Forbidden to Fall by Martha Keyes

 

Forbidden to Fall by Martha Keyes

4 Stars

Martha sure does know how pull you in a storyyyy! Loved James and Sadie in this book. James basically left town years ago because of some "misunderstandings" and hasn't been back...until now. He made Sadie's brother mad, among other people in town, and does not want to see anyone locally again....until he comes back and runs back in to Sadie....Sadie had the biggest crush on James years ago and she realizes quickly that hasn't fully resolved with his return. 

She works alongside James at Carver Maple Farm and they get close...but what happens when the truth comes out and what everyone thought wasn't as it seems? 

I loved the camping, baking and closeness they had together. I neeeeed to try the recipes in this book too! I am not much of a baker, but Sadie inspires me for sure! James was the SWEETEST guy. He didn't deserve all the hate he got from the town and her brother for sure. 

My only real hiccup was the ending because I wanted a bit more resolution, and the final conflict took longer to wrap up than I personally prefer. Since it leaned on misunderstanding/non‑communication trope (not my favorite), the payoff didn’t land quite as strongly for me. Still, it’s a sweet, cozy fall romance and a solid addition to the Falling for Autumn series. :)

Thanks to Martha for a gifted ebook ARC copy for me to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B06sfpxC4
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

*Libro FM Audio:  https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798349148132-forbidden-to-fall

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Strong in the Lord - Multi Author Devotional Edited by Winfree Brinsley

 

✨✝️STRONG IN THE LORD - a 30 day devotional on the armor of God✨✝️ 

Multi Author Devotional Edited by Winfree Brisley

Thank you to Crossway books for a gifted copy of this devotional for honest review. I love this devotional. This one was a great one to compliment the Stand Firm Bible study by the Daily Grace Co that my friend Keisha hosted this month❤️‍🔥 I love that each section breaks down each piece of the Armor… section 1 is Take up the Armor of God, then we have The Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Readiness Given by the Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit and ending in Prayer. Each section has different authors and coordinates so well. A great reminder to put on the armor of God daily. We are in a spiritual battle but God hasn’t left us to face the enemy without protection! Highly recommend ✝️❤️‍🔥🙌🏼

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B03BWetVb

Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/books/strong-in-the-lord-tpb/
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

The Emma Special by Mandi Blake and Tasha Hackett

 

The Emma Special - Mandi Blake and Tasha Hackett

5 Stars

Book 1 in the Kiss & Tell Series

This is a Christian Rom-Com and I ATE THIS UP!!! I loved it so much. Emma and James were the best. What are my immediate feelings? How do I put this into words....I laughed, I cried....I found so much relatability in Emma's life with her mother and their home situation - it hit me unexpectedly and I felt so seen in James' response to her life in that moment.

I also loveeee Marriage of Convenience trope and James was the perfect cinnamon roll guy in this book for that situation, he stepped up and made sure to help Emma no matter what. They had history together and that made it better too when it came to the MOC trope.

Emma's mama was wildddd and her friend group really gave her the courage she needed and encouragement to not let her mama walk all over her. The friendships in this were chef's kiss and the text messages cracked me up! 

Loved the co-working bits too, of Emma and James working together at the beginning of the book, love a good workplace romance.

Obviously I am just gushing about this and have no cohesive review LOL But I just cannot recommend this enough, I loved the faith, romance, friendship, depth....just pick it up! My friend Melissa and I read this together so I recommend reading with others too!

This releases October 2nd on KU so be sure to check it out.

Thank you to Mandi and Tasha for sending me an early e-book copy to read for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Book's Synopsis:

One hitchhiking fairy. One lawyer late for work. Enter: Confetti.

Emma Glass might pretend to be a princess for birthday parties, but her life is anything but a fairytale. Too bad princess gigs don’t pay into a 401K or provide health insurance—something she desperately needs for an old knee injury.

James Moore’s life changed the day he stopped to give a fairy a ride to book club. Now his high school crush is the new assistant at his law firm, and he’s falling for her all over again.

And when Emma won’t accept his money for knee surgery, he proposes another, totally reasonable solution—marriage.

They couldn’t be more different, and this marriage is supposed to be…convenient. Neither of them is prepared for when it starts to look less like a business agreement and more like happily ever after.

The Emma Special is a Christian, smalltown romance with depth and lots of laughs. The Kiss and Tell series centers around a hilarious group of women who stick by each other through thick and thin and should be read in order.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B00jBHPRw

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

Daily Grace Company's New ADVENT Bible Study Available NOW!

Daily Grace Advent Bible Study 2026

Hey friends! I recently got Daily Grace Company's newest Advent Bible Study in the mail and wanted to share the box with y'all! I unboxed it on my YouTube video that is live on my channel today, but will be also adding a blog post with all of the new items you can check out today, September 21st!

I love the Daily Grace Company's bible studies and am looking forward to this beautiful advent study leading up to the Christmas holiday, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. 

Thank you to the Daily Grace Company for the gifted box of Advent goodies!

          

✝️Daily Grace Company's New Advent Study - On Sale NOW 

🛍️Get 10% Off Your Daily Grace Co Order with Discount Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA 

❤️Pen Set:
https://collabs.shop/9ucy9p




❤️Daily Encouragement: https://collabs.shop/n87nh2

❤️Advent Prayer Journal: https://collabs.shop/jxcxgn

❤️The Advent Study: https://collabs.shop/uwm13a

❤️Shop ALL Daily Grace Co Items: https://thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA

To see the full unboxing, watch my youtube video here at time stamp for Daily Grace Co:

https://youtu.be/rzI07RFRsZ4

Keywords:
Bible Study Discounts The Daily Grace Company 10% Off with Discount Code BOOKLOVERAMANDA (Updated September 2026) Shop Here: https://thedailygraceco.com/BOOKLOVERAMANDA

Endless as the Rain by Melissa Koslin

Endless As The Rain - Melissa Koslin
4 Stars 

Thank you to Melissa Koslin for providing a gifted copy of the e-book to read for review. All thoughts are my own. 

I loved Dangerous Beauty and Never Miss by Melissa so I was so excited to check this re-release out by her when she messaged me. 

Alec and Adriane....wow. They were so interesting together. What a STORY. He "kidnapped" her, she needs to know why....the answer is buried in his past....and hers. The truth is...Alec SAVED her. 

There were some bad guys after Adriane and while he does "kidnap" her technically, its to save her and protect her ultimately. She allows him to take her to his mansion and we start to get bits and pieces of the mystery as they get to know each other and slowly fall for one another. Alec really cares about her and does everything he can to make sure she is cared for at his place.

I really liked the characters and their chemistry the most. I probably would have liked a bit more action in the middle as it slowed down a bit but I overall loved the romance! That was my favorite part. I wasn't as invested in the suspense piece but they just had this mysterious tension and kept running into each other at just the right times. The forced proximity scenes were done really well. Each of them had trauma from their past you learn about along the way and I liked the faith themes thrown in throughout.

I love a good protective guy in a romantic suspense book especially, and this book certainly scratches that itch if you will. 

Romance was kisses only. Clean for me, but more forced proximity situations and intense closeness. No language. Trigger warning for mentions of loss of a parent/loved ones/intense action situations.

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B01bDCXDW

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

Belle's Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep

 🎄✨ Belle's Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep 🎄✨
4 Stars (3.75 Storygraph)

Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted copy of this book to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

A very fun Christmas novella indeed! I love A Christmas Carol by Dickens y'all and this was awesome. To see Michelle take the familiar world from the classic book and expand it into a story about second chances, family, love...it was just really well done.

Belle was a really fun character to follow. She was Ebenezer Scrooge's former fiancée, inspired by Belle from A Christmas Carol. Belle inherits Haven House, which is a struggling London orphanage. She is trying to give the children a good Christmas but the building has a lot of chaotic records and she is trying to figure everything out. She meets Rafe who comes to Haven House searching for info about a child who may be related to him.

Michelle takes a character who once loved Scrooge before he became consumed by money and gives her a whole new story after their relationship ends. It is a story centered on caring for orphans, Christmas and finding love again.

Loved seeing Belle step into her new role at Haven House and care for those children so well. Rafe was also as a noble guy, as he just wanted to find the answers for his family. I enjoyed watching his relationship with Belle develop as they worked together to uncover things hidden in the orphanage records.  A few slower bits but overall great!

Seeing familiar characters and references in this book felt like a fun companion to the classic book and I would certainly recommend for fans of A Christmas Carol!

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B05quYn7Y
Baker: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764242588_belles-christmas-carol

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

Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox

Things We Cannot Keep by Amanda Cox
5 Stars

Thank you to Revell for a gifted copy of this book to read for review.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the mention of one of our local Tennessee towns too! This is a Christian Fiction contemporary book with a smidge of romance weaved in, mostly contemporary though.

It's a story about healing, belonging, forgiveness and the things we carry with us from our past. Tess gets a mysterious package one day with the name she left behind a long time ago....she is forced to step outside the safe, quiet life she had made for herself after running for so long. I loved the mystery and clues of who the heirloom belonged to and the stories connected by it. There is something so special about the idea of treasured objects that carry pieces of people's histories and their families. These are stories that span generations.


Tess and Elliot's complicated history added another emotional layer. I appreciated that their relationship wasn't rushed and that forgiveness and trust had to be worked through rather than simply handed over.

Tess's faith journey was especially beautiful.

My favorite quote: "This is your chance, Tess. Instead of running and hiding, run toward healing. Run toward the full life you deserve. Find the courage to share the beauty with people who possess the capacity to share the love you were always meant to have."


Amanda Cox does such a wonderful job creating characters who feel wounded but hopeful. 5 big star for me! Highly recommend.

Content: mentions of domestic violence, abandonment

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gGCIgd
Libro. FM Audio: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798899749018-things-we-cannot-keep

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

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Falling for Keeps by Kasey Stockton

 

Falling for Keeps by Kasey Stockton

4 Stars

Thank you to Kasey Stockton for a gifted e-book of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

This one was SO CUTE! I loved the intro of this book the most. It was the best "re-meet-cute" if you will....Emma kisses the guy that is unknowingly living across the street -- OOOOOPPPSSS! Her and Carson had a lot of good chemistry. He's a single Dad, divorced after his wife left, not wanting to be their little girl's mother.....and he is so reluctant to a new relationship, for good reason. Emma is the town's children's librarian and is so passionate about her work. She is the one who cares for the people around her and never puts herself before others. Carson and Emma think they can be "just friends" but it ain't workin' out too well😂❤️

I loved seeing how devoted Carson was to his little girl Penny and how naturally Emma fit into their sweet family. I LOVEEE a single Dad story and Kasey gave us a good one here! A sweet little girl in a book brings so much depth to the story for me and Penny was the best.

If you like:

- Single Dad Trope

- Opposites Attract

- Bookish FMC

- FALL Vibes

- Sweet Little Girl

- Small Towns

- Friendships

- Teenage Crush

- Found Family 

- Clean Romance

Then this is going to be for you. Recommend! 

Romance is clean with kisses only and no language.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yh7jXv
Libro.Fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798349148576-falling-for-keeps

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

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Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

 Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

4 Stars

Thank you to Dana Mentink and thank you Harlequin for providing a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This is a fun cozy, historical mystery! It's set in 1905 at a grand hotel in San Francisco with a daily duck parade - its unique and stands out among the crowd. I liked the unique cast of characters, especially Saul as he was starting over after being a former convict. The ducks cracked me up. Nice faith thread. 

Saul, Henry and Kitty were a dynamic trio who really bring the story to life. Funny and lighthearted to me - very cozy vibes. Kind of leans like classic mystery too, which was good change of pace compared to other cozies. I read a lot of modern cozy mysteries, so it was cool to have a historical one. 

If you enjoy lighthearted historical mysteries with eccentric characters and a very memorable cast of ducks, this might be one to try! 

content: no language, clean romance, cozy mystery but few mentions of body parts in the murders

✨Synopsis✨

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UpZxfz
Libro.fm Audiobook: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781488240300-murders-in-the-marquee

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

Abide Bible Study by The Daily Grace Co

Abide Bible Study by The Daily Grace Co

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This study is such a beautiful reminder of what it actually means to stay close to Jesus....not just during our quiet time or when life is going well, but in the everyday moments of life.

I really appreciated how this study takes the idea of “abiding” and makes it practical and understandable. Through Scripture, reflection questions, and thoughtful prompts, it encourages you to look at what it means to depend on Christ, obey Him, and truly find your life in Him. The focus on John 15 was especially meaningful, and I loved being reminded that we aren't called to produce fruit through our own strength....we're called to remain connected to Jesus.

I did this study with my friend Maria and the time I spent connecting with her as my friend will forever stay with me. Thank you to Daily Grace Co for a gifted copy of this study, all thoughts are my own.

Get the study with an additional 10% Off your Daily Grace Co Order using my Discount Coupon Code, unlimited uses- BOOKLOVERAMANDA

Shop here: https://collabs.shop/knqd5r

The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy

The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy
4 Stars

Thank you to Haven for a gifted copy of this book to honestly read for review. All thoughts are my own.

This was such a cute travel story to Italy with so much depth! Lexi processing her grief after losing her Mom was beautifully depicted as she travels to Italy with 4 sealed letters from her to open at Rome's most romantic places and presenting her mother's final painting at the art festival she is organizing. The touch of magical realism/serendipity was a nice light hearted element too. 

I love a book with a good meet-cute on an airplane and that's how this starts out! Mark and Lexi had immediate chemistry so seeing them continuing to meet up along their trip was chef's kiss!

I really loved the letters Lexi was following along the city from her late mother...added such depth to the story as she worked through her grief and continued to meet up with Mark and they got closer and closer. I also love they got to know each other really well and based their relationship on that versus only a physical attraction piece.

Overall, the book had cute banter, competitiveness and an awesome setting where you felt like you were there with the characters eating gelato and having a good time. 

Content - kisses only, grief from loss of a parent 

✨Synopsis:✨

Lexi Walker has finally committed to the Italian adventure that she and her late mother dreamed of for years—complete with a meticulously crafted itinerary, four sealed letters to open at Rome's most romantic sites, and her mother's final painting to present at the art festival Lexi is helping organize. She's ready for the perfect Roman getaway. What she doesn't expect is for her mother's artwork to start manifesting in real life, turning her carefully planned trip into something unpredictable.

Italian-American architect Mark Russo has sworn off American tourists after having his heart broken, and he's certainly not about to let another one distract him from winning the restoration bid that could reunite his estranged father with his grandfather. But when the captivating woman next to him on the flight to Rome proposes a photography challenge—whoever captures the heart of Italy in five days wins—Mark can't resist the bet and her charm.

As Lexi follows the letters from her mother around the city, she encounters Mark everywhere she goes. Their competitive banter turns to undeniable chemistry, but they both know the cardinal rule of holiday romances: You can't fall in love with someone who lives somewhere else and expect a happily-ever-after. Will a little magic—and a lot of mishaps—break the Roman Holiday Rule?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ciXDTZ
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764245954_the-roman-holiday-rule
Libro.FM Audiobook (great narration): https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798899748684-the-roman-holiday-rule

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

 

Making Peace with What I Can't Control by Lysa Terkeurst

 

Making Peace with What I Can’t Control by Lysa TerKerust
5 Stars

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

Wow, this was such a timely and relatable read. Lysa TerKeurst does an excellent job of putting words to something so many of us struggle with.....overthinking, trying to fix situations we can't fix, and carrying burdens that were never ours to carry. 

I am such a people pleaser. An overthinker. A worrier. A fixer. I struggle so much with so many situations I can't control that I just have to let the Lord handle and I really appreciated how honest and compassionate this book felt. It doesn't simply tell you to “let go and trust God,” but digs into why we struggle to surrender control in the first place, especially when we're afraid of what might happen or frustrated by circumstances God hasn't changed....

There were so many reminders throughout this book about the difference between taking healthy responsibility and trying to control people, outcomes, and situations out of fear. I also appreciated the emphasis on wrestling honestly with God when we don't understand what He is doing. Difficult questions that Lysa doesn't shy away from...

This was an encouraging and thought-provoking book that reminded me that I don't have to figure everything out, fix everything, or carry everything. Sometimes faith looks like releasing what I can't control and trusting God with it. Sometimes its crying out to Him in those moments when you don't know what the answer is... And that's ok.

There are people in my life when I may want them to make a decision differently. I may not agree with what they are doing. But I can only control my reactions and not their decisions. I can trust that the Lord will take care of everything. I can put my faith in Him. I can rest in HIM. I know it's easier said then done, but Lysa sharing some of her testimonies and her life experiences, she gave the empathy, relatability and understanding so many of us need.

I also loved the emphasis on boundaries at the end and the extra bonus pieces in the audiobook at the end of each chapter. I need to read her boundaries book next honestly, as that's something I am still working through.

If you struggle with overthinking or constantly feeling like everything depends on you, I think this is a book that could really speak to you. It was a beautiful listen for me and I would love to get the physical to mark up someday.

Libro.FM Audio Link: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781400230730-making-peace-with-what-i-can-t-control

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

Amazon hardcover link: https://amzn.to/4cFaGPH
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

What if I Loved You by Mandi Blake

 What if I Loved You by Mandi Blake
Book #6 in the Unfailing Love Series
3.5 Stars 

Yay for finishing a series! I liked the premise of this one. A witness protection type of situation, as our FMC gets a new identity for a situation with her Dad and leaves everything behind, including Ian...cut to 12 years later and Ian and Liz...or "Sara" meet again in town. Ian was devastated when she left so long ago and seeing her again brings all the old feelings back to the forefront, as he learns why she left all those years ago. They reconnect, romance ensues, a dash of suspense added, and we see the characters from the rest of the books throughout and how their lives end up by the end.

While I enjoyed the premise, it was a bit too rushed by the mid-point. Mandi's new series definitely are longer and more developed so this series was good but not my favorite. I am still glad I read it and got to chat about all the characters with my friend Melissa each time we read one together. 

I also always struggle with big time gaps in romance stories, such as the 12 years apart and then they come back together and back in love so fast, it just moves too fast for me personally. 

Overall, I enjoyed the series as a whole and loved the faith moments throughout. 

My favorite Mandi books are the Wolf Creek Ranch Series and Love in Blackwater, highly recommend starting there! :)

Amazon Series Link on KU: https://amzn.to/4wKctdx
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

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 Emlyn 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. 

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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

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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

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Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker

 Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker
4 Stars (Book #5 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series)

This was a fun time at Halloween time in Charm, North Carolina. Enjoyed being back in the series. Love the setting and characters. GRADYYYY. Everly agreed to help the aunts with the haunted walking tour and one of the actors is found dead. As alwaysssss they are right in the middle of this mystery trying to figure it out and escape danger themselves. The mayor election also is part of this and finishes up. While I don't have a ton to say here, this series is just a fun time and always one I enjoy. Clean, no language, no explicit content.

Amazon series link: https://amzn.to/4xfcNlt
Libro.Fm Audio Link: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781705043950-closely-harbored-secrets

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