DETECTING CONCEALED EVIDENCE by Dana Mentink, Reviewed by Kim #NewRelease

KIM'S REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed Detecting Concealed Evidence! From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The story is packed with suspense, and just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would completely throw me off. Dana Mentink does an incredible job keeping readers on their toes—there was never a dull moment, and I genuinely couldn’t guess who the culprit was until the very end! I love stories that keep me guessing like this one did.

The romance between Chase and Pilar added a perfect emotional layer to the story without overshadowing the mystery. Their chemistry felt natural and compelling, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. And I can’t forget Tank, Chase’s loyal and hilarious K-9 partner—he brought just the right touch of humor and warmth to balance the tension.

Even though Detecting Concealed Evidence is the fifth book in the Security Hounds miniseries, it works perfectly as a standalone. I can’t believe there’s only one book left—I'm both excited and a little sad to see this series wrap up!

Dana Mentink has truly delivered another fantastic read. If you love suspenseful stories with heart, clever twists, and a bit of romance, this one is a must-read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 5 stars.

BackCover Blurb:

Sniffing out the enemies requires a K-9’s help.

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Security Hounds Investigations

Book 1: Tracking the Truth
Book 2: Fugitive Search
Book 3: Hunted on the Trail
Book 4: Following the Clues
Book 5: Detecting Concealed Evidence

Love Inspired Suspense, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy DETECTING CONCEALED EVIDENCE at Amazon, or Christianbook.com

THINGS WE KEEP HIDDEN by Jill Lynn, Reviewed by Kim #NewRelease

KIM'S REVIEW:
I've loved every story Jill Lynn has written, and her books are always at the top of my TBR list—Things We Keep Hidden is no exception! I truly loved everything about this story.

This book is filled with relatable, well-developed characters that you can't help but root for. Their personal struggles, the secrets and heartbreak they carry, and the emotional depth of their relationships make for a compelling and heartfelt read. I especially enjoyed getting to know each couple and uncovering the layers of their pasts and connections. And let’s not forget the setting—Colorado!- it’s absolutely perfect and adds just the right atmosphere to the story.

There’s also a subtle mystery twist woven in that keeps you engaged and turning the pages. The writing is beautifully done, and when I reached the last page, I found myself wishing for more. The epilogues were perfection! Jill Lynn has truly outdone herself with this one!

I highly recommend Things We Keep Hidden—it's emotional, thoughtful, and completely captivating. All the stars from me!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read. Five stars!

BackCover Blurb:

A threatening note.

Long-buried secrets.

Their friendship tested.

The last time lifelong friends Payton, Isley and Clara were together, Clara broke their unwritten rule and brought up the one thing they never talk about. And now, more than twenty years after their friend Cece took her life, they must confront that night as the three women and their husbands—plus one unexpected guest—gather at Isley’s Breckenridge vacation home. With tension already simmering just below the surface of their relationship, they’re each left shaken when a cryptic note arrives: Tell the truth or I will.

Who is the message for and what does it refer to? The women fear it could be linked to the truth they’ve kept hidden since the night Cece died…or maybe it has something to do with one of the problems they’ve each brought with them.

Isley’s son is in rehab after narrowly avoiding jail time, spurring her to a reckless act of her own. Clara, usually so careful to follow rules, is haunted by the one night that she didn’t. And Payton has been in denial regarding her husband’s so-called plan for their marriage.

As the weekend unfolds, all three will revisit the bonds they share and the challenges that have shaped their lives. And by the trip’s end, a truth that shocks them all will be revealed.

 

Love Inspired Trade, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy THINGS WE KEEP HIDDEN at Amazon, or Christianbook .com

THESE BLUE MOUNTAINS by Sarah Loudin Thomas, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Building on a little known internment camp in North Carolina during WWI, Ms. Thomas crafts a wonderful tale of a missing loved one, fleeing the ominous politics of Germany in the days leading to WWII and finding a new home in the beautiful blue mountains of Appalachian.

Hedda is a loving caretaker of her fiancé’s mother in Germany. Fritz has been missing for 15 years. When they learn of a grave in North Carolina with his name on it, Hedda goes to America to find the truth and bring his remains home to his mother.

The author gives an intriguing mystery about a lost love and shows how the characters grow in their faith. We see how the beginning of World War II in Europe affected the people of North Carolina and especially Hedda as she contemplates going back to Germany when complications arise with her visa. Garland, a guard who knew Fritz, and now a policeman, helps Hedda navigate the puzzle of what happened to Fritz. And a little romance sparks.

Wonderful story of how God works in unexpected ways and brings healing, restoration and grace.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and a NetGalley copy through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars and a solid faith thread.

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda is stunned to see Fritz's name in a photograph of an American memorial for German seamen who died near Asheville, North Carolina. Determined to reclaim his body and bring closure to his ailing mother, Hedda travels to the US. Her quest takes a shocking turn when, rather than Fritz's body, his casket contains the remains of a woman who died under mysterious circumstances.

Local deputy Garland Jones thought he'd left that dark chapter behind when he helped bury Fritz Meyer's coffin. The unexpected arrival of Hedda, a long-suffering yet captivating woman, forces him to confront how much of the truth he really knows. As they work together to uncover the identity of the woman in the casket and to unravel Fritz's fate, Hedda and Garland grow closer. But with Hedda in the US on borrowed time while Hitler rises to power in Germany, she fears she'll be forced to return home before she can put the ghosts of her past to rest. 

 

Bethany House Publishers, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THESE BLUE MOUNTAINS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

A SCHEMING IN PARLIAMENT By Erica Vetsch, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

OF CLOAKS AND DAGGERS #2

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?"

An age old question plagues Philippa Cashel as she navigates the complexities of a friendship very dear to her heart that seems threatened by the past. Another person in her sphere is struggling with similar issues as he navigates positioning in the House of Commons, simultaneously serving the crown as an investigator. Sir Bertrand Thorndike is walking a very fine line while trying to uncover powerful forces working to influence votes.

Teamed together by the Duke of Haverly himself, Philippa and Bertie gain opportunity to learn much about each other; Philippa not only oversees her mission, The Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, but manages to provide decor guidance for Bertie's new residence while joining him on covert surveillance. Their joint operations ratchet up several notches when a badly injured woman finds refuge at Eleos and Bertie's trail of crumbs lead him straight into the lair of a very dangerous adversary.

The ending? They never saw it coming, but I wholeheartedly believe their reading audience not only saw it, but couldn't wait for it to happen. Definitely more to come in this wonderful series where the cast of characters has formed a very tight community and their adversaries have been put on notice! 

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he’s quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other. 

 

Kregel Publishing, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and library binding.

Buy A SCHEMING IN PARLIAMENT at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE ENGINEERED ENGAGEMENT by Erica Vetsch, Review and Tour hosted by Paula Shreckhise #Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Engineered Engagement

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A hidden genius, an ambitious shipbuilder, and a daring deception—can she prove her worth without losing her heart?

Eli Kennebrae plans to revolutionize cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. But his grandfather’s meddling obligates him to an arranged engagement. Though Josie Zahn is kindhearted and strikes his interest, Eli needs an engineer for his ship, not a fiancée.

Josie has admired Eli for years, but to him, she’s just “one of the Zahn girls.” Worse, society expects her to marry, not pursue her passion for mathematics and engineering. If she could only get Eli’s attention, she could help him achieve his goals.

Then “Professor Josephson,” a brilliant mathematical mind, provides the analyses to make Eli’s ship design a reality. As Eli finds unexpected kinship in the professor’s work, he remains unaware of the truth—Josie is the genius behind the numbers. When deception and ambition collide, will Eli see Josie for who she truly is before it’s too late?

 Click here to get your copy!

PAULA'S REVIEW:
In this book we see if the third Kennebrae brother can outwit the machinations of their grandfather who loves to arrange marriages for his grandsons.
 

With a very smart heroine who would rather go to college than get married and a hero who is trying to prove his worth, this story captured the flavor of the period.
It is one of the first books Ms. Vestch wrote and it has stood the test of time in this re-release.

 

I enjoyed this story very much and loved to see the way the story progressed.
A favorite character was Grandma Bess who always pointed Josie to what God would be pleased with.
 

"But when you start trying to engineer circumstances and people, design and force God's plan to be revealed to you, or construct your future the way you want it to be, instead of the way God has for you, you run into trouble."
 

A delightful look into the past.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Wild Heart Books through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

One of the most frequently asked questions an author gets is “Where do your ideas come from?” The truth is…all over! But for me, the main place that story ideas start is in a museum. I see an artifact or object or hear a story as I wander a museum, and I begin to wonder about the people who used the object or survived the events that led to their story being in a museum.

The Engineered Engagement was inspired by a tour of the Great Lakes cargo ship the Meteor. The Meteor is a whaleback and is on display in Superior, WI, just across the harbor from Duluth, MN where the story is set.

I first toured the Meteor when I was eleven years old…awhile ago now. But many years later my husband and I took our kids to tour this amazing piece of engineering. The design, which is characterized by low rounded hulls, decks, and deckhouses looks decidedly odd and different from other ships. This design minimized the wind and water resistance encountered in more traditional hull shapes. The creator/design engineer of the whaleback was a Scotsman named Alexander McDougall who was a ship master and seaman on the Great Lakes.

The first whaleback hit the lakes in 1887, and over the next 11 years, 43 more joined her. One of the largest whalebacks was the steamer named the Frank Rockefeller. This ship was later renamed the SS Meteor. The Meteor hauled iron ore and sand for much of her career, and she is the only whaleback that remains.

As I toured the ship, learning nautical terms and all but feeling the rolling of the deck beneath my feet, I couldn’t help but admire Alexander McDougall for ignoring the critics, the snide remarks, and the jeers that always accompany a design pioneer and creating anyway. Looking for a better way to make something or do a task should be admired. He was tenacious, and I wanted to imbue my characters, Eli Kennebrae and Josie Zahn, with that same tenacity.

The Engineered Engagement involves ship building and hydrodynamics. Now, I know nothing about either of these disciplines, but I did glean some information, hopefully enough to make my characters, Eli and Josie, sound like they do. Ah, the joys of writing fiction! And while Eli and Josie are loaded with brains and tenacity, I also wanted them to have real emotions, to care about each other. One of the joys of writing fiction is getting to live through the eyes/hearts of your characters and feel what they feel. The Engineered Engagement was a joy to write.

If you are interested in Great Lakes shipping, I highly recommend the Duluth Canal Camera, https://www.duluthharborcam.com/p/canal-park-cams.html

And if you are interested in learning more about the SS Meteor, I recommend this site: https://superiorpublicmuseums.org/ss-meteor/

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

Worthy2Read, August 20

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Devoted To Hope, August 22

Artistic Nobody, August 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 23 (Guest Review from Mindy)

For Him and My Family, August 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 24

Inkwell Inspirations, August 25

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 25

Stories By Gina, August 26 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 26

She Lives To Read, August 27

Inklings and notions, August 27

Bizwings Book Blog, August 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 29

An Author’s Take, August 30

Books Less Travelled, August 30

Book Looks by Lisa, August 31

Blossoms and Blessings, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

Devoted Steps, September 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54282

SECOND CHANCE AT THE SEASIDE by Elizabeth Maddrey, Reviewed by Kim

Beachfront Billionaires Book 1

KIM'S REVIEW:
Second Chance at the Seaside by Elizabeth Maddrey is a heartwarming second chance romance with a strong emphasis on the power of family.

Going into this story, I expected a sweet romance—and it definitely delivered on that front—but what stood out even more was the beautiful portrayal of family support. Bennett’s family was incredibly close-knit and welcoming, and I especially liked how quickly they embraced Jericho. The romance between Bennett and Jericho was sweet, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more conflict or emotional tension to deepen the storyline and I would have loved to actually read some of their history in flashbacks. The faith element was light but meaningful, reminding readers to hold on to the blessings God gives us with an open hand.

As the first book in a new series, it did a great job introducing the characters and setting the stage for what's to come. The epilogue left me excited to read Christian’s story next.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 4 stars.

BackCover Blurb:
At the end of summer, sixteen years ago, we promised we’d keep in touch. And I did.

She didn’t.

I spent a year reaching out to her in every way imaginable, desperately clinging to the future we’d planned while we walked hand-in-hand on the beach. When July rolled around again, I waited eagerly, for her family’s return.

They never came.

She never came.

I blamed her. I blamed myself. I blamed my big, involved family who are basically royalty on this island our ancestors found. After a while, I forgave her and moved on.

Of course I did.

Carrying a torch for sixteen years would be ridiculous.

So the fact that she’s come back to the island, apparently to stay? Doesn’t matter to me at all.

Maybe I’ve been asking God why, but I figure He’s got some kind of plan.

I can probably learn to accept her as a member of our little town, but that’s where it has to end.

My heart’s still too shattered to risk breaking it again. 

August, 2025 Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

NO STONE UNTURNED by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"How easy it was to have a heart of stone in this life. To bury oneself in noble pursuits and yet risk losing connection with those we loved."

Being the daughter of the parish vicar in a small English village, Bridget Littleton often went through the motions of her faith while falling headlong into her unbridled appreciation for history and antiquities, so it was no surprise that the discovery of an ancient mosaic tile in a neighboring field stoked her undivided attention. The wonder of it all began to dim when Lord Rafe Hawthorn suddenly appears to revitalize his family's estate, which may, or may not include the property in question.

It doesn't take long for the war-wizened captain and his impetuous neighbor to stubbornly vocalize differences of opinions while slowly discovering that they share many things in common. As danger encroaches and redemption is tested, can the Bridget and Rafe accept the fact that God never intended for them to fight life's battles alone.

A lovely setting with nuggets of history spun nicely into the fabric of a most engaging story!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not—cannot—fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

-Sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic
-Historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy NO STONE UNTURNED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE PUZZLE WITHIN by Gina Holder, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE GAME MASTERS Series #1

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"And when I've silenced their voices, my revenge will be complete."

Ominous words pour out from a crazed avenger who managed to evade arrest in spite of the full force of multiple federal agencies pouring hours of manpower into the hunt. F.B.I. Agent Arizona Powers is one of those, determined to prove her restored mental competence she pairs up with a former escape artist turned security specialist Nick Trueheart. The two are assigned to protect an ambassador's teen daughter following an ominous threat to her life. First stop, a popular pop-up escape room, which proves too risky, for the young woman disappears before their very eyes. As the kidnapper begins to play a complicated game of cat and mouse, leaving complicated clues in places that clearly indicate breaches of privacy, Ari and Nick believe more lives are at stake. Theirs.

Like a spider weaving its web, the one called Enigma teases and taunts these characters with lyrical clues and intricate puzzles, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a maze of unfinished business. Will the outcome, be it life or death, convince Ari and Nick that there is only One who holds the future in His hands?

A confounding, but impressive combination of mystery, suspense, thriller and romance!

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

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
FBI agent Arizona Powers, recovering from a nervous breakdown, isn’t ready to call it quits. Hoping to prove herself, she takes on a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the spoiled teenage daughter of an ambassador.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist, joined DSS as a risk analyst after the tragic death of his wife. Consumed by his obsession to learn the identity of his wife’s killer, Nick lacks the time and patience to handle the unstable field agent.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a dangerous game and a race against time. The risks are high as they confront their own failures and unravel secrets hidden within to save Bridgette—and themselves—from a sinister plot.

Scrivenings Press, June, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback

BUY THE PUZZLE WITHIN at Amazon 

 

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND by Kate Watson, Reviewed by Kim

A Marriage of Convenience Sports Romcom 

(Catching Feelings Book 1)

KIM'S REVIEW:
Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend by Kate Watson is a sweet read with a fun premise—a small-town, marriage of convenience romance with a sports twist. The combination of baseball and hockey adds a unique element that sets it apart from more typical contemporary sports romances.

I really liked Sean and Kayla as individual characters, and their chemistry when they were together was definitely a highlight. Their relationship had some genuinely touching and entertaining moments, and I found myself rooting for them. Those scenes were the heart of the story for me.

However, there were parts that didn’t quite work as well for me. Some aspects of the plot pulled me out of the story, especially the frequent focus on both characters' exes. I also would’ve loved more time spent on the sports elements—more scenes at the baseball field and hockey rink.

Overall, Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend is an enjoyable read with some charming moments, but, for me personally, it didn’t fully deliver on all the potential it had.
*I received a complimentary book from the author. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read. 3 stars.

BackCover Blurb:

It's not about the wedding, it's about the marriage...license.

Sean
When my ex cheated and begged me to take her back, I made a rash, too-public vow: the next woman I kiss will be my wife. It seemed like a good idea at the time—anything to stop being everyone’s second choice. The ultimate fallback guy.

Then the Kayla Carville walks into my bar, all bold and stunning. When she hears my ex tearing me apart, she kisses me to shut her up. And when she learns about my stupid promise, she offers me a way to save face: we’ll claim we’re engaged.

The thing is, this isn’t about some stupid vow anymore. It’s about finding the courage to stop being the backup goalie and finally go for what I really want.

If I can.

Kayla
My ex is the worst, so my dad bought me a baseball team.

Classic billionaire-dad move.

Now I’m living in a small Southern town that hates me, trying to convince everyone I’m an absolute delight, not some generic “Boss Babe.”

They’re not buying it.

Except for Sean O’Shannan, the hot hometown hockey hero and bar owner who gave me the courage to break up with my fiancé months ago. He’s the kind of guy who remembers my smoothie order, saves a seat for me at the church potluck…and proposes when he discovers I don’t meet the team’s “ownership residency requirement.”

Saying yes is easy.

The hard part?

Not falling for my husband.

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend is a swoony closed-door marriage of convenience sports rom-com brimming with delicious banter and chemistry but with no explicit scenes or cursing. 

 

July, 2025

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

THE SANDS OF SEA BLUE BEACH by Rachel Hauck, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A Beach Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance 

with Family Drama by the author of The Wedding Dress 

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
" . . . go to Sea Blue Beach. Maybe you'll find something there you left behind."

In between jobs and battling complicated blended family dynamics, journalist Emery Quinn takes a job as editor-in-chief of small local newspaper in the town where she spent the happiest summer of her life. She even rents a room at the Sands Motor Motel where she and her parents lodged for their extended vacation. Sea Blue Beach; still much the same in many ways and entirely different in others. However, the biggest surprise is that Caleb Ransom is also back in town working as a local architect.

After a brief catch-up, Emery and Caleb find themselves embroiled in local disagreements about the future of Sea Blue Beach. Past rivalries have grown into two extremely different visions for the lovely beach town, threatening to destroy its historic local lore. At the heart of the matter for Emery is her reunion with Caleb, could what they began so many years prior as young teens mature into something altogether permanent? Fear is a formidable foe.

A pleasant pace pervades the pages of this first love, summer love story!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review

BackCover Blurb:
Can anything rekindle the summer love between former sweethearts facing old wounds and a divided town?

Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.

Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.

As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.

 

Bethany House Publishing, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

BUY THE SANDS OF SEA BLUE BEACH at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

WHEN THE ROAD COMES AROUND by Katie Powner, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
It was such a treat to visit the Come Around Ranch in talented author Katie Powner’s new book, When the Road Comes Around. Powner is such a pro at creating diverse, flawed, realistic characters and plopping them in intriguing settings and situations where they can grow, change, and interact with each other in a fascinating story. I enjoy her insights into human nature.

Set in rural Montana, the Come Around Ranch is run as a guest ranch by Anita and Dan Wilson, with their special-needs adult son Sam. Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble but is trying to turn his life around and keep his new job working for the Wilsons. He develops a liking for Sam and is a good friend to him. I enjoyed seeing their relationships change and deepen as they interact and overcome challenges.

Themes of redemption, grace, forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances are seamlessly incorporated into the tale and add depth and inspiration. I loved Tad’s determination to overcome his reputation, Anita’s compassion for others, and Dan’s willingness to give second chances. The ending was a little open-ended which left me wanting a bit more resolution, but the story was thought-provoking and beautiful. 

 *I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Have you ever heard of grace, Tad? . . . It means we give people chances and love them even when maybe they don't deserve it."

Tad Bungley has already lived a lifetime of poor choices at the young age of twenty-four, so when he lands employment at Come Around Ranch, he doesn't want to mess things up. Kindly befriending the owners' disabled son, and working steadily at even the most menial of tasks, Tad is thrown completely off guard when his life takes another unexpected turn. Will he ever be able to evade his blasted reputation?

Having a soft place in her heart for the lonely and downtrodden, ranch owner Anita Wilson is grateful when her husband takes a chance on hiring Tad Bungley. The young man seems intent on bettering himself and proving to them that he is reliable. Nevertheless, sometimes life throws curve balls when least expected. Anita should know.

An exceptionally touching story with well positioned wellsprings of hope, featuring the power of prayer and the significance of grace.
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW:

 

BackCover Blurb:
Only trouble can bring about the beauty of redemption and grace.

In the small town of Grady, Montana, twenty-four-year-old Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble. When he lands a job at Come Around Ranch, however, his life seems to take a positive turn. As he develops a soft spot for Sam, the ranch owner's disabled son, and a special bond with TJ, a rescue horse with a poor reputation of his own, Tad becomes determined not to bungle it up this time.

Forty-eight-year-old Anita Wilson is too young to feel so old, but rheumatoid arthritis limits her ability to work on the guest ranch she owns with her husband. It was a risk to hire Tad for the summer, but Anita is convinced he just needs a bit of encouragement to find his footing. What she doesn't anticipate is that Tad's presence at the ranch will change everything, including her relationship with her son. And when Tad finds himself in more of a mess than ever, he and Anita must learn when to hold on, when to let go, and what grace really means. 

Revell Publishing, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy WHEN THE ROAD COMES AROUND at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

THE MARRIAGE MASQUERADE by Erica Vetsch, Reviewed and Tour Hosted by Paula Shreckhise #Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Marriage Masquerade

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A disgraced captain and a runaway heiress—hiding from the past and bound by fate—will their marriage masquerade lead to true love?

Noah Kennebrae, disgraced ship captain, has escaped to a remote lighthouse to avoid his grandfather’s schemes and the ghosts that haunt him. Taking a job under an assumed name, he’s determined to start over—until he meets Annie Fairfax. The feisty housekeeper’s warmth and spirit captivate him, and he falls for her despite his best efforts. But he’s keeping secrets that could destroy her trust…and his chance at redemption.

Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father, Anastasia “Annie” Michaels flees home to become the unlikely housekeeper on an isolated island. Working incognito at the lighthouse, she finds solace in her newfound independence and unexpected friendship with Nick. However, as their relationship deepens, Annie’s fear of abandonment resurfaces when she learns the truth Nick has been hiding.

Caught in a marriage masquerade of their own making, Noah and Annie must navigate secrets, lies, and painful pasts in hopes of a future together.

 Click here to get your copy!

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another Kennebrae brother, another arranged marriage by a determined grandfather. 

Annie is an heiress being forced into marriage to a man she knows nothing about. Noah is from a wealthy family and is hiding from an embarrassing accident. They meet on an Island on Lake Superior where they were hired to work at a lighthouse.
Intriguing story and a forced proximity trope with a few twists. The setting was a lighthouse and details about how it worked was interesting. 

The characters drew me in. I was anxious to see how the romance and story developed.  

The author kept my interest with her descriptions and intriguing plot. The faith of the characters was portrayed naturally.

I missed this series when it was first published and I am glad I got to catch up with them now.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Wild Heart Books through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

I love a hidden identity story! And in the case of The Marriage Masquerade, both the hero AND the heroine are hiding their true identities.

The Marriage Masquerade features Noah, who is running from the guilt of a mistake he feels he made that lost both a Great Lakes ship and several lives. Anastasia Michaels is running away from an arranged marriage.

They both flee to a remote lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior, he as an assistant lighthouse keeper and she as a housekeeper and cook.

The lighthouse in The Marriage Masquerade is based directly upon the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of my favorite places to visit along the North Shore. Situated on a cliff high above the lake, Split Rock is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

When I first visited this exquisite place, I fell in love. And when I fall in love with an historical site, I need to know as much of the history of the place as I can. Several of the incidents that occur at the fictional lighthouse in the story come directly from the history of Split Rock.

Filtering liquid mercury, polishing the Fresnel lens, hiding dishes in the oven when the inspector comes, and other happenings in The Marriage Masquerade actually happened in the real lives of the lightkeepers at Split Rock.

Noah and Anastasia’s story is a forced proximity romance, with a dash of hidden identity, redemption, and learning to stand on your own two feet. I hope you’ll enjoy their journey from fearful, guilt-ridden characters to healed through love, confident, and ready to embark on a lifelong journey together.

If you would like to learn more about Split Rock and see glorious photos of this picturesque site, check out: https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock

Blog Stops

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

She Lives To Read, August 13

Fiction Book Lover, August 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Devoted Steps, August 14

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 15

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 17

Devoted To Hope, August 17

For Him and My Family, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 18 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 19

Inklingsandnotions, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Inkwell Inspirations, August 20

Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 21

Little Homeschool on the prairie, August 22

Vicky Sluiter, August 22

An Author’s Take, August 23

Books Less Travelled, August 23

Holly’s Book Corner, August 24

Pause for Tales, August 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts , August 25

Jodie Wolfe, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

GELATO AT THE VILLA by Robin Jones Gunn, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

Suitcase Sisters Book #2: 

Contemporary Women's Fiction Book Set in Italy with Female Friendship, Sisterhood, and International Travel

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"He loves gathering around the table. It's his passion to see people coming together for a feast."

A rare opportunity presented itself to a pair of long-time friends; Grace and Claire were about to enjoy a week-long stay in Italy. Leaving the stresses of everyday life behind, their meticulous planning bore fruit in abundance. Claire's culinary passion was nourished to her heart's content, while Grace's longing to feel the earth between her fingers was met with lush, organic opportunities. Surrounded by magnificent art, soul refreshing churches, and exuberant locals, (the best gelato, don't forget the gelato) their journey became like a breath of fresh air and altogether life changing. "We (Claire and I) planned our trip as tourists. We returned home as pilgrims."

Filled to the brim with deep aromatic descriptions, there is an invitation to every reader who delves between the pages of this story to come . . . to venture towards the banqueting table, where the King of Glory delights in filling not only physical needs, but spiritual ones as well. It's those holy moments that changed the trajectory of two women's lives, offered so freely to all.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I also purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.
"Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure."
Italian saying

Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.

Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.

A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God's nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.

Robin Jones Gunn whisks you away to experience the incredible culture of Northern Italy in this inspiring, faith-based contemporary fiction with themes of European travel, midlife adventures, and lifelong friendships, making this a perfect book club selection. 

Revell Publishing, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy GELATO AT THE VILLA at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE BITTER END BIRDING SOCIETY by Amanda Cox, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

Lyrical Southern Fiction Book Club Read Set in Tennessee

 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Sometimes things don't come to a tidy conclusion. Words are left unsaid. Things are left undone. But this life is not the end. . . . . Our present circumstances, our perceived failures, they are not final."

Her days feel like an ending, at the very least an epilogue of life as she has known it and the beginning of a life she no longer recognizes. After surviving a harrowing experience with her students, Ana Leigh Watkins closes up her kindergarten classroom for the summer, and drives to Bitter End, Tennessee to spend a few months with her great aunt Cora, never envisioning for one second that she is entering a world where the past; her own family's past, has never been resolved. Besides, how could traipsing along trails with a group of amateur bird watchers, an adopted dog, and a way too interesting sheep farmer transform her nightmares back into dreams?

Exceptional characters, elegant word flow, and one of the most beautiful settings imaginable intersect with wisdom, wit and delicate timing to deliver a story that doesn't wrap up perfectly, but finishes perfectly for those who read it.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews and purchased a copy. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Ana who is trying to process an act of heroism at her elementary school, goes to Bitter End, Tennessee for the summer to help her Great Aunt Cora downsize. What she discovers is a quirky hamlet with quirky inhabitants and a family secret waiting to be revealed. The Bitter End Birding Society not only took bird watching excursions but bonded and helped each other navigate life.
 

This book brought back many memories of watching birds from my kitchen window... from the diverse varieties in Wisconsin to a hawk perched on my patio next to a busy highway in St. Louis and those feisty hummingbirds no matter where we lived.
 

This author writes complex but significant stories that entertain and also teach valid spiritual wisdom. If you are looking for a great romance, a spunky sidekick dog, and wonder how Bitter End got its name - take a chance on this lovely book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread

 

Revell Publishing, August, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, or audiobook:

BUY THE BITTER END BIRDING SOCIETY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House