Nice because Marty’s hesitation to accept Paul as a serious suitor is grounded in the reality of one considering becoming a step-parent to a teen. Not an easy decision. 

It is also interesting to see the growth in Scott, the teen son of Paul, as he emerges from mourning his mother’s death. We get to see how his relationships with his dad, a friend who needs a dad, and Marty, his dad’s potential girlfriend, develop. Will Scott cling to the familiar, or will he allow room for relationships to grow, to change, or even new ones to develop?

I’m sure I had sweaty palms and short breaths a few times as I read about the dangers that are inherent in exploring a possible murder. Or an old mine shaft. The action kept me glued to my seat. The romance, the job anxiety, the relationship angst, and the four-year-old fundraiser recipient all tightened the weave of the story into a very beautiful tapestry. 

I’m going to award favorite secondary character to Sophia, who knows the Russell family from years prior. She is a sweet and wise woman who is also a good friend to Marty. She is able to listen to Marty’s misgivings and give godly advice. “…sometimes God makes something different out of our lives than we expected. It’s kind of hard when that happens because we find ourselves in territory we don’t have a map for.” Amazing when God steps into our lives and opens our eyes with apt words from a friend! I also loved how this theme of leaving behind the old expectations we have for our lives and accepting a new direction God is sending us in, plays out in so many different characters’ lives in different aspects. 

I enjoyed seeing a bit of the antique business as Marty is shown at work, as she develops her showroom.

The twist!! When we are out of options, Bratcher throws in a great twist!! I liked that almost as much as I enjoyed the unique ending of the novel, that I could see some creatives actually doing. 

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

Notable Quotables:

 “Commitment meant work.” ( Paul)

“…the best opener” [in a conversation] “was the truest thing he knew about himself.” (Paul)

“God creates new things.” – Sophia

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! I now need to go back and find the other two books in this series!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 8

Simple Harvest Reads, January 9 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol , January 9

Bizwings Blog, January 10

Artistic Nobody, January 11 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 12

Guild Master, January 13 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, January 14

Fiction Book Lover, January 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

A Reader’s Brain , January 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 19 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, January 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 20

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, January 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate, a print copy of the book, and a bookmark!!

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

https://gleam.io/n6moC/the-silver-lode-celebration-tour-giveaway

ARC, Bethany House, BLOG, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, NetGalley, PB, Purchase

The Rules of Falling for You by Mollie Rushmeyer Review

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: The Rules of Falling for You

Author: Mollie Rushmeyer

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Released: September 2, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Rom-com ( permeated with shades of Regency)

She thought she knew the rules of love. Turns out, love makes its own. 

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The perfect match can’t be far–certainly not at a Regency-themed singles’ retreat–or so podcaster Zoe Dufour believes. After years of creating content for her relationship podcast inspired by Regency etiquette and era-appropriate rules for romance, she knows her listeners have anticipated this retreat. But she also attends with expectations of her own: finding the ideal modern-day gentleman who can meet every one of the nonnegotiables on her checklist.

Harrison Lundquist, Zoe’s podcast producer and best friend’s brother, reluctantly agrees to tag along on the retreat to capture footage while seeking a career-advancing promotion. He views the retreat as ridiculous. And Zoe’s methods for finding her real-life Mr. Darcy? Downright absurd! But as he films her whirlwind dates, his growing feelings for her are sidelined by suitors vying for her attention. When Zoe realizes her checklist for the man of her dreams might be holding her back, she must decide if she’s willing to rewrite her rules and take a chance on the person who has been there all along.

“The writing is smart and sassy with humor and touching moments sure to please lovers of rom-coms, Regency romance, or Jane Austen period dramas.”–JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author

This clean and wholesome romance presents a Regency-infused spin on a contemporary rom-com with the grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, and best friend’s brother tropes. Readers of Melissa Ferguson, Pepper Basham, and Julie Klassen will find this read delightful.

Get your copy below!

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/637223

https://amzn.to/4ononHn

About the Author

Mollie Rushmeyer writes whimsical romance with heart and humor. She has a deep and abiding love for all things British, bookish, and filled with history and mystery. A modern girl herself—she wouldn’t want to go a day without modern plumbing and central air!—she’s always felt a special connection to the past and anything with a happily ever after. Her debut novel, The Bookshop of Secrets, was a finalist for a 2023 Carol Award. A born and bred Midwestern gal, Mollie makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband and two spunky, beautiful daughters.

Her Jane Austen-inspired contemporary rom-com, The Rules of Falling for You with Bethany House Publishers, released September 2nd, 2025. Get your copy now!!

She’d love to connect through social media! Follow her on Instagram and

Facebook: @authormollierushmeyer

My Impressions

“That’s how God so often works, isn’t it? Only the next step, the next shrub or tree, is visible when I want the whole forest. I need the whole picture so I can organize, mitigate disaster, plan for all possible outcomes, ready a list to ensure everything turns out the way it’s supposed to.”

The premise of this book reminded me of Angela Ruth Strong’s book, Husband Auditions, in which a young single influencer decides to film herself following an old-fashioned list for finding a beau. Only instead of  list from the 1950s, our heroine in Molly Rushmeyer’s contemporary rom-com uses a list from Regency times. Zoe and her best friend Eden produce a popular podcast. Using wisdom from Regency authors Jane Austin and A. Nathaniel Gladwin, Zoe gives advice about finding love in the modern world. Love, the “l” word,  yet elusive to the two. They decide to attend a Regency cosplay singles retreat near Minneapolis, and drag along Eden’s brother, Harrison, as their producer. 

The adventures the two get into along with Harrison, his assistant Jake, and a few other friends and attendees are quite hilarious and sad. Hilarious as Zoe is not very graceful, and that is putting it mildly. Sad, because as the reader, it is so easy to see what Zoe refuses to see… where her true feelings lie, but where she, in her need for a plan, decides to move ahead.  

Harrison and Zoe take turns narrating the story, so we get a look at the pitfalls and likelihood of this being a friends-to-more story. Zoe is a planner who must have everything scheduled and perfect. Harrison finally tells her, “Besides, even when we think we’re controlling things, we’re really not. Surrender is acknowledging the fact that God has it under control, has our backs, and loves us. We don’t have to carry the burden of making everything right.” Yet, Zoe desperately clings to her idea of control, sure if she lets go, disaster will ensue. 

When Zoe does finally begin to let go and trust God for her future, a sudden betrayal reinforces her misguided idea that she never should have given up the reins. Will she ever be able to understand that “God never promised, ‘Take my yoke upon you, and I’ll make sure your life’s smooth sailing, no pain or heartache’”? I know people who believe if they trust God, bad things shouldn’t happen to them. Will Harrison persist in his pursuit, or will he decide Zoe and he are too different to be God’s match for each other?  How will Harrison and Eden’s overbearing, absent father affect the future of the podcast and any relationship between Harrison and Zoe? 

While this is a light-hearted story, the lessons about letting go and letting God and relaxing our standards, not looking for perfection in others, are invaluable. 

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

Notable Quotables:

“That’s the thing I’ve come to see. I’ll never be perfect, I’ll never do everything right. But then He never asked me to. Instead, He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”- Harrison

“while people, even people I love deeply, can disappoint and betray me, God never will.”- Zoe

“when we keep secrets from others, we’re telling ourselves it’s for their good. To protect them. To protect our own hearts. But it’s a lie we tell ourselves to avoid doing what’s right.”– Zoe

“Maybe He [God]reveals one step at a time so I have to take His hand for the next one, the one I can’t quite see beyond. That way He can help me when I inevitably stumble or fall.”-Zoe

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Perfection vs. What God Calls You to Be

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!