A modern Pride & Prejudice story... Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller (Review) #newbooks #bookx #NotExactlyMrDarcy #TheSilverTeapotSeries #CarolynMiller #BarbourFiction #romancebooks #cleanreads #christianromance @austenprose

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

(The Silver Teapot Series #1)

By Carolyn Miller

Contemporary Christian Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 256 Pages

December 1, 2025 by Barbour Fiction

Summary

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

NOT EXACTLY MR. DARCY takes readers to a charming English town and a struggling estate that was famously used in a Pride and Prejudice film. Full of small-town quirks, delightful townspeople, one rather gruff gardener, a troublesome dog, complex family, and a girl trying to find what path God has for her makes for an endearing story. Fans of Austen's Pride and Prejudice will find some similarities in this story and will delight in how the author makes this tale completely her own!

Olivia is easy to love as the heroine of this story. She has some quirky, over-the-top caring family members and escapes to her equally quirky grandmother in England. The town and its people are so charming, as is the manor caretaker even though first impressions, and second, and third... seem otherwise. There is a nice bit of humor throughout and some lovely relationships that develop. I most loved the back and forth between Olivia and Liam and their delightfully sweet romance. I also enjoyed Olivia's relationship with her grandmother and Liam's sister. Olivia is lost in parts as she tries to figure out what she's supposed to do, but she moves forward as best she can, trusts in God, and finds that she's someone worth fighting for.

My only real complaint with this story was some of Olivia's cluelessness and subsequent reactions to finding out something. It felt like it was much too strong for the situation and made me disappointed as I thought her character was better than this. I think a slightly different circumstance could have still worked. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed just about every minute of this story. It was heartfelt, sweet, with emotional depth and likable characters. It's definitely a book to grab if you're in the mood for an inspirational romance set in a small, quaint town in England with plenty of nods to Pride and Prejudice.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

Find the author here.

Have you read any books like this where the heroine gets to work at a location that appeared in a movie? Who is your favorite leading hero?

Can't Wait for... Mayhem on the Marzipan Express by Rebecca Connolly (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #MayhemontheMarzipanExpress #RebeccaConnolly #AClaireWalkerMystery #mystery #cozymystery #cleanreads

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

These cozy mystery books mixed with baking are so much fun! I'm very much looking forward to this second Claire Walker Mystery. It's my pick this week...

Mayhem on the Marzipan Express

(A Claire Walker Mystery #2)

By Rebecca Connolly

Contemporary Cozy Mystery, Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

January 26, 2026 by Shadow Mountain Publishing

Summary

A romantic getaway through the Scottish Highlands turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect.

Amateur baker and part-time sleuth Claire Walker may not have won Britian’s Battle of the Bakers cooking competition, but she still went home with a grand prize: Jonathan Ainsley’s heart. The happy couple boards the famed Scottish train, the Mallaig Steam Express—temporarily renamed “The Marzipan Express” in honor of famed chef Alan Gables, who is hosting an exclusive culinary experience for his most devoted fans. Claire is delighted to serve as Alan’s sous chef for the trip, hoping to learn some baking tips from the master.

The trip has barely begun when the train screeches to a halt. The engine has malfunctioned and must be repaired. While Claire and Jonny explore the train, they discover a dead body in one of the dining cars. It appears to be an accident, but Claire can sense something is wrong as easily as she can sense an overbaked soufflé. When the clues all point to Alan as the culprit, Claire and Jonny decide to investigate on their own. Unfortunately, Alan doesn’t have an alibi, his assistant is oddly nervous around him, and a shadowy figure keeps appearing at all the wrong times. Could it be someone from Alan’s past trying to frame him? Or could Alan be trying to cover his tracks?

Claire had hoped for a delicious, romantic getaway, not investigating a mysterious death while stress-eating trifle in the kitchen car and trying to not be jealous of a magazine reporter who is flirting with Jonny. It’s mayhem in more ways than one.

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Will you be reading this one? Did you read the first book in the series?

Another delightful Austen inspired cozy mystery... Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly (Review) #MurderatDonwellAbbey #AnEmmaKnightleyMystery #VanessaKelly #newbooks #bookx #cozymystery #regencymystery #austenesquefiction #janeausten #jaff #austenprosepr @KensingtonBooks @austenprose

Murder at Donwell Abbey

(An Emma Knightley Mystery #2)

By Vanessa Kelly

Historical Cozy Mystery

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 416 Pages

November 25, 2025 by Kensington

Summary

This latest Regency-era mystery from USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Kelly finds Jane Austen’s clever Emma Knightley (nee Woodhouse) as an amateur sleuth, navigating shocking changes in her family—while meeting her match in a deadly adversary . . .

Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

MURDER AT DONWELL ABBEY is another delightful Austen inspired cozy mystery in this series. With Emma and Knightley along with other characters investigating a mysterious death, the small town of Highbury finds it's not as peaceful as thought. With the fun dynamics between Emma and her husband, a bit of a surprise with her father and the cadence of the original, Austen fans will find much to delight in this second installment! Also highly recommended to cozy historical mystery fans! 

I adored the first book in this series and was excited to jump back into the world of Emma with this one! It did not disappoint! Like the first book in the series, the pace is fairly steady with occasional red herrings and small town happenings dispersed throughout. I loved the dynamic between Emma and her husband (one of my favorite things about this series) along with all the humor. The characters come alive, especially Emma and Miss Bates. The story also has a climatic end that will push you to the edge of your seat and was done remarkedly well. I enjoyed just about every single minute and am looking forward to more!

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a relaxing (except towards the end when it's a bit intense) delight to read. Highly recommended for Austen and cozy historical mystery fans!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Image linked to my review.)

Are you an Austen or Emma fan? Have you read the first book in this series? Have you read anything similar where an Austen character is the main character by another author?

Can't Wait for... Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #SnakeEater #TKingfisher

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I've become such a fan of this author and pretty much auto-request or auto-buy her books. Her writing is superbly intelligent, creative, with whit. Her upcoming release is my pick this week (and I'm including two different covers and want your opinion on which you like more!)...

Snake-Eater

By T. Kingfisher

Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 271 Pages

December 1, 2025 by 47North

Summary

From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award–winning author T. Kingfisher comes an enthralling contemporary fantasy seeped in horror about a woman trying to escape her past by moving to the remote US desert―only to find herself beholden to the wrath of a vengeful god.

With only a few dollars to her name and her beloved dog Copper by her side, Selena flees her past in the city to claim her late aunt’s house in the desert town of Quartz Creek. The scorpions and spiders are better than what she left behind.

Because in Quartz Creek, there’s a strange beauty to everything, from the landscape to new friends, and more blue sky than Selena’s ever seen. But something lurks beneath the surface. Like the desert gods and spirits lingering outside Selena’s house at night, keeping watch. Mostly benevolent, says her neighbor Grandma Billy. That doesn’t ease the prickly sense that one of them watches too closely and wants something from Selena she can’t begin to imagine. And when Selena’s search for answers leads her to journal entries that her aunt left behind, she discovers a sinister truth about her new home: It’s the haunting grounds of an ancient god known simply as “Snake-Eater,” who her late aunt made a promise to that remains unfulfilled.

Snake-Eater has taken a liking to Selena, an obsession of sorts that turns sinister. And now that Selena is the new owner of his home, he’s hell-bent on collecting everything he’s owed.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one? Which cover do you like more and why?

A fantasy retelling of The Prince and the Pauper... Sons of Day & Night by Mariposa Aristeo (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #SonsofDayandNight #MariposaAristeo #yalit #yabooks #fantasy #fairytale #retelling @enclavebooks @celebrate_lit

Welcome to my tour stop! Find my review and giveaway below...

Sons of Day & Night

(The Chronicles of Twinsbane #1)

By Mariposa Aristeo

YA Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Retelling

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 272 Pages

November 18, 2025 by Enclave Escape

Summary

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

SONS OF DAY & NIGHT is an interesting spin of the classic story of The Prince and the Pauper. It's set in a fantasy land where the people are of the night or of the day, each a doppelgänger of the other. The two main characters are, of course, the king and one of the poor villagers who are each others' doubles. There is enough going on to keep the story interesting, and one character easy to like while the other much less so. There's an opportunity for character development and ever increasing tensions as the clash between the people and the king come to a head. Fans of young adult fantasy and retellings may enjoy this one.

I thought the overall concept of this story to be very intriguing. Taking night versus day and applying that to the actual people with a version of each. I liked Waruu from the start. The opening scene is very reminiscent of Aladdin, which is what it reminded me of, but it's similar to also the classic story this is based on as that also starts with some thieving. Daccias is fairly unlikable. I'm sure on purpose. It's interesting watching them both switch places and the ensuing difficulties.

I would have liked more development in a lot of areas. Daccias just doesn't want to do what the people want or listen to his council or be kind, but initially the story doesn't give the reasoning behind that. There were also a lot of plot holes or places where something happens but there was no explanation or transition. Waruu was thrown into impersonating the king, but there was no shown preparation in the story (he doesn't know who anyone is or practice on what to do and or how to act/speak). It made the story feel a bit thrown together and unrealistic.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall enjoyable story with likable characters, especially if you enjoy cheering for an underdog, and an interesting plot. It needed more development, but still an entertaining read.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Mariposa Aristeo is a writer of fantastical adventures filled with heart, humor, hope, and sometimes dinosaurs. But, most importantly, she’s a creative who seeks to glorify God on every page of her life. Besides writing snarky characters who sass everybody, Mariposa loves bringing stories to life in full color as an illustrator. She also enjoys inspiring other creatives as the Public Relations Director at Story Embers and the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.

More from the Author

How could I refuse to write a retelling of The Prince & the Pauper?

(Kudos to all the zillennial girls who get that reference.)

Ever since I watched the Barbie rendition of this classic tale when I was just a little girl, this story has been on my heart. As I grew older, other more adventurous tales influenced me, such as Dreamwork’s How to Train Your Dragon, Jennifer Nielsen’s The False Prince, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, and more recently, Star Wars’ The Bad Batch.

But no matter the story, one aspect stayed the same—finding people just like me in the unlikeliest of places.

Growing up, I had a different childhood than most. I was pretty isolated with little to no friends, and not much extended family. It wasn’t until my twenties that I met the people who would later become my true family. They weren’t blood relations, and we didn’t interact in person until years later (yay for internet friends!). We are different in all the best ways but the same in the ways that matter and weird in the way that makes life interesting.

The Prince & the Pauper is a story about many things. Empathy, compassion, and learning what it’s like to live in another person’s shoes. When I set out to write Sons of Day & Night, I wanted to pay homage to this underrated tale while deepening the bond between the two very different (but also very alike) heroes. It’s not just a story about switched identities, it’s a story about the family we find even when our world is falling apart.

When my mom passed away from cancer in 2022, I felt like my world truly was falling to pieces. Besides losing a parent, I also lost what little I had of a normal family. But my found family came together to be there for me and be the family I never had.

We don’t share the same genetics, but they are every bit as much my brothers and sisters. As Stitch once said, “This is my family. I found it all on my own.”

Fast forward a few years, and I now live within 60 miles of my found family and see them almost every week. It’s funny to think how a few internet strangers became such a huge part of my life, but sometimes God sends us family in the places we least expect it.

And my hope is that Sons of Day & Night will remind you that there’s always someone out there just like you.

Tour Schedule

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Inspired by Fiction, November 21

The Lofty Pages, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, November 24

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 24

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 25 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 26

Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, November 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 29

Simple Harvest Reads, November 30 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Labor Not in Vain, December 2

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 3 (Author Interview)

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mariposa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

ENTER HERE

Are you a fan of The Prince and the Pauper? Does this sound like a retelling you'd enjoy?

Can't Wait for... Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #WhispersatPainswickCourt #JulieKlassen @Julie_Klassen

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I just binge read the On Devonshire Shores series so that I could then read the fourth book in the series, A Sea View Christmas (reviews to come). I would love a follow-up book about the youngest sister from that series, but I'm also happy to jump into this upcoming release that includes a mystery. It's my pick this week...

Whispers at Painswick Court

By Julie Klassen

Christian Historical Romance, Mystery

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

December 2, 2025 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.

As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late?

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this compelling Regency-era novel laced with intrigue, love, and English village charm for fans of historical romance and whodunit mysteries.

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... A Curse of Ashes by Sariah Wilson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #ACurseofAshes #SariahWilson #TheEyeoftheGoddess

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I've been a fan of Sariah Wilson for some time and have been thrilled with her switch to fantasy with this series. The upcoming third book is my pick this week...

A Curse of Ashes

(The Eye of the Goddess #3)

By Sariah Wilson

Romantic Epic Fantasy, Romantasy

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 525 Pages

December 16, 2025 by Montlake

Summary

For a princess, becoming the savior of a nation could mean sacrificing love and life in this breathtaking conclusion to the epic Eye of the Goddess trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Sariah Wilson.

Princess Lia of Locris is the unlikeliest person to be Ilion’s defender. Once, she’d have gladly seen the entire adversarial nation burn. But much has changed. Ilion is home to too many innocents, including her sister. Besides, there is no escaping the goddess’s command. Lia is Ilion’s prophesied savior.

With that mortal obligation come rules: She must never consummate her marriage to Xander, prince of Ilion, lest she lose her powers of divine magic when she needs them most. Physically bonded to share each other’s pain, these former enemies have grown from merely attracted to something more profound. But what future can they have when Lia’s destiny requires sacrificing her life?

As enemies close in and war threatens everything they love, Lia and Xander must find a way to follow the goddess’s laws while also accepting the truth in their hearts―before the prophecy demands its final, fatal price.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Read an excerpt from this romantic suspense... Kidnapped for Ransom by Jacqueline Adam (Excerpt & #Giveway) #newbooks #bookx #KidnappedforRansom #JacquelineAdam #romancebooks #suspense @JustReadTours @LoveInspiredBks

Welcome to my tour stop, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

Kidnapped for Ransom

By Jacqueline Adam

Romantic Suspense

Paperback & eBook, 208 Pages

October 28, 2025 by Love Inspired Suspense 

Summary

Abduction is only the beginning… 
Will murder be next?

Doctor Chelsea Eidman thought she’d finally escaped the perils of her late husband’s secret life as a diamond thief—until his former accomplice attacks her. The danger escalates when a vengeful mobster kidnaps Chelsea’s daughter and friend, demanding the stolen diamonds in exchange for their lives. To recover the gems, Chelsea joins forces with officer Matt Reynolds, whose sister has also been abducted. As they race against time, they find themselves in deadly pursuits across harsh terrain. With everything on the line, Chelsea and Matt must outsmart their enemies and unravel a web of lies…before their families pay the ultimate price.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | B&N | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt

Chelsea froze, adrenaline spiking through her. Someone was in the house.

Lynelle. She had to get to Lynelle. She ran for the stairs when a stout, middle-aged man with
thick black hair walked into the kitchen, blocking her path. Chelsea opened her mouth to scream.

“Don’t,” the man said quickly, raising a gun.

Chelsea stumbled backward, glancing about the kitchen for some sort of weapon. “What do you
want?”

“Follow me,” the man said. “You and I have business to discuss.” He motioned with the gun for
her to move through the hallway and into the living room. “Sit.” He pointed at the wingback
chair by the fireplace. Terrified, she did as she was told, watching as he ran his smooth surgical-
gloved finger through the dust on the mantel.

“We haven’t met before, so I’ll introduce myself,” he said, squatting down until his eyes leveled
with hers. “I’m Alek. At least, that’s what my friends call me.” He leaned forward, a dark smile
spreading across his face. “Do you want to know what my enemies call me?”

Chelsea shook her head no, not trusting her voice.

About the Author

Jacqueline Adam lives in British Columbia with her husband and two incredible children. She and her family love to find adventure, whether it be zip-lining, riding roller coasters, or camping throughout the Rocky Mountains and beyond. Jacqueline writes love-inspired suspense stories with strong, dynamic characters that overcome impossible odds. Connect with Jacqueline online at jacquelineadam.com

Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a CUTEBEE Owl bookstore Book Nook Kit, a print copy of Kidnapped for Ransom, and a Mora Ceramics Large Tea Mug with Loose Leaf Infuser and Ceramic Lid!

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight November 4, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 11, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

What's the last Love Inspired Suspense you read? Do you have a favorite suspense book or author?

Read an excerpt from this romantic suspense... Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #MistletoeandMalice #LoriDeJong #GuardedHeartsSeries #romancebooks #suspense @JustReadTours

Welcome to my tour stop, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read an excerpt an enter the giveaway below...

Mistletoe and Malice

(Guarded Hearts Series #1)

By Lori DeJong 

Romantic Suspense

Paperback & eBook, 402 Pages

October 21, 2025 by Scrivenings Press

Summary

He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge. 

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father's demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence. 

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper ... and far more perilous. 

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can't outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again ... before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookBub

Excerpt

So far, it was as awful as she’d imagined it would be.

While her parents’ driver from Petersen sat at the back of the church, her shadows, as
she’d taken to calling them, had stationed themselves at various points around the sanctuary. And
if that weren’t embarrassing enough, Mr. Blankenship walked her all the way in, his head
swiveling as if someone might spring out of their seat at any second and carry her away.
She put her hand to her forehead. She understood they were doing their job. She just
hated being the job.

She opened her eyes and found Mr. Blankenship standing in the aisle between the wall
and the pew, his eyes panning back and forth across the congregation.

“Aren’t you going to sit?” she asked in a stage whisper.

He glanced at her and resumed his scan. “Not standard protocol.”

“I don’t care. You’re embarrassing me to death. Sit down.”

With a frown, he gave her another glance but continued to stand there, like one of those
motionless guards at Buckingham Palace. She smiled a little inside, picturing him with one of
those oversized bearskin hats on his head.

“Do you seriously think anybody would try something with you right next to me? Please.
Can you sit?”

With a sigh, he finally moved into the pew next to her.

“Much better. You almost look normal.” As normal as he could with the obvious earpiece
and his ever-watchful, cold-as-ice glower.

The corner of his mouth hitched upward ever so slightly.

Maybe there was some thaw under there, after all.

Also Available

About the Author

Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-love in DFW. Lori's debut novel, Love's True Calling, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, Book 2 of the True Calling Series, was a 2025 Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June. Lori's Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.

Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. 

Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Mistletoe and Malice, and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection (released in Oct 2024)!

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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What's the last romantic suspense you read? Does this one sound like a book you'd enjoy?

Can't Wait for... The Verdant Cage by Jess Lourey (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheVerdantCage #JessLourey #yalit #yabooks

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I met Jess Lourey at the Tucson Book Festival in 2024. She was talking about her upcoming book, A Whisper of Poison. Cue original book:

As she talked about it and with this gorgeous, eye-catching cover, I was SOLD. Move forward two years and the title, cover and release date have all changed. I'm sure the story has a bit too, but it still has the same premise and I'm still looking forward to reading it! It's my pick this week...

The Verdant Cage

By Jess Lourey

YA Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Hardcover & eBook, 416 Pages

April 7, 2026 by Entangled: Mayhem Books

Summary

THE WALL WAS BUILT TO KEEP THEM SAFE. OR SO THEY THOUGHT.

For as long as teenaged apothecary Rose Allgood can remember, the towering stone Wall surrounding Noah’s Valley has protected her people. No one leaves. No one fights. And no one questions why.

But their paradise has been hiding its thorns. When Rose’s mother becomes the Valley’s first murder victim and her twin brother is swiftly condemned, she alone is searching for the real killer. Determined to find the truth, she follows a trail of hidden messages, forbidden knowledge, and whispers of a past no one dares to remember.

The deeper she digs, the more certain Rose becomes that her mother’s death was no accident. That the Wall isn’t just keeping something out.

It’s keeping something in.

Fans of The Hunger Games, Wilder Girls, and The Grace Year will devour The Verdant Cage—a chilling dystopian thriller about what it takes to rebel when you discover your entire world is a lie.

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Will you be reading this one?

Check out a Q&A with the author... The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem (Interview) #TheFaultBetweenUs #StephanieLandsem #histfic #christfic #newbooks #bookx @Crazy4Fiction

I'm sharing a Q&A with the author from the publisher today for this new release. Read on below...

The Fault Between Us

By Stephanie Landsem

Christian Historical Fiction

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

November 4, 2025 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss, three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home—with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

- Christian historical fiction based on fascinating historical events
- Perfect for fans of Cathy Gohlke or Susan Meissner
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

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Author Interview

What inspired this story?

Since my parents lived in Yellowstone at the time, I’ve heard stories of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake all my life but only recently realized that very few people know about the devastation it caused or its unlikely heroes and heroines. I wanted to write the story of this cataclysmic event and include my love for Yellowstone National Park and the adventurous nature of those who lived there in the 1950s—including my own mom and dad.

What messages or themes do you focus on in this book?

Even as it chronicles a terrible night of tragedy, The Fault Between Us is a story of courage and hope—in life, in marriage, and in family relationships. Claire and Red, Bridget, and Frannie have wounds that were downplayed and dismissed, but never healed. Only when they have the courage to bring their hurts of the past into the light, can they hope for healing through the power of God’s love and their love for each other.

How does faith play a role in this story?

Claire, Bridget, and Frannie struggle with their faith journey in different ways. Since her mother left them, Claire struggles to hope because hoping has hurt her too much. Her faith in both God and Red is tested in the ultimate struggle and she must decide whether she can find the hope to hold on. Bridget won’t let anyone close to her heart after her mother’s abandonment. As she prays for rescue in the dark night of the quake, she discovers that only through a courageous gift of her own heart to her suffering patients, can she not only help them but begin to heal her own wounds. Frannie doesn’t believe God listens to her, but she finds a spark of faith as she courageously attempts to save the victims of the earthquake. Her new faith pushes her to risk everything to save her sister when all hope seems to be lost.

What about this book excited you while writing it, and what do you hope readers will learn?

My dad worked for the National Park Service all his life, and our family has a special connection to Yellowstone National Park, where my siblings and I were born and my parents lived for the first ten years of their marriage. I loved interviewing my mom and her three sisters—who all worked summers at the park in the 1950s—for authentic historical details and fun anecdotes. I hope readers will learn about the tragic Hebgen Lake Earthquake and be inspired by the heroes and heroines who faced darkness, wind, and rising water to save the victims on the night of the quake and during the days that followed.

What are your passions and how do they impact your writing?

I grew up loving the outdoors—that will happen when you live all your life in or near national parks—and have a special love for Yellowstone. Many of our family stories revolve around snakes, bears, and the dangers and beauties of the park. I hope to share some of these with my readers. I believe every American should get a chance to see “America’s Wonderland” and hope this book will inspire some summer vacations to our greatest national park. When I contemplate the Grand Prismatic, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone, or Old Faithful, I’m struck by God’s great love for us in giving us the wonder and beauty of the natural world.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of the writing process? What advice would you offer young writers?

When writing historical fiction, my most difficult task is deciding what NOT to include. There are always so many interesting tidbits and fascinating information, trimming down the manuscript to keep the story moving is the hardest part. My advice to young writers is not to be afraid to delete even your favorite paragraphs in service to the story!

What books or authors have shaped you recently?

Some of my favorite reads lately have been William Kent Krueger, a fellow Midwesterner whose historical fiction has deep and meaningful themes, beautifully descriptive prose, and is impossible to put down. I’m also a big fan of historical fiction by Roseanna M. White and historical romance by Julie Klassen and Mimi Matthews. And when I’m looking for a fun romantic read that puts me in a great mood, I look for a novel by Katherine Center. Every book teaches me something about writing and encourages me to become the best storyteller I can be.

About the Author

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction for women, about women. She's traveled the world in real life and traveled through time in her research and imagination. As she's learned about women of the past, she's come to realize that these long-ago women were very much like us. They loved, dreamed, and made mistakes. They struggled, failed, and triumphed. She writes to honor their lives and to bring today's women hope and encouragement.

Stephanie makes her home in Wisconsin with her husband, three ferocious cats, and a neurotic dog. Along with reading, writing, and research, she dreams about her next travel adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

Find the author here.

What connected with you in this interview? What's the last story you read where there was a catastrophe?

A perfectly spooky Gothic romantasy... The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer (Review) #TheHouseSaphir #MarissaMeyer #yalit #yabooks #yafantasy #Gothic #romantasy

The House Saphir

By Marissa Meyer

YA Fantasy, Romance, Folklore, Retelling

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 432 Pages

November 4, 2025 by Feiwel & Friends

Summary

The "Queen of Fairytale Retellings" is back! #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer weaves the tale of Bluebeard as it's never been told before. This is a thrilling romantasy and murder mystery, perfect for fans [of] Meyer's Cinder and Heartless.

Mallory Fontaine is a fraud. Though she comes from a long line of witches, the only magic she possesses is the ability to see ghosts, which is rarely as useful as one would think. She and her sister have maintained the family business, eking out a paltry living by selling bogus spells to gullible buyers and conducting tours of the infamous mansion where the first of the Saphir murders took place.

Mallory is a self-proclaimed expert on Count Bastien Saphir―otherwise known as Monsieur Le Bleu―who brutally killed three of his wives more than a century ago. But she never expected to meet Bastien's great-great grandson and heir to the Saphir estate. Armand is handsome, wealthy, and convinced that the Fontaine Sisters are as talented as they claim. The perfect mark. When he offers Mallory a large sum of money to rid his ancestral home of Le Bleu's ghost, she can’t resist. A paid vacation at Armand’s country manor? It’s practically a dream come true, never mind the ghosts of murdered wives and the monsters that are as common as household pests.

But when murder again comes to the House Saphir, Mallory finds herself at the center of the investigation―and she is almost certain the killer is mortal. If she has any hope of cashing in on the payment she was promised, she’ll have to solve the murder and banish the ghost, all while upholding the illusion of witchcraft.

But that all sounds relatively easy compared to her biggest challenge: learning to trust her heart. Especially when the person her heart wants the most might be a murderer himself.

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My Review

THE HOUSE SAPHIR is a perfectly spooky Gothic romantasy. Set in a fantasy world where there are monsters and magic, with morally gray characters, and a dangerous ghost to exorcise from an ancient house, makes for a engrossing read perfect for this time of year. Highly recommended to Gothic romance and fantasy fans!

Read this if you like:

👻Old, spooky, Gothic house

👻Two close-knit sisters with the blood of witches

👻One charming and too-handsome heir

👻Three murdered wives who remain as ghosts

👻One vengeful, evil ghost

👻Some annoying monsters

👻A motley crew

👻A sweet romance with a few sparks

I wasn't sure what to expect from this new release from Meyer, but as I've been a fan from the start and was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley, I was hopeful that I would love it. And I did! It isn't like her other books in that the setting is a mix of historical and fantasy. The romance is there, but it doesn't take center stage. It's also sweet with a few sparks. The main focus of this story are these two sisters, a mistake they made and the restitution for it. I loved all the Gothic nods from the ancient house to the witches and ghosts, plus a graveyard. There is some grit and gore, but not too overly descriptive. There is also a lot of humor and sarcasm, which I found to be very entertaining. Not all the ghosts are evil and they add quite a bit of life to this story. I also loved the overall theme of a girl who has to believe in herself in order to grasp her happily-ever-after.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is a delightfully spooky read with complex characters and a Gothic fantasy setting. A book that could be read each Halloween season or anytime readers are looking for a bit of ghostly spooking. 

Content: Some violence and gore, but not overly strong. Clean.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy, and Instant Karma, as well as the graphic novel duology Wires and Nerve. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a MA in Publishing from Pace University. In addition to writing, Marissa hosts The Happy Writer podcast. She lives near Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and twin daughters.

Find the author here.

Are you a fan of this author and her books? Do you like Gothic romantasy?