Shadowed by Dani Pettrey (Novella)

 

Shadowed - Novella Prequel to the Alaskan Courage Series by Dani Pettrey 
(Novella is on Amazon as an E-Book or you can get it as part of a Novella Collection in Sins of the Past - A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection with 2 other novellas by Lynette Eason and Dee Henderson)
5 Stars

Once again, love this series. This prequel introduces Ben and Libby, that you see in the Alaskan Courage Series as the parents to the McKennas. Loved getting to see them  together and how they got together. Also nice that it was set in 1979 Alaska and not a  modern time.

Ben is a young Alaskan fisherman who nets the body of a Russian open water swimming competitor. Libby is another swimmer who knew the woman and is pulled into trying to figure this case out with Ben. 

I think it's best to have gotten acquainted with Ben and Libby from the books 1+ and then going back to this novella, it made me appreciate their back story more.

It was fast paced, quick romance. Always enjoy the faith elements in these books. While I don't have a ton to say, it was a good, edge of your seat prequel to the series. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8418668656
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rnUuGZ
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

DNF Review - All Booked Up by Melody Carlson

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson - DNF

Did Not Finish after roughly one third of the book. 

The premise is a recent widow opening her home to renters and the promise of found family and second chances is warm and appealing, but the execution left me disengaged and unwilling to continue.

What I liked:

- The setup feels like we could have some good bookish elements with the books and depth from grief of loss. The library and bookish elements add charm to it for any book lover. The characters are kind of like golden girls style ladies if you will so that's fun in general. I love a good friendship story, especially with older characters, so I really wanted to love this but it just wasn't working... see below.

Why I DNF’d:

Honestly, for me, the characters just felt too surface level. I felt like I wasn't getting to know them well enough to care. I could never really "connect" to them I guess. Too much gossip and petty conflicts for my taste. That is pretty true to the Golden Girls I guess, but I still couldn't come to care for them. The romance was awkward, just didn't connect because this guy is the center of everyone's interest.

I do like some of Melody's books, but this one just wasn't for me. I saw a review mention this would probably be great as a series for each character and I fully agree.

Content/Trigger Warning: Clean romance, no language, grief from spouse loss

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own. 

Prayer by Courtney Reissig

Book Review: Prayer by Courtney Reissig

4.5 Stars

What a beautiful devotional book. Jam packed in under 55 pages, Courtney brings us so many beautiful reminders of prayer. I am in a hard season right now and this brought me comfort in the hardship. She reminds us that "prayer is the avenue to bring our many burdens before the only one who can provide true relief" and that "peace is waiting for us on the other side" of it. So many times I don't know what to even say to God. So many times I think I have to have it all together before I come to Him. But I don't. He sees me in the EXACT moment I need Him. He's always wanting that relationship. He wants us to give Him our burdens. He wants to give us REST in Him. Courtney's book says "When we turn to God in our need, we see outside our own circumstances to a God who holds all things together (Heb 1:3)." May I never forget just how good He is. May I always shift my focus to His faithfulness on the hard days. May I not focus on my circumstances but focus on His goodness and His glory. May I never think of God as a genie in a bottle granting requests....but as perfect, in infinite wisdom, knowing what's best for me in His will for my life. May I grow in patience and perseverance in any season of waiting, because He loves me and has a plan and purpose so good for my life.

This book reminded me of those things and I highly recommend it. I purchased the many other books in this - the Disciplines of Devotion series - and I can't wait to dive in to them.

Thank you Crossway for providing a gifted complimentary copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8412827077
Crossway's Site: https://www.crossway.org/books/prayer-tpb/ (I recommend getting directly from them because Crossway+ Members get a discount. Here is more info about the free Crossway+ Membership: https://www.crossway.org/plus

If you prefer Amazon, here is that link: https://amzn.to/3Nci5wl

*Amazon links are affiliate link and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Book 4 in The Alaskan Courage Series
5 Stars

I just love this series! This follow Kayden and Jake's romance. Rock climbing takes a turn when Kayden's route leads her to a dead climber. Is there more to their death than meets the eye? Jake has a hard past after the loss of his wife and unborn child and he uses that hardship to help the sheriff to work in an investigation again. Jake comes back to work for this case and they soon realize this was no accident. And worse...it seems the killer is on to them. Strange things happen and Jake is worried again, that someone he love is in danger.

While I don't have a ton to say, I really enjoyed the romance, suspense and it kept me engaged. I need to finish the series soon! I would say this also has a really good narrator too for the audiobook! I listened to the book in 1 DAY! I highly recommend the series as a whole. It's a good, Christian romantic suspense that has good characters, suspense, romance, great family dynamic, it just keeps you interested. It's hard to find one like this that has been this good for me in a while. 

*Content/Trigger Warnings: Grief shown from loss of main MMCs wife and unborn child killed in a car accident, murders, adultery mentioned, parental loss grief, that's what I remember right off. It was done in an appropriate way but just be aware of that if needed.

Amazon Series Link: https://amzn.to/4cnJTbr
Baker: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764211959_silenced
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Every Hour I Need You by Katie Faris

 

Every Hour I Need You by Katie Faris 
4 Stars

This was very relatable for me as a mom. As Moms we are always stretched too thin and trying to do everything with little energy left at the end of the day. Katie writes with the kind of understanding that she KNOWS just how it feels as a Mother herself, long days...long nights...yet even in the chaos we can connect with the Lord in the every day. 

I feel like this was a good devotional that really meets Moms where we are in the messy every day life, and encourages us to remember the attributes of God. His sovereignty, patience, love, faithfulness...and how we can remember those attributes in our every day lives. 

Each chapter was easy to read each day and made for a good quick devotional. I really liked her personal stories as that added a layer of relatability for me. She has 5 children so she had plenty of stories should could tell. They were real and honest.

I think this would be a good devotional to give as a gift to any Mom. No matter what season we are in, it reminds us of just how much we need the Lord and just how we can experience His goodness in the hardest seasons. I know it helped me as a special needs Mama specifically. 

Thank you to Crossway for sending me a gifted copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8384803611
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4l376C1
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Everybody's Favorite Guy by Katherine Center

 

A Short Story, 50 Pages - 1 Hour Audiobook ARC From NetGalley
Everybody's Favorite Guy - Katherine Center 
3 Stars 

Quick audiobook I got from NetGalley, will be on KU for a quick secular romance read on March 17th. Short story. Requested just to see how it was, since the last couple of Katherine Center romance books just have not worked for me, I was curious how this was with it being just a short story....

7 years after Walker's rejection, Lily and their families have conspired to bring them back together at a cabin in the Rockies when a snowstorm traps them overnight with no power. They confront their unresolved feelings.

The romance was more lustful than I prefer, but it was a quick, easy listen when I just wanted something light and not too heavy. 

However, the ending reason for why he pushed her away so long ago was honorable and had some depth - I liked that part pretty well because it reminded me of the past Katherine Center books I liked. 

Their Mom's bringing each of their Dad's ashes for each of them to scatter and joking about it was kind of weird though. I guess she was trying to be funny but geez. Didn't like the language but it was alright for a secular, short story. Don't know that I would really "recommend" it but its nice it was just a "make out" only book.

Tropes:

- Childhood Crush / Second Chance
- Opposites Attract

- Friends to Lovers

- Grief Thread from Parental Loss
- Snowed In Together 

- Matchmaking Mothers

- Forced Proximity 
- Banter 

Content/Triggers: Language - 2 H Word, 4 D Words, 1 AH Word, 2 S Words, 1 F word Parental Death in the Past, Mention of Cancer, Scattering Ashes of a Parent, Romance had 1 make out, a but lustful but nothing crazy in my opinion

Thanks to the publisher for an audio copy to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rCOBGY

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Just as I Am by Mandi Blake

 

Just as I Am by Mandi Blake

Book 1 in the Unfailing Love Series
4 Stars

I am going back and reading Mandi's backlist and really enjoying my time with them. These are always a good time with a fierce protector guy, sweet, clean romance and good faith moments. We follow Adeline and Declan. She goes to her aunt and uncles house in Georgia as she went on the run from her abusive ex-boyfriend and meets Declan. He is newly home from the Army so he is naturally a protector. When he sees Adeline in danger from her ex, he saves her from the situation and they fake date due to the circumstances. Their fake relationship turns to real one really fast. The stakes get high as her ex keeps creeping in and coming after her. The suspense at the end was wild!

I liked the characters and friend group was really good to be introduced to. While the romance is quick, I still had a good time with it. This was Mandi's debut book and I love going back to her backlist and seeing where she started. I have read over 20+ of her books now and I just love the comfort I get, and connection to the characters in her books. They are true comfort reads, even when the suspense elements are added.

Read this with my friend Melissa and we had a good time chatting about it! 

Looking forward to more in the series as I continue her backlist.

Trigger/Content Warnings: Clean Romance, Abusive Ex-Boyfriend, Grief from Parental Loss Mentioned, No Language

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8394399247
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/4skvJwA
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers

                                                     The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers

4 Stars

I finally read The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers and I really enjoyed it! Katheryn is a strong willed young woman sent to a rough mining town (Calvada) during the gold-rush era, where she inherits her uncle's newspaper, mine...etc. She is determined to stand "10 toes down on business" and reopens the paper, quickly becomes a voice for justice in town filled with corruption. She settles in her new life and finds herself in a slow-burn romance with Matthias Beck, owner of the local hotel and saloon. He is steady, grounded....and the perfect balance to Kathryn's fire! I liked how their romance had tension, banter and respect for one another. It felt like a partnership, not just a romance.

While some bits were a bit slower for me, this was a good western style, historical romance with faith moments I enjoyed. There was some good action and a justice driven plot that keeps you interested.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Clean Romance, Sexism, Mild Violence, Death, Alcoholism, Attempted Assault - not really heavy though like Francine's other books. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8314641506
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3N5nbum
Baker: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781496447586_the-ladys-mine

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

DNF Review: A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith

 

DNF Review: A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith

(No Star Rating – Content-Based DNF)

I received a review copy of A Deeper Well from the publisher. As always, my thoughts are entirely my own.

This is one of those reviews that’s hard to write. I do like a good biblical fiction with redemptive themes and Jesus shown bringing hope in their depravity. 

However, I chose to DNF this book because the content became heavier than I was personally prepared for. I want to be transparent about that so readers can make their own informed decision if this is right for them or not. Maybe at another time of my life I could read this, but as a Mom, it was just too much for me.

First, what I can say - I think Jill Eileen Smith is a skilled author. The writing is immersive and very richly detailed and you can tell she did a lot of research in writing it. 

However, this story is just sooo sad and intense. It follows Nessa, who is married off at thirteen to a much older man and then passed from one marriage to another. The themes were just too much for me. See content warnings at the bottom of the review from my friend's notes for reference of what I am talking about.

While I understand the historical context, the weight of it became overwhelming for me in this season I am in. The romance sexual scenes in this are also too detailed for my tastes.

I did not make it to the end of the book of course, where Jesus shows up, but ultimately, my decision to DNF is about content sensitivity and the season I am in right now, not writing quality or storytelling issues. I believe there will be readers who deeply appreciate this. But if you are sensitive to stories involving these themes, I strongly recommend looking into content warnings before picking this one up.

This simply was not the right book for me in this season.

Content / Trigger Warnings - pulled also from my friend Kay's review for your reference (here is her review) since she finished the book, I appreciate her content details: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8270042399

Thank you Kay, for this list. I am adding to this DNF review for clarity for my viewers as well to help others if needed to make informed reading decisions.

⚠️ Content & Trigger Warnings ⚠️
• Child marriage / pedophilia (historically contextualized, but disturbing by modern standards)
• Death on page (non-graphic, includes blood descriptions)
• Multiple stillbirths and infertility (major themes)
• Distressing situations involving young children (especially difficult for young moms)
• Cheating & polygamy
• Death of parents on page
• Grief
• Sexually, verbally, and physically abusive marriages
• Toxic family dynamics (lying, gaslighting, emotional abuse, bullying)

Honestly, just like Kay said in her review, take me with a grain of salt here. This just wasn't going to be for me unfortunately, but I definitely appreciate the publisher for sending me a copy to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

 

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

4 Stars

Book 1 in this series 

This is a powerful story that uses a gentle voice of animals to explore captivity, friendship and small acts of kindness. This book is narrated by Ivan, who is a silverback gorilla who has spent most of his life in a shopping mall enclosure. He considers himself an artist and a survivor.....because his past is tragic with how the humans have treated him and the family he loved. 

Ivan becomes friends with a young elephant named Ruby and older one named Stella. Ruby starts to change what he thinks about where he is and their purpose. He is also friends with a stray dog named Bob that adds warmth and humor to the story. 

Ivan is thoughtful and he really carries the books. Ruby is young and the emotional presence of the book. Ivan is protective of her. Stella is also wise.

This book asks the reader to see the world through Ivan's eyes and to realize the importance of treating animals humanely and importantly. 

While this had some emotional, heartbreak moments of animal abuse, it will spark conversations about animal respect and how to be empathetic to those situations and the difference between right and wrong.

Content warnings: death of parent recounted, animal death, animal abuse explained 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8390987763
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cPiLCh
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

 

When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Book 3 in the Tupelo Grove Series 
4 Stars

What an ending! This is a Christian Romantic Suspense series I have followed since the beginning with What We Hide. We left book 2 in that "I NEED TO KNOW" status and this delivered everything I needed to know!

Very satisfying ending. If you don't know what this series focuses on, it's essentially Hez and Savannah's second chance romance after their divorce and tragic loss of their daughter years ago. Their young daughter passed away in a drowning incident at their home and it left their marriage in shambles. Lots of legal drama ensues with family secrets, college lawsuits and fraud, murders, legal mysteries....its kind of like a legal Christian thriller in a way. 

I enjoyed my time with it. I think the faith could have been explored a bit more, especially through their grief and loss, but overall I am glad to finally know all the things from what happened since book 1. An engaging, character-focused finale.

*content/trigger warnings: grief from child loss (young child drowning, theme throughout the series), clean romance kisses only, no language, custody battles, kidnapping, mild violence,

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8351705619
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sds9UU
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781400345731_when-justice-comes

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Lighthouse on the Cove - Amy Clipston

 

                    Book Review: The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston

4.5 Stars

I picked this book up during a tough season and it arrived at the right time. I started the audio and liked it so much I went out and bought the physical copy for my shelves!

This is a warm, small-town romance like a good, hallmark movie. We follow Kaiah who is a journalist on an east coast road trip following a bad break up. She has car trouble and she meets Reid who is a single Dad and firefighter and they join forces to save Coral Cove's lighthouse through the town festival. 

Reid lost his wife several years ago in a car accident, and while this does depict grief, it gives grief room without letting it dominate the story. It feels realistic without being heavy and made the story feel honest and gentle all together. 

I loved Reid so much as a single Dad with his sweet little girl, Piper. The small town and festival was so good. I love Coral Cove and need to read the the other book she has wrote in this town next.

I just needed a good, clean romance and this delivered. It was a quick romance but I still really liked it.

*Content warnings: grief from spouse loss, loss of a parent mentioned, some scary medical emergencies. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the audio to listen to. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7980546379
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cHJ11o

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Charmed by the Cowboy by Mandi Blake

 

Charmed by the Cowboy - Mandi Blake

(Book 2 in the Blackwater Ranch Series)

Read if you love:
- Christian Romance
- Cowboys
- Slow-burn 
- Character-driven books
- Lots of redemptive faith moments
- Horses 
- Second Chance Romance
- Childhood Crush

Maddie returns to Blackwater Ranch with a past she would rather keep hidden. She doesn't want to get too attached to anyone because she usually leaves before she gets left....Lucas is steady and patient...the kind of guy who cares about the small, everyday things on the ranch, like mending fences, tending the horses etc. This was a slow, tender story about finding home when you least expect it. Maddie really found trust in Lucas and I loved seeing their romance together. Mandi Blake gives us so many good details on the ranch, with the horses and chores and family small town life. If you want a clean, faith-filled romance with a sweet happy ending and some redemptive arcs, I recommend.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8377401709
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ov1qEH
Mandi's Site: https://mandiblakeauthor.com/products/charmed-by-the-cowboy-signed-paperback?variant=47469767098643

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Uncomplicate It By Hosanna Wong

 

Uncomplicate It By Hosanna Wong

Christian Non-Fiction
4.5 Stars

Hosanna reminds us that a "good" relationship with the Lord doesn't have to look the same for everyone. Your quiet time doesn't have to look like my quiet time. As a special needs Mama....and someone who used to feel like she had to have the perfect quiet time set up before I could even come to Jesus....before I had a kid, mind you, this was a breath of fresh air reminder. It was great because now-a-days...I am lucky to get 5 minutes of uninterrupted time with the Lord...and certainly not a "ideal" study time every day.

What stood out even more....as someone with ADHD, I have spent a lot of time feeling like I was failing in my bible study because sometimes my brain doesn't always engage with the traditional study methods some use. I struggle with focusing and consistency. Sometimes I feel guilty for that. This book helped me realize my learning style and personality are not roadblocks or obstacles to my relationship with the Lord...but they're opportunities and part of how He designed me to connect with Him.

Also, as an Autism Mama, this went even deeper for sure. It reminded me that my own son's relationship with the Lord doesn't have to look a certain way. God knows how He created Him. However he understands, responds to and experiences the Lord...that matters to Him. God meets us EXACTLY where we are in each season of life. 

Hosanna talks about releasing comparison, shame, and unrealistic expectations that doesn't actually come from God. She shows that throughout Scripture, people encountered God in very different ways. Relationship with Jesus isn't a one-size-fits-all and it doesn't have to look like it did in a different season of your life either. I found all of this very encouraging for me personally. 

Some items I connected more than others, but overall a well rounded relatable read that gave a lot of encouragement.

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for a gifted copy to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8334393555
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781400347582_uncomplicate-it
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NWPSts

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Love Undercover by Mandi Blake

5 STARS!

 Love Undercover by Mandi Blake

Book 6 in the Love in Blackwater Series

Christian Romance Series 

WHAT AN ENDING TO AN AWESOME CHRISTIAN FICTION SERIES! FRIENDS! READ. THIS. SERIES! 👏👏👏👏 Mandi brings SOOO much to the table in this series and she ended it so beautifully. 

Read if you love:

- Redemption in Christ in Books
- Clean, Christian Romance
- Suspense, Going Undercover Thread
- Found Family
- Great Friend Group
- Grumpy x Sunshine 
- Opposites Attract 

We follow Zach and Lauren. Zach saved her life years ago, his brother abducted her and he never wanted to be involved in it as far as it went. He saved Lauren and ended up still going to prison for 4 years for his crimes. She visits him in prison over the years, showing him there is hope for him again. When he gets out, she helps him back on his feet and he helps her work through some repairs at her rental place and she gives him a second chance at life to start over. He's a bit grumpy but she isn't going to let that stop her from showing him God's true love.

But when trouble arises...what are they going to do? Go undercover of course....

I loved how Mandi took this in a suspense direction! Anytime she adds that type of storyline to her books, I love it! Zach and Lauren - I loved how Jesus really worked in this situation. Lauren felt that prompting from the Lord in her helping Zach. 

This book kept me on edge, engaged, connected to the characters with the best friend group - all in all, a GREAT Christian Romance series! I highly recommend! Her books are always those feel good reads for me, and when she has some mild heavier topics, she handles them with care and with the redemptive love of Jesus. I appreciate it so much.

OH and I loved the bonus epilogue! We got to see everyone together from the series, it was AMAZING.

Thank you Mandi for sending me a copy to honestly read for review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8070823310
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MNPopp

Series Link: https://amzn.to/3MIK8mZ
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

content: clean romance, kisses only, mention of trafficking victim but brief and handled with care, mild violence, going undercover, brief drinking but shown as bad situation

Mail-Order Baroness by Misty Beller

Book Review: Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller 

4 Stars

Book 2 in the Lord of the Rockies Series

Just love this series! Misty sure knows how to keep you interested!! We pick up where book 1 left off, so I highly recommend starting with book 1 since we see Enoch and Mandie's story continue a bit in this as well from where things ended. You can read it as a standalone but its best in my opinion to start with book 1 :) 

This is James and Rose's romance story. James Balfour is one of the brothers we follow throughout this series and Rose Prescott is his childhood friend on the run for her safety. James is determined to prove his worth on the ranch and Rose is trying to escape her abusive step-father as he had a contract for her to continue working for him for many years. She goes on the run answering an ad to help James and his family but when James realizes it's Rose from so long ago, his protective instincts kick in. They reconnect on the ranch and when trouble comes knocking...James isn't going to let her step-father win. 

We also have a bit of a mystery tied in too that was unexpected and kept me engaged in the book. 

I think this series is a good one for anyone who likes Rocky Mountain settings, Christian Historical Romance and a good family saga. The Christian content was good also!

Thank you to Misty for providing a copy for me to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own. I am looking forward to the next book! :) These books have been exactly what I need in a tough season right now. 

content warnings: no language, clean kisses only romance, abusive step-father but it was mild, mentions of past parental death, overall mild fighting 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8070818939
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46F2gou

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links. 

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston

 

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston 
4 Stars 

I had a good time with this one. I liked the cozy inn, the plot is always one of my favorites and the little twist had me really wanting to know more about the family backstory. 

This follows Cade and Everleigh who each get 50% of the Inn. Cade wants to keep the Inn and continue to operate it. Everleigh wants to use the proceeds of the sale to form a non-profit in her godmother's honor after her passing. We see briefly their grief from losing Alana, but they quickly move to honoring her in trying to decide what is best to do with the Inn.

I liked how Cade and Everleigh each had their own reasons for what they wanted to do with the Inn that made sense in such a realistic way. At first, I wasn't too sure about Everleigh and her motivations for the non-profit but it made sense and she had an honorable reason. It was good to see them communicate about all of this up front, even if they had some disagreements. Along the way, it was nice to see them getting to know one another and they each had their own personal growth too in the situations they were in.

The side story with Cade and his family was very interesting. Once things happened, I was like OH WOW this is getting good! It was a good little twist that kept things interesting and the plot moving.

The romance was a good ol' slow burn romance with kisses only so it is clean with no language. 

I think this may be my favorite Amy Clipston book! Really like the realness of it and the growth characters experienced in the end. Part of me really wanted a faith thread though as some of the bits with Cade's mom and the grief the characters experienced...I think could have been a bit better with faith content somehow. I just got a little frustrated with Cade's mom in certain circumstances but understand some of it. 

The town was super cute and cozy and I am looking forward to listening to another one of Amy's books. This was just what I needed during a tough season. 

Thank you to the publisher for an audiobook copy from NetGalley to listen and review. All thoughts are my own.

Content details: clean romance, kisses only, mentions of grief from loss, no language, mention of cancer, adoption discussions,  family arguments at times 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7728893585
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Orjf7v
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780840716354_second-chance-at-sunshine-inn

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased
from these links.

DNF Review: Even After This by Deborah Clack

 

Even After This - Deborah Clack
DNF Review
 DNF Video more in detail on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vASQX4FYnEo&t=

*UPDATED REVIEW NOTE: After sharing my feedback with Haven, they have since added the content considerations to their ebook and the description of their retailer pages and goodreads page. I am so thankful. Thank you Haven for doing this to better set reader expectations.*

Content note: Please be aware this is a heavy read. It deals with grief and loss in detail. Meredith’s husband and two small children died in a car accident 4 years ago in a tragic way where she saw it while she was driving behind them. It's important I share this upfront. This is not a spoiler. But please be aware of the subject matter. Romance is clean with kisses only, 1 small curse word "p*ssed." Destructions of embryos and miscarriage also mentioned in IVF. I wish I knew about the death of children before I picked it for review.

I want to start gently here, because I know this story will absolutely work for some readers, but it did not work for me.

The grief is not just in the background, it is the entire emotional center of the book.

I went into this expecting a light, clean, slightly fluffy celebrity-meets-ordinary-girl romance, second chance at love after losing her husband type of thing.... I knew she was a widow from the description so I knew she probably had grief but her 1 and 3 year old children killed also, I just didn't expect this being so heavy throughout. I got to 50% and had to put it down. It was really affecting me. This book was marketed as a love story and the PR box felt more like it was for a fluffy rom-com, than a tragic grief story.

Because I wasn’t prepared for that level of emotional weight, it honestly blindsided me, and I chose to DNF for my own heart. Especially as a mother myself.

The book spends a lot of time asking how do you keep living after unimaginable loss, which is a powerful question. But for me, the answers felt vague and grounded mostly in moving forward, new experiences, and new love.

As a Christian reader, that left a noticeable gap. When a story goes this deep into grief and survival, I personally kept feeling the absence of faith in the Lord. I understand this isn’t a Christian novel, and I’m not saying every book must be, but when the story wrestles with suffering at this level, I struggled with the idea of healing without any sort of spiritual anchor, aka Jesus.

Honestly, the celebrity romance itself started to feel out of place to me too. While I loved seeing Harlan want to sit in her grief with her, I just feel like it was not what her heart truly needed in that season. From my perspective, she didn’t need a famous hero to help her move forward, she needed Jesus at the center of her healing. Even if this wasn't meant to be "Christian Fiction", I think it needed some brief mention of God. Even secular shows and books sometimes reference God briefly. 

For me, it felt less like hope and more like a “keep busy and keep going” response, and I couldn’t emotionally connect to that. We also saw her going to their graves on her little girls birthday and grieving even more fervently. My heart kept asking: how do you survive something like this without the Lord being part of the healing?

I also think readers should be aware this is not a fluffy palate-cleanser romance. It reads much closer to women’s fiction about trauma and rebuilding life. If you are walking through grief or are sensitive to stories involving child loss, please know what you are getting into first.

This wasn’t a bad book, it just wasn’t the book I was expecting, and I wasn’t the right reader for it. I think this could have also been a contemporary healing story without any romance and it would have been different too. The romance was too instalove for me and just didn't make sense.

Quotes I did like:

"I'm still a mother. And I have something to give other moms. Even if my children aren't with me anymore." - Meredith 

"None of my grumbling complaints matter now......None of it matters today. It shouldn't have mattered then. Our marriage wasn't perfect. It was perfectly normal. Two flawed people deciding to do life together. Ten years that weren't always easy but held a lot of wonderful times." - Meredith 

"Your emotions don't scare me, Meredith. Neither does your story. I hate it for you, and I wished today at the zoo that I could take away some of your pain. But since I couldn't, I just decided to sit in it with you." - Harlan 

While this wasn't for me, thank you to Haven for a gifted copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

What Did You Expect? Daily Grace Company

 

What Did You Expect? Daily Grace Company
5 Stars 

Some books come into your life right when you need them most and this was that book for me.

This study gently but honestly walks through something many of us don’t talk about... disappointment. The kind that comes when prayers feel unanswered, life turns suddenly, and you’re left asking God questions you feel guilty for having.

Right now this message feels especially personal as my family is walking through my Dad’s lymphoma diagnosis. I didn’t realize how many expectations I quietly have in my heart. So many expectations about how God would respond or what His will is...what His plan is....This book didn’t shame those feelings… it helped me examine them.

I loved how it points out that sometimes we don’t just struggle with circumstances, we struggle with who we thought God would be in those circumstances. We had OUR WILL instead of HIS WILL. I’ve caught myself wanting God to operate according to my timeline, my idea of “good,” and my definition of answered prayer. The book takes us back to Scripture. God’s goodness is not proven by easy outcomes, but by His unchanging character.

One of the most comforting takeaways for me was this.....Faith is trusting God when you don’t understand His plan.

Our hope was never meant to be in our circumstances but it was meant to be in a faithful Savior.

If you are walking through unanswered prayers, illness, waiting, broken relationships, or just a season that looks nothing like you thought it would… this book meets you there. 

This book helped me rest in a deeper truth that even when life doesn’t go the way I expect, God is still who He says He is.

“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” — Psalm 9:10

Thank you to the Daily Grace Company for a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8316166780
Daily Grace Co Website: https://collabs.shop/xtkout
10% Off First Time Use of Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA

The Bluff by Emma St. Clair

The Bluff by Emma St. Clair
3 Stars 

First, this was such a fun, quick rom-com read. The banter was strong, small town setting is always entertaining in Sheet Cake, TX, and I genuinely laughed out loud several times, as I always do in Emma's books. 

Our main couple is James and Winnie. They work together and he is her grumpy boss. It's giving a little enemies to lovers in a way, lots of banter, grumpy sunshine type stuff. It was nice to see Pat and Lindy again from the first book and the family stuff I always enjoy. 

That said, I did struggle a little with the romance pacing I guess. Their relationship just felt more surface level - attraction based versus emotional connection. They both had big emotional baggage they needed to deal with from loss, grief and other things. But I feel like I never really knew them and I feel like they never really got to know each other before their first kiss/make outs.

I also think I wanted to see more details about why James was so grumpy and behind his walls a bit. We did see a little about that in the end but Winnie really never knew more about him before it felt like more desire / attraction based romance that they keep fighting. 

That said, I think many readers will enjoy this. It's a good closed-door romance (no explicit scenes), just more heavier make outs/one bed trope then I normally prefer. 

Content: one bed trope, no fade to black moments but make outs shown, past loss of a parent shown, social drinking, anxiety, grief.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8337209799
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tpiSdH

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer

 

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer
Book 1 in The Secret Society of Spinsters Series
4 Stars 

This was just the book I needed during a hard season, filled with laughs and wit! We have a spinster, Noreen and our Deputy, James. Noreen is a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and it's her goal to defend the cause of prohibition. James is the Deputy who wants to preserve the peace...but Miss Noreen ain't havin' any peace! :) She is invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters and jumps at the chance to rally others behind her movement to shut the local saloon down. James is wanting to be elected sheriff so he really can't afford to be seen as her ally but Noreen ropes him into her plans for a temperance march...the rest is history.

I just had a good time with this book. I think its a fun, old west style book that is a good mix of lightheartedness and emotional depth too. 

James and Noreen together was chef's kiss! They were so funny because they were total opposites and yet, they find themselves pulled to one another all the same. Noreen wasn't your typical female lead either, she was strong willed and passionate about what she believed in. 

This has a good faith thread and I loved the ending with the bit of mystery and court room-trial dynamics! 

Read if you like:

- Clean, historical romances 
- Western Feel
- Cowboys
- Strong Willed Heroines
- Faith Content 
- Humor and Banter 

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a complimentary copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8318986614
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764244735_taming-lady-temperance
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49QeAEB

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Whiteout by Dani Pettrey and Lynette Eason

 

Whiteout by Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey 
4 Stars (3.5 Rounded Up)
Novella Collections

I always enjoy a good Christian, romantic suspense read and these were some great novellas! Very much an on the edge of your seat read for both novellas in this collection.

If you are looking for a good quick winter read, check these out because both have snowed in, avalanches type of storylines, with high-stakes suspense. 

The first one, Dani Pettrey's, follows Joel and Cassandra in a second chance romance. She left him at the alter years ago over this crazy situation with a stalker she had. Now, they are back around each other when they are both part of a destination wedding party. Everyone ends up being snowed in at an abandoned lodge with their friends after a tragic avalanche happens. But is her stalker lurking in every corner? Will she reveal the real reason she left so long ago?

I was really engaged in this one! Loved the characters and suspense. It was very intense though, with several murders taking place. 

In the second one, Lynette Eason's, we follow Dr. Maya who is escaping her past and planning a retreat for veterans at the ranch she has inherited. She runs into her high school crush, Gideon, and soon realizes someone is targeting her. They work together to find the person who is after her. I liked this one but I think Dani's was my fav! I just connected with those characters more.

content warnings: mentioned of friends being murdered semi-detailed and disturbing  POV of killer, would be triggering probably to someone who has been through a stalker situation so be aware of this content, no language, clean romance.

I recommend for anyone who likes Christian romantic suspense and wants something quick. Thank you to Revell for a complimentary copy for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Oh, and the audio narration is great!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8295558431

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764245978_whiteout

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4q3sSpZ

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

How Can It Be? By Kelli Galyean

How Can It Be - Kelli Galyean

4.5 Stars 

What a powerful story of redemption in Christ. Mia and Ryan had a relationship together many years ago in college, before they were living for the Lord. Soon after, Mia learned she was pregnant and her parents, being "politically important" figures, forced her into having an abortion. 10 years later, Mia has found healing and embraced a new life in Christ. She goes to church one day and sees the drummer in the church band is none other than Ryan, from all those years ago. He has no idea what happened back then. Seeing him sturs up so many emotions and traumatic feelings from her past mistakes. They end up growing closer, discussing things and the rest is history as they worked through this together. 

This was a really good second chance romance that was filled with church, faith, redemption and healing in Christ. This reminds us how nothing is too big for the Lord. He can redeem all things. 

I loved these characters had full, deep conversations and were mature to handle what happened. I also love that Mia was going to therapy and working through her struggles right alongside the Lord. 

While it was a hard subject matter to tackle, the author handled this topic with care and I appreciate that. 

I am impressed with her storytelling and looking forward to the next book I read by her. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8200603848
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZLuE4t

content warning: past feelings and emotions about previous abortion, toxic parents

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd

 

An Unconventional Lady 
Sarah E. Ladd 
3.5 - 4 Stars Rounded Up on Goodreads
Pub Day: February 10th, 2026

This was a clean, regency romance that combines historical romance, science and sweetness all into one.  I think if you like a good period drama or books by Julie Klassen, you will enjoy this one!

Ella is our main girl who immediately stands out. She is outspoken, independent and a very refreshing take on your typical regency lead. She was brought up in a home devoted to natural philosophy and with the truth behind the rumors about her late mother... she really wants to clear her mother's name. We see a world of something I had never heard of before "phrenology" and I think that adds a layer of a lesser-known aspect of regency-era science to the book. She meets Gabriel, her childhood friend, who is to find a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist speaking at the symposium. They go back to Keatley Hall and things unfold as they join forces to expose the phrenologist's fraud. 

Phrenology is a now debunked pseudoscience that was popular in the 19th century. It was based on the idea that a person's character, personality traits and mental abilities were based on the shape of their head and bumps of their skull. I found the details around this science interesting, but some of the bits were a bit more on the dry side for me personally, so that's what dropped it down a smidge for me.

Either way, I did like the ending and where it went with the mystery aspect. I also enjoyed the romance.

I think if you want a unique spin on a regency romance, check this out.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson, Uplit Reads and Sarah E. Ladd for a complimentary copy of the book to honestly read and review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8150497160

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781400348299_an-unconventional-lady
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ka4odA

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.