THE SECOND CHANCE TRAILER PARK By Katie Powner, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"A person must be fifty-four and a half or married to someone who is to apply to live in Peaceful Pines Trailer Park for Seasoned Adults . . . "

Meredith McGillicutty wasn't above fudging her age just a bit in light of the fact she was determined to retire and live a peaceful off the merry-go-round pace that had been her life for so many years . . . just not quite fifty-four and a half years. Putting her house on the market and ignoring her high end wardrobe for a comfier fit, she jumped at the chance to move into a trailer at the Peaceful Pines retirement community.

In spite of Meredith's expectations, her quirky neighbors were a colorful combination of settled (meaning never got out much) and over curious (gossip fodder) about their latest newcomer, who had moved into dear old Lois' trailer which came outfitted with the woman's cat (Meredith didn't even like cats!). As she settles in, Meredith begins to realize that it is quite possible that she isn't rediscovering herself, but hiding from who she really is, and it had taken a new set of old groupies to help her realize just that!

A delightful combination of social sass and meaningful conversations! 

 *clean read* *I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.3.5 stars

 

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

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

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

Nothing.

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

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

Alcove Press, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon

BELLE'S CHRISTMAS CAROL by Michelle Griep, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

A Historical Holiday Romance Novella with Themes of 

A Christmas Carol set in Regency-Era England

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"Dearest Isabelle. . . It is my desire to leave to you Haven House, for there is no one who loves the children more fervently. Please consider."

When the director of Haven House, a London orphanage, is killed in an unfortunate accident Belle Beaumont is handed the keys. With its menagerie of mismatched employees, looming repairs, disorganized paperwork and rambunctious children, Belle is understandably second guessing her decision within twenty four hours.

Barrister Rafe Munro stumbles upon a family matter which leads him to the front door of Haven House. The lovely orphanage director appears a tad overwhelmed, and Rafe finds himself putting aside his demanding work schedule for at least an hour a day to assist Belle, when one thing leads to another and then to quite another.

Expertly imagined, this is undoubtedly one of the sweetest Christmas stories that I have ever read! "God bless us everyone"! (and let it snow!)

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.4.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge's former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they've ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

 

Bethany House Publishing, September, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback

Buy BELLE'S CHRISTMAS CAROL at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House
 

TWELVE DAYS AND TWELFTH NIGHT by Sarah Sundin, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

A Historical World War II Holiday Novella with a Hollywood Celebrity, 

Opposites Attract, and Second Chance Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This story, which is set in San Diego, California in 1943, sees a scarred hero looking for a new purpose in life and an enthusiastic heroine trying to prove herself when up against constraints. Maggie Oliver and Prescott Duke have things in common: their faith, their love of country and their drive to entertain deserving soldiers and sailors with a unique USO show. 

Ms. Sundin uses humor to lighten the story, yet there is meat to chew on as Prescott faces his limitations and Maggie yearns to make a difference.  

Disappointment threatens on many levels but the duo persevere. Their love story is inspiring as they overcome misunderstandings and learn humility and forgiveness. And learn wisdom from Grandpa Bill Curtis who warns Maggie not to meddle. 

The perfect story to read at Christmas with a blending of a favorite Christmas Carol and Shakespeare.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected.

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: orchestrate a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie's invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she'll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved.

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances. 

 

Revell Publishing, September, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy TWELVE DAYS AND TWELFTH NIGHT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE PARISIAN ASSIGNMENT by Lisa Harris, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Christian International Spy Thriller 

(Samatha Jordan Thrillers Book 1)

REBECCA MANEY
"A spy's secret edge . . . lies in the ability to be forgettable - because in my world, invisibility is power."

Saving an asset was one thing. Losing a partner in the process was heart-breaking, especially when that partner had carved his way into her heart. Before she can find answers about what went wrong, CIA officer Samantha Jordan is thrown headfirst into a new case with a new partner along with a plethora of new obstacles. Time is literally running out and the consequences have international catastrophe written all over them.

Where does faith fit in? "Sometimes I think we have to accept that faith in God isn't just about getting answers. Not always. Sometimes it's the choice to believe He's still working even in the silence."

And if the answers that do come are not what Samantha was expecting? Enjoy this very twisty, high-stakes thriller that reads much longer than a short novel and is every bit as good. 
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
CIA officer Samantha Jordan is thrust into a deadly race against time when her asset is kidnapped—threatening to expose covert operations and her true identity. As the clock ticks down, Samantha is forced to partner with the enigmatic Graham Bryant, a man whose skills are undeniable but whose trustworthiness remains uncertain.

Against the shadowed streets of Paris, Samantha follows a trail of buried secrets and dangerous alliances, knowing every decision could tip the balance between disaster and survival. With a global crisis looming and innocent lives at stake, failure isn’t an option—but faith may be the only thing strong enough to steady her when everything else begins to unravel.

Packed with high-stakes espionage, relentless suspense, and a quiet current of faith under fire, The Parisian Assignment is a fast-paced Christian international thriller from USA Today bestselling author Lisa Harris.

Adrenaline-Fueled Fiction, Dec, 2025

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon