Autumn on my Mind by Gracie Ruth Mitchell

Autumn on my Mind by Gracie Ruth Mitchell 
5 Stars

Y'ALL THIS WAS THE BOOK I NEEDED! Thank you to Gracie Ruth for a gifted copy of the e-book to read for review, all thoughts are my own.

Read if you enjoy:

- Fall romances
- Lots of laughs

- Second chances 

- Forced proximity

- Small towns

- Reverse parent trap trope

- Ex-college sweet hearts

- Cozy fall vibes

- HILARIOUS shenanigans 

- Friendships

- Clean romance books 

So Reese and Dominic used to date. Now they find out their parents are dating. A "reverse parent trap" situation happens and Reese and Dominic try to sabotage their dates....SO MANY LAUGHS y'all! 

This brought me so much joy in a hard season with all the fall vibes, laughs and sweet romance! I love Reese and Dom - they went together so well and amid all of the lighthearted bits...the story had DEPTH! There was hard things the characters had been through or were going through and they went through so much growth together. I have somewhat of a rocky relationship with my mom, so I really appreciate the way Gracie showed the mother/daughter relationship and Reese's growth. I cheered her on the whole time and the ending was SO good.

Loved the little nods to the song Dom was playing at the beginning of each chapter also.

This book is addictive to read, so much fun and has me SOOO READY FOR FALL! This book is book 2 in a multi-author series set in Autumn Ridge, Vermont, but can easily be read as a standalone.

READ IT! 

Content Notes: Mention of past loss of loved one, strained parent/child relationship, kisses only.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4x5Fgdz

Libro.fm Audio: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798349145025-autumn-on-my-mind

✨Sign up for Libro.fm Audiobooks here: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402 (Supports Local Indie Bookstores)

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

The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant

The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant
5 Stars 

MAN. WHAT A BOOK! This one TOOK ME OUT! I read this as an impromptu buddy read with my friend Keisha and we loved it!

Read if you love:
- Suspense / Mystery Books

- Great writing

- Wilderness settings

- A best friend is missing plot

- Secrets of the past...

- Twists and turns 

This was my first book by Kimi and I can't wait to read These Silent Woods in the winter! So many good nature descriptions and wilderness details, really great storytelling and brings you right in the setting. The way she brings in RIGHT IN the story too, that is so good! I was IMMEDIATLEY drawn in and in that "need to know" status. 

Emlyn, a wilderness guide, teams up with the man who ruined her life so many years ago to find her friend who goes missing. Tyler, who was the love of her life and left her for dead on the side of the road 3 years ago, is the one person she doesn't want to see again and the one person she doesn't trust. Yet he's the one who has to help her find her friend Janessa. Janessa is a social media influencer documenting her #vanlife adventures with her boyfriend but no one has seen her lately so Tyler and Emlyn set out to find her.....what will they find?

My favorite part of this book was the surprise themes of faith and hope. One of the side characters, Rev, shared some biblical reference and I really liked that. You could also see Kimi knew of the hope deep down that God brings and was fighting it. I could see God in this story seeking her. I have loved finding the Lord in secular fiction lately and this is another example!

One unique piece of this was she has a word for each person she met in the book, loved that. Also the flashbacks added a lot of good layers to the story as we got to figure everything out along the way. 

Highly recommend!

Content: no language that I recall, no sexual content, some suspenseful moments, animals being trapped and the details of that shown, drugs and substance abuse/addiction themes

P.s. the audiobook is great! I read the e-book some but also listened when I had time.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/45D9RmF

Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781250347749-the-nature-of-disappearing

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

from these links. 

✨Sign up for Libro.fm Audiobooks here: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402 (Supports Local Indie Bookstores)

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

 

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer 
5 Stars 

Meredith overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch and a 12 year old debt compels her to take the risk....Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser he met once before...she is injured and her reputation is in shambles.....4 brothers, 4 straws, 1 bride....

Karen does it again, a favorite backlist book, let's goooo! Love the Archer brothers!

What I loved most about Short‑Straw Bride is how it tackles a topic Christian Fiction often avoids: intimacy inside marriage - with no explicit details whatsoever, just open honest discussions and it was honorable. We rarely talk about what healthy intimacy looks like in marriage, especially when both spouses are inexperienced, nervous, or carrying emotional gaps from childhood. This was beautiful.

I think if you like marriage of convenience books, this is one to check out. 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4zrKemj
Libro.Fm Audio: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781464048821-short-straw-bride

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

✨Sign up for Libro.fm Audiobooks here: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402 (Supports Local Indie Bookstores)

A Farmhouse in France by Rachael Lucas

A Farmhouse in France by Rachael Lucas

3.5 rounding up to 4 stars

Thank you to UpLit reads and the author, Rachael Lucas, for a gifted copy of the book to read for review, all thoughts are my own.

This book was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it. A good travel read with an inheritance plot, and I always love that in books.

Daisy gets a letter from France and discovers the faither she never knew recently passed away and left her money with a farmhouse in the French countryside. She isn't sure what to do...but she makes the trip with her dog, sister and niece to figure everything out. 

She finds more than she expects. The farmhouse is full of new beginnings and she meets a handsome neighbor named Patrick. Daisy learns about the secrets about her father and more about who she is. Definitely one of those self-discovery stories.

While I did not always connect to the romance as much as I hoped, I still enjoyed my time in this book. My favorite parts were the family elements and Daisy's self discovery. It's part of a trilogy and I am definitely interested to continue. 

Content: No explicit sexual content, I do not remember any language

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4wDSXQ0

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

 

The Deep End of Love by Christina Suzann Nelson

The Deep End of Love by Christina Suzann Nelson 
5 Stars

Wow. I loved this book. A true 5 star favorite Christian Fiction read. This is what I need in Christian Fiction books these days. Depth. Grace. Faith. Grief. Redemption in the Lord. 

Thank you to Christina for sending me a gifted copy of this book to read for review. I also borrowed a copy of the ebook and audiobook from Kobo Plus, loved the narration when I listened to a few chapters.

This was such an emotional, grace-filled story. She tackles the tough topics of teen pregnancy but this was such a multi-layered, multi-character story and so much more than just that topic. We followed characters who went through infertility trying to adopt, a mother who lost her son, a young girl who has an unplanned pregnancy, a woman with a tragic secret hidden for many years....many hard situations, but each story intertwines God's grace, love and redemption. 

The multiple points of view worked really well, allowing me to connect with each woman's unique struggles, whether it was grief, regret, fear, or the longing to become a mother. I appreciated that every character felt human and flawed, and I found myself rooting for each of them in different ways.

The Christian message felt authentic and naturally woven into the story, emphasizing forgiveness, healing, and the truth that God can bring beauty from even the hardest circumstances. 

The ending really got me. Unexpected and beauty in the ashes. 

Overall, I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven Christian fiction with meaningful themes.

*Trigger Warnings:
Teen pregnancy, mentions of past abortion, death of a child, car accident, grief, infertility 

About the Book (Synopsis):

When Izzy's pregnancy comes to light during her junior year of high school, her future sinks like a stone and leaves waves of uncertainty in its wake. And suddenly three women are pulled into the undertow. A mother desperate to protect her child, but battling hurt and fear from her past. A new woman in town with empty arms and a deep longing. And a broken heart trying to survive amid grief.

An unborn baby growing closer to his unknown future remarkably brings together these four women with four completely different stories. Masterfully told in woven points of view, The Deep End of Love explores how one decision exposes shame, fear, and hope—and how grace surfaces in the least expected places.

✨Sign up for Libro.fm Audiobooks here: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402 (Supports Local Indie Bookstores)

Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798895641927-the-deep-end-of-love

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0jeM9yrV

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780825452574_the-deep-end-of-love

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

 

Daily Grace Company Semi Annual Warehouse Sale

Hey friends! The Daily Grace Company is having their SEMI-ANNUAL WAREHOUSE SALE!

It's a HUGE sale with deep discounts off bible studies, supplies, books and more Bible study essentials.

I really enjoy Daily Grace's products so wanted to do a post sharing what I would get for the Semi-Annual Warehouse Sale. There is never any pressure to buy anything. This is just a resource I want to share with my audience and it's honestly a great sale.

Below are the details:

• Get an additional 10% off your order, unlimited uses
• Discount/Coupon Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA (Updated August 2026).
• You get a FREE gift with each order.
• Gifts change daily throughout the sale.
• No limit on your order to get the FREE Gift, its applied to every order.
• Shipping is free at $55.
• Sale ends August 10th at midnight, so don't wait to check it out if you are interested.  Items may sell out, so sooner the better to check everything out. 
• The FREE Gift has no limit, every order gets a free gift and the gift changes daily.

They also have items listed as "imperfect" - with small smudges or imperfections. I have gotten these items before and honestly, I never can tell there are any issues with them! They look just as good as the new ones, so check those out too for deeper discounts if needed.

SHOP THE SALE LINKED HERE

Below you will find some of my recommendations
to check out during the sale!

A Year In The Bible Bundle These have always caught my eye! 

Spend the next year discovering the beauty of Jesus in Scripture.

A Year in the Bible Bundle Linked 

Highlighters for Bible Study

I love these highlighters for my bible journaling! 

Favorite Highlighters Linked

I got the Peaks and Valleys Study on David for my husband Blake - I think it would be a good one for men to try. 

David Bible Study Linked

Their Bible Handbook is a great resource for everything about the Bible! Maps, timelines, themes, key scriptures, I really like it.

The Bible Handbook Linked

This is one I'll be doing this September with my friend Keisha's book club! 

Stand Firm Study Linked

Come and See - Their Bible Study on John is always a good one to start with.

John Bible Study Linked

Journaling Bibles are also available!

ESV Bible Linked

They also have things for your home! I have several mugs and the Psalm 23 sign hanging in my office. I love it so much.

Psalm 23 Sign Linked

Mugs I have below:

Faith Over Fear Mug Linked

Give Me Jesus Mug Linked

The Gospel Changes Everything Mug Linked

In Christ Alone - A Bible Study on Romans - I own this one and need to get to it soon. I have a friend who did this one and loved it. 

Romans Bible Study Linked

Their study on James is another one my friends have really loved. On my never ending list to get to.

James Bible Study Linked

On Earth As It Is In Heaven - Sermon on the Mount Bible Study - A New Bible Study  

Sermon on the Mount Study Linked

Genesis Bible Study - On my list to do, my close friends loved it!

 Genesis Bible Study Linked

Revelation Bible Study - I hear is also amazing, on my list to do:

Revelation Bible Study Linked

Clinging to the Cross Lent Bible Study - Can Be Done ANYTIME honestly, I loved it!

 Clinging to the Cross Study Linked

My Current Study I am doing from Daily Grace is their recent ABIDE Bible Study:

Abide Study Linked

Their Flourishing in Motherhood Study is also on my list!

Motherhood Study Linked

Even more then just their spiral bound studies are on sale, I have this JOB Study to do at some point too:

JOB Bible Study Linked

If you are looking for a fresh start mid way through the year, I did this Fresh Start Bible Study in January and loved it. 

Fresh Start Study Linked - its a 2 week study

I also did the Peace Under Pressure hardcover study, I loved it and was one that really helped me in a tough season

Peace Under Pressure Study Linked

I loved doing this 40 days with Jesus study a couple of years ago also

40 Days with Jesus Study Linked

I have never done verse mapping, but it really intrigues me! This is one to look for to try it out!

Identity in Christ Verse Map Journal Linked

This is one I have myself too! The Mark it Up journal below, I'm so interested in it.

Mark it Up Verse Map Journal Linked

Example of it below:

I hope this blog post has been helpful and if you decide to pick up anything from the sale, let me know. 

Reminder links:

10% Off Your Daily Grace Co Order with Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA (stacks on sale prices and unlimited uses, updated august 2026)

Shop the sale here:  https://thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helena Smrcek

A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helena Smrcek
4 stars

This was one of my more favorite love inspired romance reads I have read! This one is centered around Abby, who is divorced with her 6 year old daughter, Charlotte. They go to their family cabin in Colorado to heal after all the things they have been through. Veterinarian Noah Ross broke Abby's teenage heart years ago....she doesn't want anything to do with him but he is in danger of getting evicted from his condo because of his two dogs. Abby allows him and his dogs to spend some time on their property, especially after Charlotte gets really attached to them....Something happens and Noah ends up helping Abby and Charlotte more often, with the past coming to the forefront.

I just really enjoyed the sweetness of this story. A single Mom and a little girl always pulls at my heart strings. Plus, I love dogs in books, especially the Love Inspired reads. Noah was a standout guy who would do anything to help and when they finally work through the things that happened years ago, it was great to finally see him and Abby move on.

Overall, quick, cute read that I recommend, especially for my love inspired fans. Thank you to the author for sending me a paperback of her book to review, I also purchased my own e-book copy. All thoughts are my own. 

*No audiobook as of the writing of this review to link.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0c0RpES9
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan

 Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan 

3.5 rounding up to 4 Stars

After enjoying Summer Romance, I was excited to pick up Annabel's newest release, and reading it with my friend Theresa made it even more fun.

Dolly is the ultimate caretaker, always managing everyone else's problems. As someone who often feels like the "chaos manager" in my own family, I found her incredibly relatable. At 39, she returns to Rhode Island with her son to help keep her family home from being sold, where she meets Stewart....a wealthy man fresh off a very public breakup. Their fake dating arrangement naturally turns into real feelings, and I appreciated that the fake relationship involved far less deception than most books in the trope.

Stewart took a little while to grow on me, but once his vulnerabilities came through, I really enjoyed him and Dolly together. I also loved seeing Dolly as a devoted mom, especially since her own mother left her and her family. Her growth in standing up for herself and the family dynamics with her father and brother stood out too. The disability representation through her brother added another layer to the story.

My biggest drawback was the romance becoming more detailed than I personally prefer. There is one open-door intimacy scene (Chapter 25, pages 241–249) and another fade-to-black scene (Chapter 31). While not as explicit as many general contemporary romances these days, they were beyond what I typically enjoy or recommend to my clean-romance audience. She also talks about sex in a really convenient and unrealistic way. This is my issue with a lot of romance books though in general sometimes.

Overall, I still really enjoyed the story and found Dolly to be a relatable, well-written FMC. This story stands out for the family dynamics and real life situations. It was nice to see Dolly even resort to prayer and begging God to help at a really intense moment. I especially appreciated seeing characters in their late 30s and 40s. I don't think this will be a favorite for most of my clean-romance followers, but I enjoyed it for what it was.

The audiobook narrator was great and I'd happily listen to more of her work.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the ebook to read for review. I purchased a copy but will be unhauling since it wasn't really an all time favorite. All thoughts are my own.

Content: Moderate language (including 4 F-words and several uses of the Lord's name in vain), detailed kissing, one open-door intimacy scene (Chapter 25), one fade-to-black scene (Chapter 31), references to sex, panic attack, parental abandonment

✨Sign up for Libro.fm Audiobooks here: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402 (Supports Local Indie Bookstores)

Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798217338085

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yGeVDX

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

Theo Of Golden by Allen Levi

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

What can I say? This is now my favorite book of all time. I cannot form into words how beautiful this story really is. This is what I would consider my first 6 star read, many people use that term for their "extra" favorite books. While I never have, it's the only rating I can think of. 

This is a story about faith in action. Faith lived out. Being kind to others. Do unto others. Being the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us. People are hurting in this world and need the Lord. I know what it means to not walk with the Lord in the past and what it means to walk with Him now. Before and after. Allen Levi portrayed the broken, real people of this world who just need someone to walk into their lives and be Jesus to them. 

That's all I have for now. Watch the full reading vlog for my immediate thoughts and reactions. I get pretty real and raw and honest as usual, but no surprise, right? :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHWS__fNhTs&t=

✨Sign up for Libro.fm Audiobooks here: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm206402 (Supports Local Indie Bookstores)

Libro.fm audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781668173107-theo-of-golden 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yDzW2b

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

from these links.

2 DAY SALE DAILY GRACE COMPANY - $10 BIBLE STUDIES

Daily Grace Company Sale 

Hey yall! The Daily Grace Co is having a FLASH SALE for 2 days where all spiral bound Bible studies are $10.00!

If anyone is interested, my discount code stacks on this sale - 10% off BOOKLOVERAMANDA code - unlimited uses. No pressure, just mentioning! I haven’t seen them do this sale before myself, so wanted to share it! 

Shop here: https://www.thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA

Some of the Bible Studies I like, friends have liked or are on my list to do:

On Earth As It Is In Heaven - Sermon on the Mount Bible Study - Their Newest Study Just Dropped Today: https://collabs.shop/fgrulo

Genesis Bible Study - On my list to do, my close friends loved it! https://collabs.shop/8rgkxc

Revelation Bible Study - I hear is also amazing, on my list to do: https://collabs.shop/dqculx

Clinging to the Cross Lent Bible Study - Can Be Done ANYTIME honestly, I loved it! https://collabs.shop/9warq1

My Current Study I am doing from Daily Grace is their recent ABIDE Bible Study: https://collabs.shop/knqd5r

Their Flourishing in Motherhood Study is also on my list! https://collabs.shop/ercb0u

Even more then just their spiral bound studies are on sale, I have this JOB Study to do at some point too: https://collabs.shop/1daue8

If you are looking for a fresh start mid way through the year, I did this Fresh Start Bible Study in January and loved it. It's only $5.00 today https://collabs.shop/papypy - its a 2 week study

I also did the Peace Under Pressure hardcover study, this one is only $10.00 too, I loved it and was one that really helped me in a tough season https://collabs.shop/tlqaii

This is one I'll be doing this September with my friend Keisha's book club! Just $5.00 https://collabs.shop/bxyzil

I loved doing this 40 days with Jesus study a couple of years ago also https://collabs.shop/nz5ngv

Anyway, there are so many bible studies they have to check out! I just wanted to share the sale and my 10% discount code off your order stacks on top of the sale, if you are interested. 

I thank you for supporting me using my discount code but there is never any pressure to use it, just wanted to mention since this is just a 2 day sale.

Thank you all!

- Amanda

10% Off Daily Grace Co Orders with Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA  unlimited uses (Updated August  2026)

Shop here: https://www.thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA

Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer

Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer

4.5 Stars

This was so FUNNY! If you are in a mood to read something super funny and full of chaos, YOU GOTTAAAA check this out! 

Nate and McKenna have a funny "meet-cute" if you will....she's trying to set up the perfect proposal for her sister. They run into each other during this, the chaos ensues....the ring goes missing....and a trip to Tennessee brings her to Nate in Tennessee at his family B&B. They get to know each other, searching for the missing ring, planning a community concert, hiking in Tennessee...so much fun!

I really liked the Tennessee setting as my little small town was included in this book, with our bookstore, donut shop and hiking areas inspiring Becca in her writing! Becca has always been a joy to meet in our local indie bookstore in Cookeville, TN!

The enemies to lovers went on for a little longer than I usually like but around 40% I really started to connect with them as a couple. I recommend as a fun time read!

As an audiobook girlie, the narration was 10/10! She did a great job with all the character voices and really made you feel like you were with each scene as a movie. Made me laugh with her tones during the chaotic funny scenes!

It was also nice to have the short statements of faith in the end!  Romance was clean with kisses only.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a gifted copy of the audiobook to listen to for review. All thoughts are my own. I purchased a physical copy as well.

Libro.Fm Audio Link: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780310182412

Libro.Fm Referral Link (Supports Local Indie Bookstores): https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798400514395-not-what-we-pictured

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4voEirg
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781496489098_not-what-we-pictured

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