LOVE AND BASEBALL by Jaime Jo Wright and Chloe JoAnne, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

CLEAN Young Adult ROM COM

REBECCA'S REVIEW

"Soooooo . . . like, I sorta pretended you into existence. Now that you are real and here, everyone thinks we are dating."

Tired of trying to explain why having a boyfriend wasn't on her radar, book and baseball fan Brielle Walters thought she had come up with the perfect solution . . . create a fake! Using AI and a host of little white lies (or untruths that she failed to correct) Brielle conjures up Brooks Mason, who conveniently lives very far away. And her plan was working just fine, until a very real Brooks Mason shows up at school.

What???? There were only so many places for a girl to hide, but viral social media reels were not one of them.

This is just about the sweetest, funniest, conundrum of a story that I have ever read! 

BackCover Blurb: 
She needed a boyfriend. AI came to her rescue. But then her fake boyfriend showed up at school.

Brielle has never wanted a boyfriend. She's happy with her book boyfriends--purely fictional, right? Easy to maintain. She's also not a huge fan of sports, except baseball. Not playing it. No. Again, books and cozy afternoons are her thing. But Brielle can get into baseball with the best of them when it comes to watching, repeating stats, and wearing her favorite jerseys. But apparently, that's not enough in life. At least according to her four nosy aunts, who all think she needs a boyfriend, people at school who are convinced Brielle is a closet serial killer because she's happier with her books, and yeah. Valentine’s Day is on the calendar.

There is a purpose for AI, and Brielle decides the genius thing to do is make a fake boyfriend. Complete with deepfake photos, Brielle creates the perfect boyfriend, and no one needs to know he's entirely fictional. They just need to believe she met him over summer vacation, and he lives somewhere in North Carolina. Only he doesn't. When baseball catcher, Brooks Mason shows up at high school, a lookalike to Brielle's AI boyfriend, her entire world becomes a dog-eared, bent pages book nightmare.

Brooks is getting sick of all the girls at school wanting to date him. He wants to play ball and hang out. So, yeah. It makes sense to help Brielle out. Fake date? Why not? But once together, dating for show becomes an act that both Brielle and Brooks aren't quite prepared for, and dealing with unexpected attraction, complicated situations, and interfering aunts and bffs?

It's a grand slam of problems just waiting to happen, plus a game-changing shot at a championship home run at love.
** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review
 

MadLit Publishing, February, 2026

Available in digital ebook or paperback

Buy LOVE AND BASEBALL at Amazon 

THE CINDERELLA PLOT by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 

"And maybe that's the best part of every story. Not the one where you transform into someone perfect, but the one where you find the courage to show up as yourself - and discover you were enough all along."

High school senior Paisley Harper started out wanting to experience her own Cinderella story, and why not? She already felt practically invisible to everyone around her. What better way to accomplish her goal than according to a wildly popular self-help book, "The Cinderella Plot". And so it began; contact lenses, new hair style, updated wardrobe, shiny confidence . . . maybe that was stretching it a bit (but don't tell anyone). Exactly what did she receive in return? A lot of attention. Exactly what she wanted, right? Right. Except when it came to her best boy (with a space) friend, nothing felt right.

Simply put, I loved every single thing about this book. Humor perfumes the authentic struggles of an introverted teen who dares to be seen, when who she is on the inside already outshines any exterior makeover on the outside. She makes mistakes along the way, but don't we all? The overriding messaging of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" by the One who gives us the capacity to love others sacrificially, instead of loving and serving ourselves exclusively is crystal clear throughout, and makes this a story that mothers, daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters will all love to call their own.

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

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW: 

BackCover Blurb

Paisley Harper is invisible.

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way.

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed.

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date.

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first.

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question:
What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself?

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.

**CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page ** 

MadLit Publishing, March, 2026

Buy THE CINDERELLA PLOT in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

THE CINDERLELLA PLOT by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay #YA

PAULA'S REVIEW:
If you are looking for a book for your teen that is clean and a lot of fun, this one is rated PG for Pure Genius! I was hooked from the start and I am 76!

Ms Basham has captured the high school atmosphere and has penned a story that teaches a lesson: God loves you as you are!  

Paisley is a nerd with nerdy friends but wants to fit in with the popular crowd. So she starts taking an advice book called THE CINDERELLA PLOT seriously. But it backfires and she almost loses her best friend Chris (a favorite character) in the process. With hilarious high jinx that landed me in a coughing fit, Paisley and friends are characters that are endearing and entertaining. I loved all the movie and literary references and the chapter headings were fabulous. The story sees Paisley getting herself into a pretty pickle but with prayer, honesty and pure guts, she sets things right again.  

Ms. Basham is very adept at writing a comedy with heart and purpose. And in this one, she writes a book within a book when she also writes a self-help book that Paisley follows in hopes of a transformation.
This may be a YA book but all ages will absolutely love it!
*A little copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Paisley Harper is invisible.

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way.

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed.

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date.

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first.

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question:
What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself?

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.

**CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page ** 

MadLit Publishing, March, 2026

BUY Cinderella Plot at Amazon in digital ebook or paperback. 

CROSSROADS by C.C. Warrens, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Christian Suspense (A Holly Novel Book 5)

Fabulous story of Holly and her friends. Holly and Jordan go looking for Cassie whom Holly hasn’t seen in many years. But they find themselves in a situation that is dangerous and impossible to escape.

Ms.Warrens writes superbly, with unforgettable characters and a plot that is so intriguing you cannot stop turning pages. I do not know how she does it but humor creeps in even when circumstances are dire. The relationships between Holly, Marx, and Jordan are well developed and believable. There were some very tense moments when I wondered how Jordan and Holly were going to get out of their predicament. Warning: some trigger situations about abused women but Ms. Warrens brings hope through it all and shows the great faith of the main characters as opposed to a cult and false teaching.

This story resonates truth and will stay with you a long time.
*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:

RUN AND DON'T LOOK BACK.
I'LL FIND YOU WHEN IT'S SAFE.Those were the last words Holly whispered to her six year old foster sister before the little girl fled into the trees and disappeared from existence.

Fifteen years later, Cassandra Ward is still missing.

Holly is haunted by the possibility that she sent her foster sister running from one monster and into the clutches of another. How else could a child vanish without a trace?

Determined to find her, Holly sifts through her own dark memories for clues, revisits her past, and chases a lead across the country with Jordan by her side. But the search for Cassie takes a dangerous turn when an altercation in the mountains leaves them stranded, cut off from the outside world, and running for their lives.

Lovers of books by Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock, and Natalie Walters will enjoy this latest thrilling installment of The Holly Novels, and might even stay up all night reading.

Available in digital ebook or paperback. BUY CROSSROADS  at Amazon

Recommended Reading Order:

Criss Cross (A Holly Novel)
Winter Memorial
Cross Fire (A Holly Novel)
Crossed Off (A Holly Novel)
Injustice for All (Seeking Justice)
Holly Jolly Christmas (Seeking Justice)
Imperfect Justice (Seeking Justice)
Cross the Line (A Holly Novel)
Crossroads (A Holly Novel)

SCEPTER OF FIRE by C.F.E. Black, Reviewed by Kim

 

Scepter of Fire is the epic conclusion to the Scepter and Crown series by C. F. E. Black. This story was so good, beautifully tying up all the loose threads. And while I absolutely love Aly and Red, Grey is still my favorite character! He’s that secondary character that immediately jumps off the page right into your heart!

Without giving away any spoilers, I can say this story exceeded all of my expectations. I am totally happy with how the main characters and the secondary characters stories ended. I was totally sighing during the last few chapters! The action in this story had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see how Aly and Red were going to win the final, epic battle. This is such a creative series and I loved seeing how it all unfolded!

While I’m sad this series is over, and I will definitely miss these characters, I cannot wait for Ms. Black’s next story! It sounds amazing! I highly recommend this YA fantasy series!

*I bought a copy of this book and I also received a complementary copy. This is a clean read, but full of allegory. 5 stars.

BackCover Blurb:
A world in darkness. A love that cannot be.Shocked by the revelation that followed the official coronation, Aly and Red march toward dangers they never saw coming and away from the things they both want most. Each must face their deepest fears and darkest secrets, finding strength when all hope is lost.

Death follows them. Evil hunts them. As a battle looms and a shadow rises, there remains only one path forward, and it will bring them toward their most difficult decision yet. To succeed is to lose something dear, but to fail is to watch the world fade into an eternal night.

Will the Beacon and Beholder fulfill their destiny—and will it be what they all hoped?

Enjoy the final installment of this swoony, high-stakes epic fantasy series today!

HillCity Press, April, 2023

Available in digital ebook and hardcover at Amazon 

BLADE OF ASH and SHIELD OF SHADOW by C.F.E. Black, Reviewed by Kim

 

(The Prequel Novella) - SHIELD OF SHADOW

What a great start to the Scepter and Crown series by C.F.E Black. Shield of Shadow is the prequel novella to Blade of Ash. I am so glad I read this story because it really sets you up for Blade of Ash by telling Aly’s story of how she came to be the Master Sorcerer for the King. I was totally sucked into this world and the lives of these characters! I loved Aly and Grey and their relationship. I’m really looking forward to reading Blade of Ash to find out what happens to Aly next!

*I received a complimentary copy of this story from the author. All opinions are my own. Join the author's newsletter at https://www.cfeblack.com/ to get this prequel!)

BLADE OF ASH

Blade of Ash is the first book in C.F.E. Black’s new series, Scepter and Crown. While I don’t think reading the prequel novella, Shield of Shadow, is absolutely necessary to fully understand this story, I highly recommend doing so because it explains Aly’s past, how she came to be the King’s Sorcerer, Grey is in it (he’s one of my favorite characters and I would LOVE to see him get his own story!) and it’s just a really good novella!

 

I loved both Aly and Red and how their relationship grew throughout this story. I’m normally not a fan of enemies to more, but this one was so good and it made complete sense to me as to why Red would not be Aly’s biggest fan at first. I can’t say much about the actual

story because I do not want to head into spoiler territory, but I will say I loved the pace, adventure, world, and the action in this story. I also loved the Christian message of good and truth.

I highly recommend this YA fantasy novel that Ms. black has created! I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next! Also, the prequel novella is available free right now by subscribing to Ms. Black’s newsletter.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also

Purchased a copy. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light, but allegorically throughout.

 

BLADE OF ASH - BackCover Blurb:
A cursed king. A hunted sorceress. Their only hope for survival is each other.
Newly crowned, Red blames one person for his father's murder: the secret sorceress sworn to protect the king.
Alyana Barron, Royal Sorcerer to the throne of Tandera, fears her magic is weakening.
A powerful enemy twisted by dark magic wants them both dead.
When Red is cursed, his life entwines with Aly's in ways neither of them expected. Together, they chase after a cure that will heal the king and restore her magic, but the closer they get to a cure, the nearer they step toward death, for the path to the cure is as dangerous as the curse itself.
Packed full of royal intrigue, legends, and plenty of ballgowns, Blade of Ash is the first in a new, YA epic fantasy series perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard, Margaret Rogerson, and Sarah K. L. Wilson. If you like clean enemies-to-lovers romance, female bodyguards, and forced proximity with life-and-death stakes, check out Blade of Ash.

Buy Blade of Ash in digital ebook or hardcover at Amazon

 

CALCULATED By Nova McBee, Reviewed by Kim

I am so glad I took a chance on Calculated by Nova McBee! This YA story is clean, original, intriguing, and has some great characters! I’m so happy there is a sequel and it’s already out!

Jo is such a great character! She’s strong, smart, courageous and you can’t help but wish for her to prevail! Her story is heartbreaking, yet how she deals with adversity and how she grows is truly inspiring. I loved Kai from the moment he appeared on the page! He was so perfect for Jo and for this story! There were also so many secondary characters that I loved, or should I say loved to hate?

I highly recommend this story! I wish there were more clean YA stories out there that were this well written! I cannot wait to read Simulated!
*I purchased this story. It is a clean read. 

BackCover Blurb:
Set in Shanghai and Seattle, Calculated is a gritty, modern day blend of the Count of Monte Cristo and Mission Impossible.

She has many names – Octavia, Double 8, Phoenix, Josephine. She’s a math prodigy, a calculating genius and everyone wants her.

In seventeen-year-old Jo River’s complicated world of numbers, there’s no such thing as coincidence. When she is betrayed by someone she loves, kidnapped by the world’s most wanted smuggler, and forced to use her talent to shore up a criminal empire, Jo deems her gift a curse—until she meets Red.

Fellow captive and unlikely sage, Red teaches Jo to harness her true potential, so she can do more than just escape. Before he dies, Red reveals a secret about her enemies and makes her vow to right his wrongs. But Jo has a vow of her own.

With help from Chan, a bitter billionaire, and Kai, his off-limits son, Jo rises into a new role, ready to take down those who ruined her life. Until a mathematical error comes back to haunt her with a threat much more dangerous than the criminals on the loose.

To beat the odds, Jo must decide who she really is and if risking everything is worth it.

After all, history is not made—it’s calculated.With themes of revenge and forgiveness, loss and identity, brainpower versus brutality, and the triumph of right over might, it will resonate with readers everywhere.

“A high-stakes YA tale of betrayal, revenge, and numbers.” — Kirkus Reviews

WiseWolf Books, Feb. 2021

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

Buy Calculated at Amazon

 

DUST by Kara Swanson, Reviewed by Kim

First off, can we just take a second to look at this gorgeous cover? The cover alone made me want to buy this book! And I’m so happy to say that what’s inside is just as good as what’s outside! I really really enjoyed this story and I’m not a huge Peter Pan fan either, but I loved the writing style and Kara Swanson’s take on Peter Pan!

Where to start! I was immediately drawn to Claire. I felt for what she had been through throughout her life and the grief she was feeling about her missing twin brother. I was so excited when she finally got a lead on what happened to him and we flew off to London where she meets Peter and Tiger Lily and Hook and the pixies! I loved the pixies!! 

I loved when Claire and Peter were with them because of the feeling of warmth and light that exuded off the page! Peter was charming and immensely likable, but he was also hiding something that kept me intrigued till the end of this story. Speaking of the end, I kind of need book 2 right now because I totally did not see that coming!

This is such a great YA fantasy! It is a bit darker than the original, but I highly recommend it! I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next.
*I bought this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. The faith element is light- (2) 
 

BackCover Blurb:
The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself.



Enclave Publishing, July 2020
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Dust at Amazon
Buy Dust at Christianbook.com

GUEST REVIEWER Lori Chasko with NOT AGAIN by Maria T. Henriksen

Deb: Today, I'm hosting a guest reviewer!  Lori Chasko has offered a unique perspective as a reader of Young Adult Fiction. Along with meeting Lori, you'll learn more about a new release by Author Maria T. Henriksen!

Lori's Review of NOT AGAIN:

Not Again was a novel that stayed me from beginning to end.  I loved the different elements and emotions Not Again portrayed. Not Again showed teenagers as real as they come. Compassionate and uncouth,cruel and kind.

Not Again is a novel that will make you think. The element of faith resonates throughout the novel and is beautifully woven in. The scripture is comforting and familiar. Christina,Avery,and the other teenagers are on their journey of discovery as we all once were and still are.

Not Again helped me learn a few things about myself and even brought back some memories that made me laugh and some that made me struggle when I was a teenager myself.

Maria T. Henriksen did a very nice job of putting into words the obstacles teenagers face daily and how to overcome them.

*All opinions are my own. I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a review, nor a positive review.

Hi Lori, thanks for being our guest at Inkwell Inspirations. Deb: You've brought a review of Maria T. Henriksen's new release to share with our readers. Amazon lists NOT AGAIN as teen or young adult romance as well as Christian Fiction.

What do you think of the current offerings you find when looking for young adult fiction? What would you like to see more of?
 
Lori: I think that in the way of Christian Fiction especially young adult that there is too much fluff at times sheltering today's youth. In answer to the 2nd part of your question less sugar-coating. There are real life problems addressed in the Bible that certainly were not. That's not real life.



Deb: What age do you feel is the best audience for NOT AGAIN?

Lori: 16 and up due to some mature content and situations.

Deb: Do you prefer paperbacks, ebooks or audiobooks?

Lori: It depends on what I have handy at the time. All are books just in different forms.

Deb: I agree but boy I'm really dependent on audiobooks these days!
With Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays coming, what would you most like to do with a free weekend?

Lori: I love to be with my family and friends,spending time and sharing laughs. Fun fact I live in Pennsylvania like Maria does but different areas so we really don't know each other. I met her on Facebook during the time she was getting ready to publish Not Again. We clicked as friends and prayer partners. I'm an admin in a group Maria started to bring together Christian authors and reader. My family is small but big. I have my parents, 2 biological brothers, and family friends from India and I'm Godmother to their daughter, 16 months old. I love to sing in the church choir. I'm a Soprano and a Lector (reader) and Eucharistic Minister.

Deb: Wow, I'm impressed! You're a busy gal with some very special interests!
Thanks so much for bringing your perspective to the Inkwell blog!

Lori: Thank you for having me Debra. It is my intent to help Maria's debut release Not Again get noticed!

NOT AGAIN BACK COVER BLURB:
Christina De Rosa holds a potentially deadly secret that threatens to get out. As an innocent young teenager, Christina survives a terrifying sexual assault that destroys her self-worth and trust.

In her daily struggle, Christina searches for ways to keep her torment at bay, so she can function as a "normal" teenager. Meanwhile, Christina's spiritual journey leads her down a path causing conflict within, as she's riddled with guilt and shame.

A chance encounter with her longtime, hot crush, Avery Evans, sparks a fire in Christina that she can't extinguish. As the sweet, loving, knight in shining armor he readily portrays, Avery offers the safety and security that Christina craves.

In her quest for internal peace, Christina must make a decision. Will she give her heart, body and soul to the super popular, Avery Evans?

Will Christina's nightmares become all-consuming or will her discoveries lead her to a renewed way of life?

Find out if true love triumphs in this edgy, faith-based young adult page-tuner, set in the 1980s.

*Not Again is NOT your typical Christian coming of age story. Fierce faith doesn't come without a fight. Prepare for heartache, self-harm, traumatic events, real romance, and actual scripture in these pages.

Available on digital ebook and paperback:

Author Maria T. Henriksen

Buy NOT AGAIN at Amazon

Learn more about Maria by following her Amazon Author Page.

MIND OF MINE by C.F.E. Black, YA Fiction Reviewed by Kim

Mind of Mine, by debut author C.F.E. Black, is a YA science fiction story that is packed full of intrigue, action, a twist or two -ones I totally did not see coming - and a storyline that is truly creative! And, it’s a clean read, which I’m always looking for, for my daughter!

I really enjoyed this story. It was so different- I mean sharing your mind with 15 other people? 😳 I can’t imagine adding more thoughts to the ones that are already in my head! Especially ones that are not originally mine! Yikes! I really can’t go into a lot of the story because I want to stay away from spoilers, but I will say I really enjoyed the wonderfully unique storyline and the characters, especially V, Marcus, and Julius and their interactions with each other. I also enjoyed the many unexpected twists and turns this story took!

Even though this story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, I really wanted an epilogue! I want to know more about Marcus and V and Julius and what happens to them in the future! I am hoping there will be a book 2! Great debut!!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
She is a genius . . . who frequently forgets her own name.
Raised to put science over self, V must link her brain with fifteen other people, making her one of the world’s smartest humans. With this privilege comes a life dedicated to continual research inside a secluded facility, a life devoid of freedom.

But V is losing her identity and unable to predict which face will peer back at her from the nearest mirror. Escaping this life will mean freedom to think for herself—and abandoning everything and everyone she’s known and loved.

When your thoughts and speech are no longer private, freedom comes at a price. But for V the price may be her life.

Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy Mind of Mine at Amazon
 

SHOW ME A SIGN by Susan Miura, Reviewed by Kim

I love Susan Miura’s writing style. I am immediately drawn into her stories and want to know more about her characters and what is going to happen to them. Throw in the fact that they are YA clean reads, that I can let my daughter read, and it’s a win-win!

After reading the prologue, I didn’t want to put this fast paced thriller down. Even though this is a novella, it reads like a full length story. I loved Nathan’s friendship with Alec! Their banter was pretty funny and their nicknames for people had me cracking up! Alec is a great secondary character and I’d love to read his story one day. I really liked Haylie. She’s smart and sweet and spunky. She doesn’t let the fact that she is deaf slow her down!

With this story, Susan Miura has jumped on to my auto buy list of authors! I am looking forward to her next story, Shards of Light, which comes out August 29th! It is the follow up to Healer.

*Thanks Susan Miura for sending me this copy! All opinions are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
All he wanted was to share a pizza with the coolest girl he'd ever met. Then his almost-girlfriend was kidnapped. Seventeen-year-old Nathan Boliva is under investigation by the FBI for a kidnapping he didn't commit. Deaf and beautiful Haylie Summers agreed to go on a date with him, then disappeared the day before. When the Feds discover a text was sent from Nathan's cell phone, asking Haylie to meet him behind her garage, Nathan becomes a prime suspect. Tied and blindfolded, Haylie struggles to grasp Nathan's role in her captivity. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would kidnap her. Then again, if he didn't, who is holding her hostage, and why? Desperate to solve the crime and rescue Haylie, Nathan and his best friend, Alec, set out at midnight to gather intel...and end up with far more than they bargained for. An action-packed plunge into intrigue and danger.

Currently available only by third party sellers via Amazon --PAPERBACK

HEALER by Susan Miura, Reviewed by Kim

I am so glad I read Healer by Susan Miura. This is such a great story! And, it’s clean! I’m seriously doing a happy dance because of that! Clean good YA are really hard to find! I am definitely giving this to my daughter to read. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

I really liked everything about Healer. The storyline (Shilo discovers she has the power to heal) was so different and so good. I loved all of the characters - Shilo, Kenji, and Nick (Shiloh’s dad) are my favorites. I absolutely loved the banter between Kenji and Shiloh. 

I loved Shiloh’s gift and I’m happy that it was used the way it was used. The message is really good and one we should all keep in mind - use the gift(s) that God has given you, use them wisely, and never forget it’s not you, but God. 

I can’t wait to read more of this author!!! Book 2, Shards of Light, comes out in August!
 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
A young adult novel from Vinspire Publishing

Hovering just below the surface of Shilo Giannelli’s average existence lays an amazing spiritual power. Late one night, her world erupts with the revelation that, like her great-grandmother, she has The Gift. But the power to heal isn’t something she can share with the soccer team, her genius little sister, or her boyfriend, Kenji. Definitely not Kenji.

​Deep beneath Misty Morning’s tough façade is a lifetime of abandonment, foster homes and broken dreams. When her two-year-old son is abused by her boyfriend, her fragile world shatters…until Shilo prays for Tyler, and he is healed, leaving Misty grateful but incredibly curious.

Shilo can’t give Misty the answers she needs; she only knows she has a God-given destiny, and despite facing strained relationships, impossible decisions, and the threat of being hounded day and night for her abilities, she will fulfill it.

The journey Misty and Shilo take together unites them as friends but invites danger into their lives. And it will take a miracle for these unlikely friends to elude a gang bent on revenge, keep The Gift a secret, trust God in extraordinary circumstances, and hold on to the people they love.

Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy Healer at Amazon

THE WARRIOR MAIDEN by Melanie Dickerson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"The moment of truth. Or, rather, untruth."

Rather than allowing her recently widowed mother to become destitute, Mulan of of Lithuania bravely disguises herself as a young man and takes her father's place in military service, as the armies of Butautas gather to fend off repeated forays into Poland by the misguided Teutonic Knights. Changing her name to Mikolai, she travels with her father's young attendant in hopes that she can exchange courage and dexterity for strength on the battlefield. She does not have to wait very long for an opportunity to prove herself.

Wolfgang, son of the powerful duke of Hagenheim, is more than just a little curious about the young soldier with the smooth skin and small stature, especially when Mikolai nearly bests him in an archery contest. But when the adolescent warrior bravely leads the entire regiment into the face of their enemy, their connection strengthens . . . . before desperation exposes a well kept secret.

Melanie Dickerson fans will be positively enchanted by the story of Mulan and Wolfgang ,with its raging battles and sweetest of moments, for war has a way of coaxing love to the surface of each and every heart. 

*I bought this novel and was under no obligation to review, nor provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes a fresh reimagining of the classic Mulan tale.

She knows women are expected to marry, cook, and have children, not go to war. Can she manage to stay alive, save her mother, and keep the handsome son of a duke from discovering her secret?

When Mulan takes her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this journey her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, Mulan has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher.
Disguised as a young man, Mulan meets the German duke’s son, Wolfgang, who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the new soldier who seems to be one step away from disaster at all times—or showing him up in embarrassing ways.

From rivals to reluctant friends, Mulan and Wolfgang begin to share secrets. But war is an uncertain time and dreams can die as quickly as they are born. When Mulan receives word of danger back home, she must make the ultimate choice. Can she be the son her bitter father never had? Or will she become the strong young woman she was created to be?
This fresh reimagining of the classic tale takes us to fifteenth-century Lithuania where both love and war challenge the strongest of hearts.

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OLIVIA TWIST by Lorie Langdon, reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"A life without Jack would be like a doused fire; ashy shades of gray washed of the light and heat that had created them."

Unbelievable. It was him! The Artful Dodger; introducing himself as Jack MacCarron; "she could not believe she'd almost fainted". It seems that they have both reinvented themselves, in spite of the fact that sordid pasts have a way of seeping through formalities and inescapable truths can prove to be formidable adversaries.

It's always about the children for Olivia Brownlow. Her gracious benefactor, a beloved uncle, has no idea that his exquisite niece is a lady by day and a thief by night, only to support the gang of orphans who depend on "Ollie's" generosity to funnel their sustenance. Why? She was one; and the handsome, tailored gentleman across the room taught her everything she knows.

Jack is quite enamored with the lovely Olivia Brownlow, soon realizing that she is just as subtle and skilled in subterfuge as he, maybe even more so after he becomes one of her besotted victims. Determined to get back what is "rightfully his", Jack begins to unwrap Olivia's myriad of secrets, finding that in spite of her spirited passion and loyal heart, she is poised to make the mistake of her life, very well losing it in the process. Must "true love mean sacrifice"?

Using razor sharp wit and lush, lyrical descriptive language, this author has demonstrated her ability to bring characters to life who would otherwise remain imaginary! #ReviewersNote: this story contains a diminutive amount of mild profanity befitting the characters.

BACK COVER BLURB:

Olivia Twist is an innovative reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic tale Oliver Twist, in which Olivia was forced to live as a boy for her own safety until she was rescued from the streets. Now eighteen, Olivia finds herself at a crossroads: revealed secrets threaten to destroy the "proper" life she has built for herself, while newfound feelings for an arrogant young man she shouldn't like could derail her carefully laid plans for the future.

Olivia Brownlow is no damsel in distress. Born in a workhouse and raised as a boy among thieving London street gangs, she is as tough and cunning as they come. When she is taken in by her uncle after a caper gone wrong, her life goes from fighting and stealing on the streets to lavish dinners and soirees as a debutante in high society. But she can’t seem to escape her past … or forget the teeming slums where children just like her still scrabble to survive.

Jack MacCarron rose from his place in London's East End to become the adopted "nephew" of a society matron. Little does society know that MacCarron is a false name for a boy once known among London gangs as the Artful Dodger, and that he and his “aunt” are robbing them blind every chance they get. When Jack encounters Olivia Brownlow in places he least expects, his curiosity is piqued. Why is a society girl helping a bunch of homeless orphan thieves? Even more intriguing, why does she remind him so much of someone he once knew? Jack finds himself wondering if going legit and risking it all might be worth it for love. 

*I purchased this book with no obligations to review nor provide a positive review.

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