IF ALL ELSE SALES by Emma St. Clair, Reviewed by Kim

A Sweet Grumpy-Sunshine Rom-Com

KIM'S REVIEW:
I absolutely loved this story—literally everything about it! The grumpy-with-a-heart-of-gold/sunshine trope was perfection. The humor was spot on, and the ending was beautiful. There’s also a bonus story from Emma St. Clair that I absolutely loved!

Wyatt is basically amazing. From his grumpiness to his feverish ramblings to his heart of gold—perfection. Josie is full of sunshine and personality, and I loved how she brought out the best in Wyatt. The humor woven throughout was another highlight for me.

I will say, though, I didn’t really see this as an enemies-to-lovers romance. To me, it felt more like a misunderstanding on Josie’s part mixed with a “he falls first” romance—and I loved that about it.

I highly recommend If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair. 5 stars.
I purchased this book. This is a clean read. 

BackCover Blurb:
USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

In this grumpy-sunshine romance, school nurse Josie and her brother's best friend--hockey player Wyatt Jacobs--are tricked into spending a summer together that's anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie's brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn't just one of her sports agent brother's clients. He's also his best friend. And Josie's sworn enemy.

Oh--and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle's ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt's first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they'll be able to make it home without killing--or kissing?--each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt's layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

If you're a fan of closed-door romance with sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, and relatable characters, this romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes is your perfect escape. Dive into the irresistible story of Wyatt and Josie as they navigate the rocky waters of their past, uncover hidden depths, and discover that sometimes love is found in the most unexpected places. With the delightful grumpy-sunshine dynamic and the swoon-worthy he-falls-first trope, If All Else Sails by USA TODAY bestselling author Emma St. Clair will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Thomas Nelson, August, 2025

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

Buy IF ALL ELSE FAILS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

QUEEN BEE by Heather Day Gilbert, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This short novella packs a punch and tells a complete story. There is excitement and tension as Twila and her foster daughter flee from danger only yo find it knocking on their hideaway door. Plus add a violent wind storm and a power outage to the mix and things get doubly complicated. Twists I did not see coming. It was crafted so well I questioned everyone and everything. 

This makes me want to check out the Queen of Hearts series by this author.
* A complimentary copy was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a clean read.

BackCover Blurb:
There can only be one.

In an effort to shield her foster daughter from a stalker at school, Twila relocates to a farmstead in an Appalachian radio quiet zone. Alongside battered women who have taken shelter at Cooper's Corner, Twila and her mute teen hope to find sanctuary caring for cows, chickens, and honeybees.

But their peace turns out to be short-lived when a man with an injured ankle and a flimsy story shows up in the woods. Before Twila can shuttle him off to a doctor, a straight-line windstorm rips through the area, downing trees and power lines and cutting off the well water.

As tempers flare and dark sides surface, Twila realizes she can't trust anyone. When one of the women goes missing in the night, she fears the worst has happened.

Like a tenacious queen bee, Twila plans to sting first and ask questions later. If push comes to shove, she's ready to sacrifice herself so her traumatized daughter can finally live again.

Fans of Agatha Christie are sure to enjoy this clean, fast-paced psychological thriller set in West Virginia by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert. 

Wood Haven Press, February, 2026
Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

THE BRUNSWICK by Callie Murray, Reviewed by Winnie #JustRead

Historical Southern World War II Novel set in Georgia and Inspired by True Events with Themes of Foster and Adoption

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
"Have hope in the face of uncertainty." 

This story illustrates why historical fiction is my favorite genre. I enjoy learning about little slices of history while reading an entertaining story built around those historical happenings. The Brunswick, with settings in Norcross, Georgia and Austria during the start of WWII, centers around the Cain family's once-grand hotel. Cora Cain has been struggling to make ends meet and has turned it into a general store. When Thomas Watkins leaves medical school and arrives in town, he asks Cora for a job and assists her in making the store more profitable.

As a family friend learns about Jewish people being persecuted in Austria, she asks if Cora would be willing to turn The Brunswick into a place for Jewish children being evacuated to safety in America until their parents could arrive to reunite with them.

"Whatever story we've written for ourselves likely won't be the story we get to live." 

Themes of compassion, charity, and love for fellow man combine to make this a beautiful tale of healing, courage, and hope despite adversity. Inspired by actual happenings, Murray has written a memorable and compelling story that has deepened my knowledge and appreciation for the history of this era. It is well-researched and the characters are realistic and engaging. The author's notes at the end of the story were a wonderful, informative addition to the book. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
When Cora provides a safe haven for Jewish refugee children, she discovers that opening her doors means risking everything, including her heart.

In 1939 Georgia, far removed from the war brewing overseas, Cora Cain's world feels small--and shrinking. There, she runs The Brunswick, her family's once-grand hotel, which is now struggling as the town's general store. When Thomas Watkins arrives seeking work and solace after his mother's death, a connection sparks between them. Through Thomas, Cora glimpses a life beyond obligation and her war hero father's unpredictable moods.

But everything changes when Cora is asked to turn The Brunswick into a sanctuary for Jewish children fleeing persecution in Germany. As Cora and Thomas prepare for the children's arrival, they struggle to confront their pasts--and the prejudice of their neighbors--as their fragile hope is put to the test.

Meanwhile, in Vienna, ten-year-old Charlotte is offered refuge in America. But even with the horrors she sees around her, she wonders how her parents could possibly send her away. As war's shadow begins to reach small-town Georgia, each person must face what love demands and decide what to hold on to and what to let go. 

Revell Publishing, May, 2026

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

Buy THE BRUNSWICK at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House  

THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW'S TOWN by Naomi Musch, Reviewed by Trixi and Paula #ReleaseDay

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
This was a fascinating look inside the workings of a traveling circus! From the people who erected the many colorful tents, cooked food, mended costumes to the performers themselves. It’s like one big family where each person has a place and purpose and serves in the capacity of making magic happen for crowds in the various towns they stop at. I really enjoyed the glimpse into a world I had no idea about!

Francis is a roustabout, or man of many trades, when it comes to working in for Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. He does anything from grunt work, to making sure things run smoothly and efficiently. With war going on, he is unable to enlist due to an eye condition. But it doesn’t stop him from doing what he’s come to love, and that is working for the circus. He meets Lily along the way and that’s where this story takes a fun twist. She’s running from a family that took her in years ago from the orphan train, but it has never felt like “home”. Her only goal is to find her birth mother and a place she can finally feel like she belongs.

I really enjoyed watching life play out for these two. There are many ups and downs and the author does an excellent job in bringing these characters alive in my mind. There’s also a good many number of historical events that happened and I loved learning about these. 

This is my first book by Naomi Musch, but certainly not my last! She has a way of naturally incorporating faith and involving my heart in every aspect of this story. A wonderful novel filled with history, faith, a satisfying happily-ever-after, and many characters to come to love! Another great addition to the Enduring Hope stand-alone series. 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I learned a lot about circus trains and life under the big top. This story was heartfelt and informative. I did not know about the tragic events of 1918 in Indiana, but Ms. Musch told a compelling story about the circumstances through her fictional Lily and Francis. Also incorporated were an orphan train connection and information about a rare eye condition. 

The characters brought the story to life especially sweet Susie, a child left parentless, who Lily took to her heart. 

Lily was a young lady who did not let adversity get her down. Francis was brave even though his eyesight limited his ability to do certain jobs and disqualified him from serving in wartime. They were both determined to survive with the help of God and the people He sent to help them. 

This was an exceptional addition to the Barbour series Enduring Hope.
*A complimentary print copy of this book was provided by Barbour and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Past and Present Collide on the Railway

When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Lily Mae Dodge flees Wyoming by night to find her mother, who sent her west on an orphan train ten years ago. After she's arrested in Chicago, help comes from a man with a rare vision impairment whom she only just met on a train. Francis Basnett is a roustabout for the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, where he helps Lily gain employment. Their friendship grows into more, and it seems Lily is closer than ever to finding her mother. . .until the night a rogue troop train slams into the stalled circus train, killing dozens and splintering hope.

More from the Enduring Hope Series:
The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee 

Barbour Fiction, June, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback

Buy THE GIRL FROM TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House