Tag: Romance

ARC, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, Launch Team, Love Inspired Suspense, Purchase

Scent of Sabotage by Dana Mentink Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Scent of Sabotage

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 30, 2025

Detective Beth Wolfe’s reunion with investigative journalist Jack St. James is a matter of life or death—and when a masked assailant attacks them, a severe blow leaves Jack with amnesia. Beth and her K-9, Arthur, are determined to keep Jack safe while he regains his lost memories. Was he targeted due to a case he was working on…or does it have something to do with the son they placed for adoption decades ago? When their investigations lead them inside a booby-trapped amusement park, it’s a race against the clock to put all the pieces together and uncover the park owners’ nefarious plot…or die trying.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

How could we be at the end of a series? I’ve been having a wonderful time with the Wolfe family and their house full of hounds. The last book is finally Beth’s story. She’s the matriarch of the family who has experienced the loss of a spouse. In this story, she will meet the son she never knew and explore the idea of learning to love again. I feel especially fond of this book because Beth is an older heroine who has some living under her belt. She’s learned how to carry on, with her old dog Arthur, and stand faithfully in the face of adversity. Now that’s a heroine I can root for! I hope you enjoy this final installment of the Security Hounds series!

My Impressions

“A wound she’d carried for thirty-eight years had broken open, and she wasn’t sure how to bind up the ragged edges.”

Aw, the final chapter ( book) in the Security Hounds Investigation series by Dana Mentink. How bittersweet! Scent of Sabotage is a welcome and fast-paced addition to the series, featuring matriarch Beth Wolfe,  who has been the backbone of the family and their bloodhound team leader. A widow of several years, Beth is shocked to get a text out of the blue from Jack, a man she hasn’t seen in 30 years. 

Jack’s sudden request to see her brings to the surface a multitude of unwelcome memories and emotions. None of Beth’s family are aware of this part of her past, except her deceased husband . Before Jack can confirm Beth’s fears, though, the attacks begin and Jack and Beth begin to run for their lives. 

One reason Beth and Jack are largely on their own, is Beth’s reluctance to let go of her hidden past. She has many talented adult children who are people seekers along with their bloodhound counterparts, yet Beth keeps them out of the loop. “…maybe because she didn’t want them to have a chance to ask him too many questions about their past? Her scars were deep. His too.”

So many times, my heart ached for the help that could have been theirs with a little more forthcoming with Beth’s family. But don’t we act like that in real life sometimes? Trying to find our way on our own, without the help of others, because of fear of what they may think of us?

I give Jack points for being wise. Although he originally tells Beth, “…I don’t need a wingman,” he quickly realizes he is not going to dissuade Beth from joining his investigation.  At that point, he doesn’t waste a lot of time trying. When Beth gets upset at him over matters, he doesn’t take it personally, but realizes that her reaction is normal. This patient man will go far!

And the requisite goofy bloodhound. Meet old, arthritic Arthur. He could only be a liability, right? But no, this elderly dog is an unexpected hero to both canine and people alike. I was amazed. 

The mystery is well-plotted. I loved the amusement park setting and the twists certainly surprised me. I would not have survived this adventure, pure and simple!! 

And, of course, Mentink made me feel like I was in the middle of the action with Beth and Jack. Fortunately for me, the reader, Mentink inserts some humor and witty comebacks that break the tension. Otherwise, this story will really cause the blood pressure to skyrocket! 

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

Notable Quotables:

“God has a way of growing people up, doesn’t He?” – Jack

“She wasn’t his. She never was and never would be, but during occasional sleepless nights, he allowed himself to stray to the “what could have beens.” Deadly and depressing. God didn’t want him to dwell in the past.” (Jack)

“…everyone’s an enemy until we’re shown otherwise.” – Jack

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior! Action, twists, faith, romance, humor, and dogs! I will miss the Wolfes and their bloodhounds!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 16

The Avid Reader, December 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 18

EmpowerMoms, December 18

Bizwings Blog, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Alyssa Amey, December 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 22

Devoted To Hope, December 23

Blogging With Carol, December 23

Because I said so, December 24

Artistic Nobody, December 25 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lily’s Corner, December 26

Mary Hake, December 26

Labor Not in Vain, December 27

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27

Holly’s Book Corner, December 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 28

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 29

Lights in a Dark World, December 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/T2I2F/scent-of-sabotage-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

Mail Order Duchess by Misty M. Beller Review and Giveaway

Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Duchess

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

A marriage born of duty. A love neither expected.

When Enoch Balfour’s eldest brother tragically dies, the weight of family responsibility falls on his shoulders. Now this Montana rancher must train for his role as the next Duke of Clarence—and marry the mail-order bride his brother sent for. Hardened by loss, Enoch has no intention of opening his heart to a stranger, but duty demands he produce an heir.

Mandie Beaumont is a desperate young widow fleeing the sinister advances of her brother-in-law. After arriving in the Montana Territory to marry a man she’s never met, an accident leaves her robbed of her recent memories—memories that conceal a devastating secret. When she discovers she’s carrying a child conceived through betrayal and violence, Mandie fears rejection and ruin. Yet, in Enoch, she finds an unexpected protector whose fierce gentleness makes her long to trust again.

Though Mandie’s charm and resilience begin to thaw Enoch’s guarded heart, he struggles with his fear of loss. When Mandie’s past resurfaces, Enoch must risk everything to save her. If he fails, Mandie will be torn from him—and the love they’ve begun to embrace could be lost forever.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, amnesia, a secret baby, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

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

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

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

More from Misty

Hello Reader Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to share a brand new series with you! This idea has been percolating in my mind for a couple years now—a mash-up of two of my favorite historical romance genres: Regency England and the rugged American West.

In the Lords of the Rockies series, you’ll meet the five sons of an English duke who were sent to the wilds of the Montana Territory for their protection when they were boys. They’ve grown up there, become ranchers and mountain men in their own right.

It’s Regency meets the Rockies as these aristocratic brothers navigate the challenges of ranch life.

I’m especially excited to introduce you to the first book in the series, Mail-Order Duchess!

Enoch Balfour is one of my all-time favorite heroes…so incredibly swoony. He’s the second son, which means he never thought he would have to return to England and take over his father’s role as the Duke of Clarence. But now his eldest brother has passed in an unexpected riding accident. And Enoch has become the heir intended.

Can you imagine how hard that must have been? Suddenly having to leave the only life you’ve ever known to take up the duties of a title an ocean away?

And then there’s Mandie Beaumont, a young widow hoping for a fresh start in Montana. But when she arrives, an accident steals her recent memories, leaving her with no idea why she left her comfortable life in Savannah to travel across the country and marry a rancher she’s never met. Or maybe her previous life wasn’t so comfortable…

Can you imagine waking up one day to find yourself in a strange place with no recollection of how you got there or what you were running from?

I don’t want to give away too much, but let’s just say Mail-Order Duchess has all the ingredients for a story you won’t be able to put down—a marriage of convenience, hidden secrets, and an unlikely romance blossoming in the face of incredible odds. I’m so excited to share this story with you!

I’ve had such fun crafting the unique premise of an English aristocratic family making their way in the American West. Get ready for more heartfelt Western adventures tinged with Regency flair as the Lords of the Rockies series continues!

I pray you love Mail-Order Duchess!

Blessings!

Misty

My Impressions

“William’s bride arrived today.” – Thomas

Such an innocuous statement. If only! Misty Beller successfully sets up another series, this one also a family of brothers needing wives. In her newest series, Lords of the Rockies, Beller combines the Old West mountain frontier with Regency romance. Book one, Mail Order Duchess, introduces us to the five brothers, minus one. William, the one who wrote East for the mail order bride, dies before his intended, Mandie Beaumont, reaches the ranch. Hop down a stair from first brother to second brother, Enoch. Raw with grief, duty-bound to take over his brother’s roles including returning to England as the next Duke, Enoch discovers communication in the West can be faulty. Now, a woman he’s way too attracted to, is staying at the ranch, and as oldest, it’s his duty to make sure Mandie stays safe. Not easy when she arrives with amnesia and secrets. 

I loved getting to know the four remaining brothers a little. Each presents enough that my appetite is ready for their individual story. And of course, Enoch is our main “hurt” hero. He’s lost so many people dear to him, he now has erected walls of bronze around his heart. As Mandie comes to know him a bit, she asks him about his past. ‘It’s in the past. I’ve learned to live with it.’ ‘But you haven’t learned to live beyond it.’ ”

Could a Southern Belle really transplant well into the untamed land of Montana territory? Enoch has his doubts as he first meets Mandie. “This territory didn’t care about grit or good intentions- it chewed up the strong and the weak alike.”

Beller works her writerly magic on the words that flow, beautifully describing the     open sky and mountainous scenery. If I could sketch, I could sketch a drawing of the ranch in different scenes. I could certainly imagine myself as Mandie, in the ranch cabin, laughing with the brothers, talking with Enoch, trying to reason away his resistance. Or being Enoch and trying so hard to keep his heart safe. Can God help these two get beyond themselves before they destroy any chance of happiness together?

Beller also adds in just enough danger and twists to keep the fingers flipping the pages. And at the end, like me, the reader will probably find themselves begging for the next brother’s story already!

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

Notable Quotables:

“She knew what it was to pretend at normalcy while your heart bled in secret.” 

“Is it really better, though? To hold yourself apart, to never let yourself fully love or be loved, because you’re afraid of the pain?” – James

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Great start to new series mash-up!

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 3

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 4

Devoted Steps, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 7

For Him and My Family, December 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, December 8

Lyssa Loves Books, December 8

lakesidelivingsite, December 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Connie’s History Classroom, December 10

Artistic Nobody, December 10 (Guest Review from Donna)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , December 11

Melissa’s Bookshelf, December 11

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Mary Hake, December 12

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Cover Lover Book Review, December 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 14

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Pause for Tales, December 15

Devoted To Hope, December 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3e364/mail-order-duchess-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

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

    A Hidden Hope by Suzanne Woods Fisher Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: A Hidden Hope

    Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Genre: Amish Fiction

    Release Date: October 7, 2025

    Supervising two newly minted medical residents might be the toughest challenge Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus has ever faced. Wren Baker, sharp and ambitious, graduated at the top of medical school with a hidden agenda in tow. Charlie King, at the bottom of the class, is determined to succeed–though Dok isn’t convinced he’s got what it takes. Then there’s traveling nurse Evie Miller, whose quiet love for Charlie doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by Wren.

    Boarding at Windmill Farm, the trio struggles to balance modern medicine with plain living. Between medical emergencies, cultural misunderstandings, and brewing romantic tensions, Dok finds herself juggling far more than she bargained for. Soon the stage is set in the small Amish community of Stoney Ridge for plenty of professional and personal complications.

    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 and Amish fiction. Suzanne and her husband live in a small town in northern California. Most friends act a little nervous around her 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

    The Kitchen Garden by Suzanne Woods Fisher

    “Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.” Amish proverb

    Whenever I visit my Amish friends, I always make a point of wandering out to their vegetable gardens to see what’s growing. Their gardens, usually not far from the kitchen, are bigger than most people’s backyards. Gardens, for the Amish, are a family affair. Husbands help their wives ready the soil and add the homebrewed fertilizer (ahem, manure), children help their moms plant, weed, and harvest.

    Like so many parts of the Plain life, their value of the home garden—for the sake of nutrition, for sustenance, for well-being—is a wonderful example to those of us who weren’t farm-raised. They’ve been living a sustainable life filled with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for over four hundred years. The rest of us are just catching on.

    One Amish mom told me a story about her daughter, the youngest of seven. “This girl was a born worrier. Whenever she started on her worry loop, I would send her out to weed in the garden. When she came back in, her worries were gone. There’s just something about weeding that helps a soul settle down.”

    I could expand that thought a little further. There’s just something about gardening that helps a soul settle down.

    So, it’s late on Saturday and I just wrapped up a very long week. I spoke at three book events and finished the first draft (the drafty-draft) of a novel. I can’t stop thinking about the novel. Is it a mess? As tired as I am, tonight I don’t think I’ve got one more word in me—not to speak, not to write. I’m spent! Done. My husband is out for the evening, so I had a few hours alone at home to relax.

    What did I do?

    I planted in my garden: lettuce and radishes and carrots. As I dug in the spongy soil, I could feel my soul settle. Worry and exhaustion slipped away as I scattered seeds into furrows. Little by little, that wonderful God-given sense of re-creation returned. Tomorrow, I would write again. Time spent in my little garden does that for me. It renews me and gives me a hope for the future.

    Or, at the very least, a good salad.

    Overnight Blueberry French Toast

    On a sunny July morning, we were served this breakfast dish at an Amish friend’s home and my husband couldn’t stop talking about it. You might be shocked at the amount of eggs, but don’t skimp! It’s worth every bite.

    12 slices bread cut in 1” cubes

    8 oz. cream cheese cut in ¾” cubes

    1 ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries

    12 eggs

    1/3 cup maple syrup

    2 cups milk

    Place half the bread cubes in a 9×13 baking dish. Top with cream cheese blueberries and the remaining bread. Beat eggs, syrup and milk and pour evenly over bread.

    Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until well done.

    My Impressions

    “But peace doesn’t come from trying to fix the wrong. It comes from trusting that God will handle it, in his time.”

    Another return to Stoney Ridge with Dok Stoltzfus courtesy of Suzanne Woods Fisher? Yes, please! Fisher’s books are now auto-buys for me, and I especially  love this little Amish village and its people. 

    In case the reader has forgotten some of the Stoney Ridge characters, or just needs a refresher since the last book, a list of characters with their personality traits is included at the front of the book. Yay!

    Dok Stoltzfus has taken the first step towards lightening her workload. She applies for a resident. She gets not one, but two – very Englischer, very wet-behind the-ears doctors, Charlie and Wren. And one traveling nurse, Evie, with enough cultural background to understand the Stoney Ridge community. A battle of cultural sensitivity, professional respect, and emotional attachment ensue. Can any of these characters find the peace they are seeking in this environment? 

    A second main thread continued from the  last book is about Annie, Dok’s Amish receptionist, who desperately wants to join her love interest in the EMT field. How I identified with Annie’s ailment! Yet, Annie refuses the obvious solution. Are her dreams and future destined to go up in smoke?

    Yet a third intertwined thread deals with an emotional but medical condition, that because of its nature, many faiths, not just Amish, are reluctant to admit to or treat medically. How many people might slip through the cracks under the misguided guise of shaming the suffering individual into performing “normally”?

    David Stoltzfus, the friendly, wise, and godly bishop (and brother to Dok) is an important secondary character. He discusses the need for justice when Wren is about to bulldoze her way to obtain it. “True peace can only come with justice.” -Wren “I agree with you,” David said, “but true justice can only come from God. Only he knows what’s in a person’s heart.” David also counsels his doctor sister many times, sometimes as her brother, sometimes as the community leader he is, looking out for his flock. 

    Two tertiary characters that help make the novel as great as it is? Both Lapps. Fern for her wisdom: “Holding out hope for too long is one thing . . .Giving up too soon is quite another.”  Then there’s loud Hank! What chaos and humor he provides! 

    Discussion questions at the end help prolong the warm, special feels of the book and draw out the deeper themes for examination. Some of those themes: discovering one’s calling, finding true peace and justice, teachability, first impressions, and post-partum depression.

    A great twist or two elevates this novel into the superb category. Highly recommended!!

    I received a copy of this 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:

    “Good thing God doesn’t give up on us”– Charlie

    “You have all the tools to be a good doctor, but to be a great one, you need to treat the person, not just the illness.”- Dok

    “There’s no good that comes from being half a Christian. If you’re only halfway in, you’re just living burdened by rules, and you’re missing out on the blessings that faith brings. It’s like trying to drive a buggy with only two wheels.” – David

    “Practicing medicine here was as much about relationships as treatment.”- Dok

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Superb!! I have so enjoyed these Stoney Ridge stories!! I can’t imagine missing a Suzanne Woods Fisher release, no matter the genre!

    Blog Stops

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 7

    The Avid Reader, October 7

    Maureen’s Musings, October 8

    Life on Chickadee Lane, October 8

    Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

    Devoted To Hope, October 10

    lakesidelivingsite, October 11

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12

    Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12

    Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 13

    Mary Hake, October 13

    She Lives To Read, October 14

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 15

    Empowermoms, October 15

    Texas Book-aholic, October 16

    Blossom and Blessings, October 16

    Vicky Sluiter, October 17

    Little Homeschool on the Prairie , October 17

    For Him and My Family, October 18

    Holly’s Book Corner, October 18

    Cover Lover Book Review, October 19

    Blogging With Carol, October 20

    Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 20

    Giveaway

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

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

    https://promosimple.com/ps/3d270/a-hidden-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway
    ARC, BLOG, JustRead Tour

    A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

    About the Book

    Title: A Lady Divided
    Series: House of Fire #1
    Author: Sandra Ardoin
    Publisher: Corner Room Books
    Release Date: August 28, 2025
    Genre: Christian Historical Romance

    Just when she thinks she’s defeated the past, it returns with a vengeance.

    Fighting to keep her late husband’s dream alive and her land-grabbing neighbors at bay, Laurel Tillman longs for a peace she knew before the war. But when her skill with a rifle saves a stranger from a mountain lion attack—a man whose life she once wouldn’t have hesitated to take—wartime memories rush back.

    While raising her daughter and taking responsibility for the stray women who work on her sheep ranch, Laurel can’t wait to get the injured Yankee out of her house. Getting him out of her heart is an entirely different matter.

    Quinn Spencer, a former Union cavalry officer, owes Laurel a debt, but his career as a new lawyer in town comes with a warning to stay away from the unconventional women of La Casa del Fuego. Then, with the discovery of a dead man on Laurel’s ranch, Quinn must choose between his career and justice for a woman who can’t bear the sight of him.

    As they battle an unknown adversary who sets out to destroy Laurel, will she join forces with her former enemy? Or will she allow the past to overcome any chance of a truce between them . . . and, possibly, something more?

    Meet the women of La Casa del Fuego—House of Fire—as they are forced by circumstances to live their lives outside the bounds of accepted femininity.

    PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Books2Read | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

    Also Available

    About the Author

    As the author of reader-described heartwarming historical and contemporary romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith.

    She is the married mother of a young adult and co-sitter for a granddog. As well as being a team member in her church’s library, she reads Christian fiction, binges TV shows with her husband, and seldom says no to eating out.

    Visit her at sandraardoin.com. Connect with her on BookBub, Facebook, X, and Goodreads. Subscribe to the newsletter and keep up with what’s new, discover what’s upcoming, and learn of specials.

    My Impressions

    “The past was an evil devil to fight.”

    Who doesn’t remember “The Island of Misfit Toys”? Sandra Ardoin’s A Lady Divided ( House of Fire, Bk#1) brings that concept to mind in human form. We are transported back in time to a few years (1877) after the Civil War in Texas. Our nation has started to rebuild, but some find it hard to forget the atrocities of the war and even harder to forgive those who hail from the other side of the Mason-Dixon Line. Instead of an island of misfit toys, we have a ranch of “misfit women.” Women who have been wounded by life, and rejecthe acceptable society norms of femininity at that time. At their helm is widow Mrs. Laurel Tillman, who lives on a ranch with her widowed mother and young daughter. The few ranch hands she has, like her, dress like men and do ranch jobs that make them the fodder for malicious gossip in a world concerned with conformity. 

    When Laurel saves the life of former Union Major Quinn Spencer who happens on her land, an enemies-to-possibly more relationship is established. But, oh, Laurel has guilt from the past that she is sure God could never forgive,  and she carries the burden of the safety of all the ranch women like a heavy yoke. 

    “Oh, if only she could feel the rest that Jesus promised. The peace. But her sinful actions were too great.” As Laurel deals with the mountain of unrest in her heart, her bitterness threatens to eat her alive, and often those around her. Yet, those closest to her can see her actions come from her conflicted heart, reflecting  the conflict of the divided States. Yet, she refuses to lay her burden down.  Her mother tries to reach her, only to have Laurel turn a deaf ear. “I hate to see you suffer like this. He’s waiting, Laurel. All you have to do is walk toward Him. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’”

    I loved this story for its unwrapping of the human emotions that are buried ( or not) just under the surface in a nation yet divided. I loved the understanding of the women that they could do hard work and it was respectable, even if it wasn’t acceptable in society. I yearned for the secrets that both Laurel and Quinn keep close to their vests. The constant mystery and danger from the the world outside Laurel’s ranch bubble make for an exciting read, as does the faith journey that so many of the characters are required to make. Will they progress towards what is right, or will they choose the comfortable answers to appease those around them? Convicting as I tried to put myself in their shoes! 

    Oh, yes! Did I mention humor and twists?! Be prepared! They are the cream cheese  icing on a great carrot cake!

    I had a three-way tie for fave secondary characters. Ernie, Becky, and the Marshall. And I love that we are well-set up for sequels!

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

    Notable Quotables:

    “…no one’s past is as it should be.” …“The only person in this world who never sinned was Jesus. His sacrifice gave imperfect human beings like you and me the way to become perfect in God’s sight.” – Quinn

    “God still loves me. He never turned His back on me. Even though I turned mine on Him, He waited for me to return.”- Laurel

    “How could she live in peace with others when she found it so hard to live peacefully with herself?”– Laurel 

    “Did she dare to think God loved her so much that He allowed the death of His own Son for someone like her? No. There must be an exception, a limit to His grace and mercy.”- Laurel

    “‘I don’t hate you. Momma always said I shouldn’t hate.’ When had that stopped her? ‘But I see nothing wrong with comparing you to a long-tailed rodent.’”– Laurel- taste of novel’s humor!

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Magnificent! 5 big Texas stars!!

    Tour Giveaway

    (1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and two (2) ebooks of their choice from Sandra Ardoin’s Published Books!

    (1) winner will receive three (3) ebooks of their choice from Sandra Ardoin’s Published Books

    Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 25, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 1, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

    Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

    Enter Giveaway

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

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

    Embers of Truth by Avrie Swan Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: Embers of Truth

    Author: Avrie Swan

    Genre: Christian Historical Romance

    Release date: April 15, 2025

    A fiery heroine teams up with a gruff detective to catch a thief, but the real danger may be trusting each other.

    With her family nearing destitution and her home on the brink of foreclosure, Carina Clarke has little left to lose. Yet in one fateful evening, the 1871 Peshtigo Fire destroys the last of all she holds dear and separates her from her sister and friend. Carina vows to find them—even if it means moving to a different city and taking up work at a textile mill while she searches.

    Oliver Ramhurst is determined to make his father proud of his work as a Pinkerton detective. His assignment to capture a thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could be the opportunity he needs—if the feisty Miss Clarke will stay out of his way. When the clever woman offers to help him ferret out the culprit, Oliver reluctantly agrees. But does she want more from him than she’s saying?

    As the danger grows and they draw closer to discovering the true identity of the thief, Carina and Oliver realize that nobody is who they seem. Carina must decide who can be trusted and who may be a villain in disguise—for when the hour grows dark, trust may be the only thing that can save her.

    Click here to get your copy!

    About the Author

    Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

    When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates. A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and a good book in her hand.

    More from Avrie

    Hello, folks!

    What do you do when you run out of your favorite type of book at the local library? Well, in the case of sixteen-year-old me, you sit down and try to write one yourself. Thus was born the first iteration of Embers of Truth, followed shortly thereafter by the second and third. After countless revisions and many cups of coffee, I finally achieved what I wanted—a book filled with mystery and action, with a main character tenacious enough to weather the storms I tossed her way. Carina’s story was a joy to write, and I know sixteen-year-old me would be happy to read it if she could.

    In this first book of The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles, I decided to explore the theme of trust and learning to accept help. Carina has difficulty trusting others, an issue born out of past experiences. However, as she comes to learn, we cannot let bad experiences affect the way we see others. Have you ever unjustly judged someone because of something that happened to you, even if it was unintentional? I have. It’s easy to do!

    In addition to exploring themes of trust, Embers of Truth also examines what it means to put our goals before helping others. Oliver is determined to impress his father, and while he takes the mill case to help the workers there, he also secretly hopes it will finally make his father approve of his occupation. Putting our needs above others is a part of human nature, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change. Watching Oliver realize this is one of my favorite parts of the story.

    Much like Oliver, I also realized several things while writing Embers of Truth. The first was that I would never handwrite a novel again, a decision my right wrist thanked me for. The second was that God is incredibly, incredibly gracious. The third and final thing I realized was that I would have made a terrible Pinkerton detective. I’m much more suited to sitting bundled up under warm blankets with a book than going undercover to find a criminal!

    I encourage you, dear reader, to follow along with Oliver and Carina as they traverse snowy Milwaukee and decide whether you could be a detective. Make sure to curl up with a nice cup of coffee or tea and a blanket as you enjoy this intriguing, romance-filled story. God bless you!

    Sincerely,

    Avrie Swan

    My Impressions

    “…you are not nothing. You are a child of God, and if you keep that fact at the front of your heart and mind, there will be no circumstance you cannot face.”

    Avrie Swan has produced a historical romance set around the Peshtigo fire, with two socially mismatched main characters. What makes the story work well for me is the fact that although society doesn’t claim the same divisions today, people always have a way of dividing themselves into groups they believe superior to others. Oliver, son of a prominent Chicago judge,  is  a Pinkerton detective tasked with discovering the thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee.  He meets spunky, alert, loom girl Carina there. Carina is working at the mill to earn money as she searches for her sister following the Peshtigo fire. Somehow, Carina twists Oliver’s arm into allowing her to assist in his factory investigation. 

    I enjoyed this constant action, tense story.  Swan provides a good feel of the dangers and hopelessness of the common laborer in a mill job. She also brings forth elements of humor in Mrs. Fields ( I can just see her twinkling eyes) and contrasts the love of family that Carina once enjoyed and Oliver never knew. I appreciated the faith emphasis, whether it was about forgiveness (“There’s always a chance for forgiveness. You simply have to ask for it.”) or about giving every aspect of our lives over to God. (“Every once in a while, I find myself trying too hard to control the circumstances of my life. It’s then that I have to stand back and let God take over.”- Mrs. Fields) Relationships between characters are a crucial part and driving force of this novel. 

    The romance between Carina and Oliver surely begins on a very rocky note. Definitely enemies to lovers trope. And there were times I cringed at the duo as a detective partnership! When the guilty party is discovered, I realized I would have made a horrible agent. No, I would not have put up with the cost that Carina and Oliver must pay to ferret out the truth. 

    While the Peshtigo fire does play an important part in the story, most of the story takes place in Milwaukee. 

    Loose ends at the story’s finish beg for more books in the series, which are expected. I’ll be waiting! 

    Notable Quotables:

    “In the end, we are all the same, regardless of money or status. What defines us isn’t the clothing we wear or the manner in which we speak. It’s the way we treat others that truly shows who we are inside.” – Pastor Lane

    “did Jesus judge all men based on the actions of one? Did He not forgive even the ones who wronged Him?”- Mrs. Fields

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Great! I’m looking forward to book 2 of The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles!

    Blog Stops

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

    Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

    Texas Book-aholic, May 3

    Blogging With Carol, May 4

    Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

    Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

    Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

    Book Looks by Lisa, May 7

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8

    Betti Mace, May 9

    Stories By Gina, May 10 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, May 10

    Cover Lover Book Review, May 11

    Pause for Tales, May 12

    Devoted To Hope, May 12

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

    For Him and My Family, May 14

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Avrie 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.

    http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54210

    ARC, Bethany House, BLOG, Celebrate Lit Tour, Favorite, Kindle, NetGalley, PB, Purchase

    The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: The Daughter of Rome (The Emissaries Book 3)

    Author: Angela Hunt

    Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

    Release date: March 4, 2025

    In Nero’s Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra reliant on a group of Christians–unusual individuals unlike any she has encountered before. Intrigued by their worship of the Son of an invisible God, Calandra grapples with her mistrust, only to find herself indebted to these believers as they help her rebuild her shattered world.

    When Emperor Nero begins constructing his opulent Golden House, the people of Rome grow resentful, suspecting him of starting the fire in order to clear the land for his immense palace. Needing a scapegoat, Nero points at those who follow the Jewish Messiah, forcing Calandra to make an impossible choice between right and wrong, friends and family, love and death.

    Click here to get your copy!

    About the Author

    Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine‘s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

    More from Angela

    Dear Reader:

    Thank you for joining me on this blog tour for THE DAUGHTER OF ROME, book three in the Emissaries series. The book stands alone, but it includes characters from books one and two, so people who have read those books will have a fuller understanding of who those people are. But no worries!  If you haven’t read the first two books, you’ll still have no problem reading THE DAUGHTER OF ROME.

    When I shaped the idea for this series, I had just finished The Jerusalem Road books, which centered on Jews who lived during Jesus’ life and ministry. I wanted to keep writing in this time period, so I shifted my focus from the Jews to the Gentiles—specifically, the people who came to faith through Paul’s ministry.

    The first book in the series, THE WOMAN FROM LYDIA, is concerned with the seller of purple who hosted the Philippian church in her home. The second book, THE SISTERS OF CORINTH, features two competing sisters who lived, naturally, in Corinth. And the third book, THE DAUGHTER OF ROME, is about a young sculptress who lives in Rome during the time of Nero.

    I have been fascinated by this time period ever since reading THE SILVER CHALICE and THE ROBE in my childhood. What would it have been like, I wondered, to live in a time when you could be executed simply for saying you believed in Jesus? Americans don’t really know what that’s like, but people in other parts of the world still deal with that danger today. The Bible tells us that this kind of danger is not going away—it will be prevalent during the end times as well. So I wanted to explore the world of the ancient Romans, and hoped to pull some lessons from it that will apply to us today.

    I’ve also been amazed at what we can still see of ancient Greek and Roman art—how did they sculpt those massive statues? One such work, the Colossus, was so large it stood in the harbor and ships reportedly entered beneath it!

    THE DAUGHTER OF ROME features one other fascinating element—a question that garners as much debate as “who killed JFK?” The story takes place during the time that the Great Fire of Rome nearly leveled the entire city, and to this day, no one is certain how it began. The people blamed Nero, Nero blamed the Christians, and it may have been a kid illegally cooking his dinner at the racetrack.

    I hope you’ll enjoy reading the story as much as I did writing it. Thanks for coming along on the tour!

    Angela Hunt

    My Impressions

    “I am a daughter of Rome,” I said, “so I will trust the gods of Rome for my future.”

    I’ve been waiting 9 months ( half of forever!) for this book!! Third in The Emissaries series by Angela Hunt, The Daughter of Rome does answer the questions from the second book, The Sisters of Corinth. However, the main characters are not the same, and there is enough back story provided to let a first-time reader enjoy the book, too. Still, the completed storyline is richer if the secondary characters are already your friends. 

    Callandra is a young woman , yet unmarried, who lives with her widowed and accomplished sculptor father. Callandra assists her father in his work and also paints the sculptures. 

    Having read book two, I was certain that, as this novel occurs in the time of Nero and great persecution, it could be a hard book to read. It is, but it is also so compelling, romantic, and chock-ful of history and Bible passages, too! And, so worth it!! 

    (A side note, there seem to be some parallels to the time of Elijah and the persecution of followers of God under Ahab and Jezebel. )

    Callandra and her father are hired to sculpt a bust of a leading Roman senator. When he is pleased with the result, he hires Callandra and her father to produce an auspicious work. In their dealings, Callandra meets the senator’s compassionate and kind son, Hadrian. While a mutual attraction develops, any romance between the two is impossible because one is a patrician and one, a plebeian. 

    And then, the great fire of Rome occurs and changes all of their lives. The fire sends Callandra and her father fleeing across the river for their lives. One group of people is welcoming. The same group that Hadrian, by his father’s command, keeps under house arrest unless they will change their beliefs. 

    It is so beautiful to see the way both the Jewish and Greek Christians freely love, share, and witness. Their generosity in all areas attracts and effects change in many. Many try to reason with Callandra, who is embittered by the losses caused by the fire. “When I had sight, I was blind to the Creator of the world, but as a blind man I began to glimpse His hand. Now I see Him working every day.” But Callandra hangs on to her Roman gods. 

    As Nero looks for scapegoats for the fire, the Christians make a convenient target. This was especially hard to read, as many of these are now people I think of as friends. The Christians could hold strong, because they believed, “Death is not our enemy; it is a journey to Adonai.” The question becomes, though, as these Christians remain faithful, does God see? Was He watching over these? What response will Callandra, Hadrian, and others who moved and interacted among these people have? Which gods or God will prove to love the people and care for them? 

    My fave secondary characters were many. Priscilla, Petros, and Mariana and Marcus from the previous book. 

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

    Notable Quotables:

    “I am not the man I used to be, and my life is no longer my own.”

    “Don’t ask for Adonai’s will, I wanted to shout, and promise you’ll do something for him if he does something for you. But Adonai did not operate like the Roman gods. Adonai demanded that his followers surrender everything to his control.”

    “Adonai does not live to serve us. We live to serve Him.”

    “Adonai always preserves a remnant. Always.”

    “I prayed for Adonai to change my poor eyes, and He changed me instead.”

    “Art was about more than size. Art was about beauty and design and its ability to provoke thought .”

    “And I am content to remain in whatever state Nero confines me, for Adonai rules over kings and emperors.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Superior!! Grab the tissues as you learn more about Nero’s Rome and evaluate your own faith!!

    Blog Stops

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 4

    Batya’s Bits , April 4

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

    Mary Hake, April 5

    Texas Book-aholic, April 6

    Inspired by Fiction, April 7

    She Lives To Read, April 7

    Locks, Hooks and Books, April 8

    Lily’s Corner, April 9

    Lots of Helpers, April 9

    Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 10

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 11

    EmpowerMoms, April 11

    Devoted To Hope, April 12

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 13

    Books Less Travelled, April 13

    Devoted Steps, April 14

    Sylvan Musings, April 15

    Holly’s Book Corner, April 15

    Cover Lover Book Review, April 16

    For Him and My Family, April 17

    Pause for Tales, April 17

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize of a $25 gift card to Baker Book House’s website and a paperback 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/00adcf54192

    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

    BLOG, Favorite, Just Read Tours, Kindle, Purchase

    When Heaven Thunders by Kendy Pearson Review

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Title: When Heaven Thunders

    Series: West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm, Book 2

    Author: Kendy Pearson

    Publisher: Pear Blossom Books

    Released: October, 2024

    Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

    A RIVETING CIVIL WAR NOVEL INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS

    A captivating read!—Lynnette Bonner, USA TodayBestselling author

    Brimming with heart, When Heaven Thunders is an emotionally charged journey for characters and readers alike.—Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author

    Award-winning-author Kendy Pearson “brings to life the Kanawha Valley’s explosive Civil War history.”—Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author

    WHEN THE DEVIL WEARS BLUE AND GRAY, DOING THE RIGHT THING CAN BE A THORNY MATTER.

    His family is missing. Bushwhackers are sleeping in his bed. This war just got a heap more personal for Union Sergeant Fin Dabney.

    Fighting guerillas in your own neck of the woods comes at a high price. Neighbors, kin, and even Fin’s best friend are on the wrong end of a rifle. But not all battles are fought amid smoke and blood. When Fin faces a murderer from his past, flesh and spirit collide, but only one can prevail.

    Melinda Jane has waited a lifetime for Fin to declare his intentions. But now she has moved on to other interests—with disastrous results. Her choices have cost her Fin’s love and possibly her life.

    Why was it he could draw down on the enemy and look death in the eye, but he could not bring himself to deal plainly with Melinda Jane? He never told her how he feels. Now he may never get the chance.

    The Award-winning series, West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm:

    1. WHEN THE MOUNTAINS WEPT
    2. WHEN HEAVEN THUNDERS
    3. IN TEMPEST WINDS (spring 2025)

    Kendy Pearson’s devotion to history and faith shines through every chapter of this novel. While addressing struggles unique to the American Civil War, this redemptive story translates well to the inner battles we all face within ourselves. Exploring soul-level choices—between faith and fear, self-preservation and sacrifice, forgiveness and resentment—are themes both timely and timeless. A must-read for fans of well-researched, immersive Christian historical fiction. —Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

    Pearson pulls back the curtain on war-torn America in this moving story of love and sacrifice. Loyalties are tested, hidden motives unearthed, and danger lurks for more than just the enlisted soldiers in When Heaven Thunders. This story will have you rooting for Fin and Melinda Jane, and on the edge of your seat to see if good will triumph over evil. —Erica Vetsch, author of the Of Cloaks & Daggers Regency Mystery series.

    This Civil War romance (When Heaven Thunders) beautifully weaves historical detail with deep emotional resonance. The characters are richly drawn, and the narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the era and the heart-touching journey of the protagonists. A captivating read!—Lynnette Bonner, USA Today Bestselling author of the Wyldhaven, The Shepherd’s Heart, and Oregon Promise series

    Kendy Pearson is a gifted author who can bring the past to life with her character development and descriptive scenes. It is refreshing to read a Christian based storyline that has the courage to step out of the caricature expectations of faith-based writing and be real about war, human nature, romance and Christian living.—Ken Pratt – Author of the Best-Selling Matt Bannister Series. 

    When the Mountains Wept takes readers on an emotionally layered journey, both heart-stirring and redemptive. Pearson pens a moving tale of family loyalty, complex devotions, and hope amid the turmoil. A delight historical fiction fans won’t want to miss!—Stephenia H. McGee, Award-winning author of The Accidental Spy series

    About the Author

    Kendy Pearson

    Kendy Pearson is a veteran high school teacher and an accomplished musician. She is also a music instructor, worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast.

    When she discovers a pocket of American history omitted from the schoolbooks, she enjoys digging in and turning that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through real historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities—and she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace. She is the recipient of five Cascade Awards, two Genesis Awards, and a Crown Award.

    Kendy enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. She also relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and Maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

    My Impressions

    “He was wrong,” Fin rasped…“My pap.” He lifted his eyes. “He said this isn’t our war to fight. It is. My family. My home. My war.”

    I’ve always loved historical fiction. I have found Civil War times are somehow so interesting to read about. Yet, Kendy Pearson forces you to do more than read *about* the Civil War in her we’ll-researched and beautifully expressed book, When Heaven Thunders ( book 2 of West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm). No, Pearson forces you to *live* the horrifying times of the war. So many scenarios are tied together to make one tight narrative. We see that young Fin Dabney has joined up with the Federals. He leaves behind several siblings and his secret love, Melinda Jane. She has lived with the family since she was young- yet Fin wishes Melinda Jane viewed him as more than a brother. We watch the difficulties the Dabney family faces in an area that holds both Reb and Union sympathies, but where letting one’s true colors show can mean shunning, jail, or death. 

    We see Fin and his army friend, Noah, as they participate in scouting out land and bushwhackers. We see examples of family pitted against family, friend against friend. Pearson makes this divide both very real and very painful. 

    We get a healthy dose of history lessons on the birth of the state of West Virginia. Plus the Civil War battles that hotly contested who would control this area of the country. Pearson doesn’t shy away from some of the atrocities that were committed by greedy, cruel humans towards their brothers and sisters in the name of war. Will Fin see the war as an excuse to vengefully purge the earth of those who so spitefully misuse power, or will he follow his superior’s opinion of him: “You have a keen sense of justice, but you don’t count yourself the judge.”

    Will Fin and Melinda Jane ever both be able to admit their love for each other before it’s too late- one way or another?

    I loved how Melinda gives so unselfishly of herself to everyone around her. She gives until it hurt, then gives some more. Only her understanding of who she and others truly are, could cause her to care so much for others. many less fortunate than herself. “Did they not share the same Father? Doesn’t that same Father hurt for us and love us the same?”  I had to ask myself, in this situation, would I have gotten this involved, knowing it could be so dangerous to my own person? 

    A fave secondary character is probs Col. Joe. He is so spot-on with his faith and refusal to become mercenary as a soldier or vengeful. He encourages the troops to belief. He fights to win- yet he is fighting a best friend and close relatives. 

    Do read the prologue and author’s notes for the best understanding of this insightful novel. Definitely read these three novels in order!

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

    Notable Quotables:

    “He gave me a second chance. A chance to live the life He wants me to live—one tethered to His grace instead of my own bitterness.” -Doc James

    “The cannon blasts had increased, pecking a hole in her peace like a woodpecker on a tree trunk.”

    “Izzy taught me we’re all born into bondage. It matters not a whit what color a man’s skin is or the color of his horse or house—we’re all in shackles and only Master Jesus holds the key.”– Melinda Jane 

    “We are in a war, yes, but it needn’t strip a man of his humanity or God’s favor.”– Col. Joe

    “God is bigger than all our problems rolled into one big riled mess. He’ll make a way…”

    “There’s wicked men on both sides, brother. We got ’em, you got ’em.”

    “Seems this entire war has brought with it a waterfall of misery.”– Fin 

    “But regret was a lone hawk, forever circling above.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Magnificent!! One of the best Civil War sagas I’ve read, with haunting truths for today’s divisions!

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

    When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss Review and Giveaway

    Babbling Becky L

    About the Book

    Book: When the Avalanche Roared (A Day to Remember Book Five)

    Author: Lauralee Bliss

    Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

    Release date: January, 2025

    The Day Hope Seemed Swept Away

    Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

    Lillian Hartwick has been in the small railroad town of Wellington, Washington, caring for her cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs for the railway while enduring taunts from other workers, has tried his best to gain Lillian’s interest, but she is engaged and waiting her fiancé’s arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devasting avalanche, sweeping two trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin’s tormentors. In the midst of the catastrophe their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian’s fiancé finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?

    Click here to get your copy!

    About the Author

    Lauralee Blisshas always liked to dream big dreams. Part of that dream was writing, and after several years of hard work, her dream of publishing was realized in 1997 with the publication of her first romance novel, Mountaintop, through Barbour Publishing. Since then, she’s had twenty books published, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee is also an avid hiker, completing the entire length of the Appalachian Trail both north and south. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family.

    More from Lauralee

    Pure Joy

    Lauralee Bliss, Author of “When the Avalanche Roared”

    Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…  James 1:2 NIV

    How does one equate a scripture like this with the death and destruction inherent in natural disasters? It seems an oxymoron to expect joy when faced with twisted metal and broken lives, such as in the deadliest avalanche in American history depicted in When the Avalanche Roared. Even now I think of the natural disaster of the hurricane that just recently destroyed mountain communities in western North Carolina, with homes and lives swept away in an avalanche of water and mud. So it was back in March, 1910 when a mile wide bank of snow detached from Windy Top in the northern Cascades of Washington State, slamming into three parked trains near Wellington, sending cars and sleeping passengers tumbling into the ravine. Over ninety lives were lost.

    This could be considered a trial of supreme magnitude. Yet scripture commands we consider joy in the midst of it. The word joy evokes smiles and laughter, peace and satisfaction. It brings to mind Jesus resting in the boat in the midst of a raging storm, tossed about on high waves while the disciples huddle together in abject fear. After He calms the seas He asks them, “Where is your faith?” It demands the human mind look away from apparent destruction to something higher. To look beyond what one sees to the unseen. To trust God even when nothing appears trustworthy.

    When the Avalanche Roared delves into the flames that spark, not from smoldering locomotives in a ravine, but within a small rail town that banded together in the wee hours of a frigid morning to rescue others. The destruction is evident. But the grit and determination of those who dug out people from heavy snow solidified by rain and cared for the suffering while their town remained isolated from the world speaks of a picture far greater than the picture of destruction. So it is today with communities swallowed by mud and trees and splintered fragments of homes as reminders of a destructive hurricane. Beyond the visual are the outpouring of help and compassion and holding the hands of those weakened by disaster in gestures of hope and resolve. And in this, a new birth of joy is realized.

    God created us to find joy in struggle, to develop perseverance to achieve a goal despite what is thrown our way, to realize that when we do, we truly lack nothing. And therein we find lasting peace even in the midst of catastrophe.

    Strangers unite to help the hurting.

    A friend flew from Florida to North Carolina and arranged with this store owner for a free truckload of water for communities devastated by the hurricane.

    My Impressions

    “While tragedy appeared to tear lives apart, it also had a way of knitting people together for God’s great purpose.”

    What an amazing series Barbour has produced with this series, A Day to Remember!  Each book recounts a little-known tragedy in North American history. Though related by theme, each novel  is a standalone. Lauralee Bliss pens the latest, exciting release, When the Avalanche Roared. 

    I am pleased to say I didn’t cry as I read this book. But I’m pretty sure my heart did. My heart broke for the “gentle giant” of a man, Griffin Jones, a Wellington, WA   rail worker in 1910. Unable to read, possibly mentally slow (I couldn’t decide on this one), his fellow workers play pranks and denigrate him at every opportunity. Life in the Cascade Mountains is brutal, but Griffin’s coworkers make it nearly unbearable! Yet, Griffin, because of his faith, is kind, seeking to help others whenever he can, and resists retaliation against his enemies. What if it could be said of all of us Christians as it is to Griffin: “You showed me a God who wasn’t some steeple or pages in a book but a living Person who cared.”

    Lillian Hartwick travels to the small railroad town of Wellington to help her cousin Elizabeth, who is expecting. When Lillian becomes depressed by the difference between her home city and this hamlet, Griffin takes it upon himself to suggest Lillian help in the mailroom. Lillian learns to love the Wellington people, but how will her rich fiancé (who has been away) feel about the town and her growing friendship with Griffin? Will he understand the town’s desperate needs following the tragedy?

    Besides Griffin, I loved the characters of Sarah Covington and Mrs. Bailets. Sarah Covington does not give in to the peer pressure of those around her and succumb to panic, but rather quotes and truly believes verses like Isaiah 40:31-“They that wait on the Lord renew their strength and will mount up with wings like eagles.” Mrs. Bailets seems to be present wherever and whenever there is a need. 

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

    Notable Quotables: 

    ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ When you got Him leading you, you don’t need nothing else.”– Griffin’s mom 

    “His understanding is a picture much bigger than ours. And we can leave our hurting questions with Him.”

    “You can’t pretend before the Lord. He knows your heart, everything about you.”

    “Give this to God… He can carry it.”

    “He couldn’t give her hope, though with God there was always hope.”

    My Rating

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Magnificent! The emotions evoked by this story are sure to make it memorable for quite a time to come!

    Blog Stops

    Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 30

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 30

    Stories By Gina, January 31 (Author Interview)

    Pens Pages & Pulses, January 31

    Texas Book-aholic, February 1

    Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

    Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

    Life on Chickadee Lane, February 4

    Connie’s history classroom, February 4

    Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

    Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6

    Betti Mace, February 7

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

    Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

    Holly’s Book Corner, February 9

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

    For Him and My Family, February 11

    Pause for Tales, February 12

    Leslie’s Library Escape, February 12

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift 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/00adcf54145