Can't Wait for... The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheMademoiselleAlliance #NatashaLester #womensfiction #NetGalley @randomhouse

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.

This book is about a woman who headed a WWII resistance group. I'm looking forward to learning more about her story and expect that I'll feel inspired by the end. It's my pick this week...

The Mademoiselle Alliance

By Natasha Lester

Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, WWII Espionage

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 448 Pages

April 8, 2025 by Ballantine Books

Summary

How did a young Parisian mother, celebrated for her beauty and glamour, come to lead the largest spy network in occupied France?

Morocco, 1928. Marie-Madeleine Méric is not the kind of woman who stays quietly at her husband’s side. Polyglot, pianist, and pilot, she is a woman of many skills, with unconventional interests—like driving in car rallies—that earn her a daredevil reputation. But dabbling in intelligence work to assist her military officer husband and the French government helps her recognize who she is at heart: an adventurer.

Paris, 1936. As Europe teeters on the brink of war, Marie-Madeleine is living in France, her marriage now in shambles, when a chance encounter with an enigmatic spy turns her life upside down. He recruits her to help build a resistance network, and she conceals her identity—and gender—as she navigates a perilous double life.

Eventually, she steps into the role of leader of what is now known as Alliance, despite the naysayers who doubt in a woman’s ability to do so. Capture and death are only a heartbeat away for both Marie-Madeleine and the agents under her care. At the helm of Alliance, she achieves seemingly impossible feats of espionage that help turn the tide of the war. But the most impossible, and dangerous, feat of them all? Falling in love.

New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester beautifully brings Marie-Madeleine Méric Fourcade’s story to life in this powerful, heartbreaking tale of resilience that reminds us what it means to cherish those we love and fight for them with every breath.

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Will you be reading this one?

A witchy story of family, friendship and love... A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher (Review) #newbooks #bookx #acircleofuncommonwitches #paigecrutcher #romancebooks #fantasy

A Circle of Uncommon Witches

By Paige Crutcher

Urban Fantasy, Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

February 25, 2025 by St. Martin's Griffin

Summary

"A mind-bending, heart-wrenching adventure to unravel a curse as intricate as any lacework. Unforgettable!" - Ava Morgyn, author of The Bane Witch

A witch generationally cursed to never find true love sets out to break the spell cast on her family, and must team up with the last person who wants to help her – the witch who set the curse in the first place.

Doreen MacKinnon is doomed to die of a broken heart - if she can’t break the centuries old curse placed on her family.

Three hundred years ago, Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with a MacKinnon. And when the MacKinnon witches forbade him from seeing his love, by secretly hiding her away, he retaliated by cursing the family and its future generations to never find love. But it wasn’t without a cost. Now, Ambrose is imprisoned by those same witches, trapped in a tempest and doomed to outlive everyone he has ever loved.

But Doreen isn’t like the other MacKinnon witches. As the 13th generation of the MacKinnon line, Doreen is one of the most powerful witches in centuries… and one of the loneliest. So when she discovers where Ambrose has been trapped, she releases him to help her break the curse, once and for all. Ambrose agrees to help, but with his own motive: vengeance. He plans to use her as bait to enact his revenge on her family.

Together, they enter a series of trials, which take them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff, and into a world beyond their wildest dreams. As they work together, sparks start to fly, but soon Doreen must choose how far she is willing to go to break the curse, and what she's willing to sacrifice.

Paige Crutcher's A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a story of adventure, romance, and destiny, that asks: is true love worth the cost?

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My Review

A CIRCLE OF UNCOMMON WITCHES is about a woman who is within a year of facing her family's curse with a death sentence and does everything in her power to break it. It's about a long line of family witches, her best-friend cousin, and the man at the center of the curse who she must save. Full of fantastical and otherworldly elements, friendship, and romance ideal for romantasy fans.

I thought this was a pretty fun story from the first page. It's well written with unique, interesting characters who are relatable and likable. Doreen is such a fabulous character! I loved living in her head and figuring things out as she did. I loved her loyalty, resilience and outright fight to not give in to the status quo. I especially loved her friendship with her cousin and then the line of women who she is so strongly connected to. Ambrose is an interesting character. Wise and old and strong. I did think he came across younger than he was, but it still worked. I liked that all the characters had to help each other to make things work and that it wasn't easy. I also liked how well the author weaved through different themes and how the plot meandered and then resolved. I thought it was very well done in an unbelievably believable way.

There were a few things that could have been developed more or handled differently. One of my pet peeves is when a character isn't told important things by her parent or guardian, which occurs in this story. The author resolved this in some ways, but not in others. I also didn't like the inconsistency between the individuals who did the torturing and then supposedly who they were by the end of the story. Then there was the almost insta-love dynamic. This is a bit of an enemies-to-lovers trope, but it jumped from that to the other without much of a transfer.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an entertaining story for witch fans. There were a few places that could have been developed better, but great characters, an interesting plot, and overall sweet romance made for an overall enjoyable read.

Content: Suggestive references and some swearing. Some grotesque characters and situations and some torture.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Have you read any books recently with witches? Does this sound like a book you'd enjoy?

Perfect for sweet contemporary romance fans... Uneasy Street by Becky Wade (Review) #newbooks #mustread #romancebooks #cleanreads #cleanromance #uneasystreet #sonsofscandalromance #beckywade @beckywadewriter

Uneasy Street

(A Sons of Scandal Romance #3)

By Becky Wade

Contemporary Romance, Clean and Wholesome

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, Pages

February 14, 2025

Summary

Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

Once upon a time Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were close friends and business partners. But when their business relationship imploded, so did the friendship.

Now, four years later, Max is a rich CEO. Sloane’s a not-so-rich etiquette expert who returns to Maine to serve as her niece’s temporary guardian and help the girl search for her birth father. Sloane and her niece move into a darling garage apartment but Sloane’s joy in their accommodations soon turns to horror when she realizes their apartment belongs to Max. Thanks to an unbreakable lease, she’s stuck living right next door to him.

Max pulled strings to bring Sloane into his orbit because he needs closure on what went wrong between them. Quickly, though, his scheming comes back to bite him. The world might view him as a cold-hearted rake, but this one woman has dangerous power over his emotions.

They’ll have no choice but to confront their history—and the undeniable spark between them—while living side by side on uneasy street.

Discover witty humor, rich emotion, banter, and charm within the pages of this sweet enemies-to-lovers romance!

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Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

My Review

UNEASY STREET is one of those stories that reminded me just a bit of a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's an enemies to lovers trope with complex characters, plenty of chemistry, interesting subplots, and plenty of humor. Reminiscent of Kristan Higgins and Susan Elizabeth Phillips except on the clean side. Highly recommended to sweet contemporary romance fans!

Read this book if you like:
💚Enemies to lovers trope
💚Lovable, complex characters
💚Additional subplots
💚Great chemistry
💚A teenager to make things lively
💚Sweet romance
💚A family of brothers
💚Lots of humor and banter
💚Themes of reconciliation and forgiveness

I've enjoyed this series from the first book and have been looking forward to seeing how Max's story would turn out. This group of brothers, Max being the half-brother of an affair, brought a lot of complexities to the series. I would say Max foremost had a very complex background as the one who wasn't raised by his father and dealing with some serious media fallout. I admired the way he worked hard to succeed and not use his past as a crutch. It helped that he had a loving mother, two half-brother friends (one of which was his best friend), and a self-driven determination to make something of himself in spite of the situation. He also had Sloane for much of his journey. Of course, he had some issues as well that he had to work through, especially with realizing what Sloane meant to him and being willing to be vulnerable. I didn't love the manipulation he used and what it said about who he was, and at the same time, I had to laugh at the antagonism, banter and heat it created between him and Sloane. 

Sloane also had a rough childhood and background and had dealt with some pretty hard things. Her copying strategies weren't developed to the point where she really needed them to be for what she faced. I felt like that was half of the problem between her and Max. They both didn't have good relationship examples or even healthy examples of two people being honest and working through problems together. Just like Max, Sloane was very self-driven and seemed to have a good moral compass. She was willing to be all in with her niece and fight for herself as she built up her business and went head to toe with Max. The two of them were opposites in a lot of ways, but also so alike in their priorities. And they were great together.

There was plenty going on in this story. I liked getting to see the other characters from the previous books. Ivy also added a level of cute entertainment, and I loved seeing both Sloane and Max interact with her. There were a couple of subplots to keep things interesting and tie up a few things. But I loved Max and Sloane the most, with all the humor, chemistry, and a few introspective moments that inspired.

A note about the audiobook version of this book. The leading man's voice was deep and felt consistent with his character. The leading woman's voice was a medium tone, so not too low or too high and felt consistent with her character as well. The other characters were also well done, except Ivy's voice felt a couple years younger than her character (more like my 13-year-old or younger than a 15-year-old). The inflections were well done, and I could hear the emotions come across. Definitely an enjoyable way to read this story.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a perfect read for sweet contemporary romance fans. I loved the characters, the emotional drive with all the feels, and the romance.

Content: Some references to affairs, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Are you a Becky Wade or sweet contemporary romance fan?

Can't Wait for... Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #romancebooks #cleanreads #somelikeitscot #pepperbasham @TNZFiction

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 loved this author's Skymar series and am definitely ready for another romance from her! It's my pick this week...

Some Like It Scot

By Pepper Basham

Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 384 Pages

April 8, 2025 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together?

Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people's stories. She's built a career as "Miss Adventure," known for saying yes to anything new--country, food, or experience--and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures.

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman.

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn't venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme's comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister's death, he's even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan.

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what's familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life's story when "home" is in two very different places? But maybe home--and the future--isn't quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person.

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Will you be reading this one?

An atypical opposites attract romance... An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon (Review) #newbooks #bookx #anoverduematch #sarahmonson #romancebooks #christianromance

An Overdue Match

(Checking Out Love #1)

By Sarah Monzon

Christian Contemporary Romance, Rom-com

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

February 18, 2025 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

Can a librarian's matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn't convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn't heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what's a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that's what. Armed with library patrons' check-out histories, she's determined to make at least one love connection--even if it's not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn't surprise him when the town's quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can't help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline's secret matchmaking scheme, he's not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can't judge a book--or each other--by the cover.

"With a uniquely heartfelt message, lovable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, Sarah Monzon's novel is a delight!"--MELISSA FERGUSON, bestselling author of How to Plot a Payback

This is a sweet he-falls-first, opposites attract, matchmaker romantic comedy with disability representation. Perfect for fans of books about books and kisses-only romances.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

AN OVERDUE MATCH is about a woman with alopecia (where your body loses all its hair) who thinks her future doesn't include love. It's also about a man who appears rough on the outside but who had his own battle with asthma and an overprotective parent to find himself and God. She wants to match others in love and he wants a chance with her even though on the surface they're opposites and she's opposed. It's classic good girl/bad boy/opposites attract on the surface, but these characters aren't so simple, and neither is the situation the heroine is trying to work through. There's plenty of swoon-worthy moments and humor mixed with moments that will deeply resonate with readers as they cheer on this couple. If you're a sweet contemporary romance or Christian romance fan, then I definitely recommend grabbing this one!

Read this book if you like:
📕Books about librarians and books
📕Opposites attract and bad boy/good girl tropes
📕Themes about being worthy and loved
📕Great main and side characters who are relatable
📕Sweet romance with humor and banter
📕Books that involve atypical characters or situations 
📕Strong female friendships

This was a great read from the start! I loved Evangeline and Tai! Evangeline was fairly prim and proper as a librarian, except for her nerdy book tees. She even owned a cat. Her love of books was easy to relate to, but she also was a very vulnerable character who was doing something she loved and trying to find joy in others' happiness. She would make a fabulous friend. Tai was this fun, tattooed, a bit of an adrenaline junky, super nice guy who loved to tease. The banter between Tai and Evangeline was great and made me smile (and swoon a bit). Evangeline had all these walls and Tai kept getting past them. I also liked all the other side characters who added their own to the story. The romance was sweet and fun with plenty of humor, but it was more so about Evangeline and her struggle with seeing herself and feeling deserving. Tai was perfect in showing her how beautiful she was and that God saw her that way too and loved her.

I did have a few issues with the story. The religious element felt a bit out of left field. I would have liked that worked through a bit better, maybe leading up to it better. I whole heartedly agreed, but it just felt like I got hit with it. The other thing was that Tai was supposedly supposed to help Evangeline with the matchmaking, but that part of the plot never happened even though it was introduced and that's the only reason these two were supposed to be spending time together. The last thing that bothered me a bit was how mean Evangaline was which didn't feel consistent with her character, especially since she wouldn't even tell her grandparents about her ex.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This story had all the feels with a sweet romance, humor, great characters, an inspirational element, and some difficult struggles the heroine had to work through. Definitely a book for Christian romance and contemporary romance readers!

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

Have you read any other books by this author or where a character has alopecia?

A road trip to find family... All Over the Map by Lanie Jacobs (Review) #alloverthemap #laniejacobs #yalit #yabooks #newbooks #bookx #cleanreads

All Over the Map

By Lanie Jacobs

YA Contemporary

Paperback & eBook, 287 Pages

February 5, 2025

Summary

The off-limits best friend’s brother trope gets the road trip treatment in this funny and smart YA novel. In the deft style of Emma Lord and Julie Buxbaum, it’s also a deeper novel about the pieces we’re made from and what family really is.

High school junior Kendall Barrows is insanely together, smart, and laser-focused on attending NYU when she graduates. She's not one for spontaneous jaunts, and she hoards her savings for her future in New York. But when a DNA test reveals a genetic heritage her mother has kept from her, she feels a pull that's bigger than her goals, and quite possibly her budget.

Along with her best friend Mia and a "chaperone", Mia's college freshman brother—Kendall's nemesis—they’re off on an unsanctioned road trip to meet Kendall's newly discovered half-brother. Kendall soon learns that sudden siblinghood is not as easy as she had imagined, but when a clue leads to another half-sibling on Instagram, the bend in the road on Route 66 leads them to Bend, Oregon. Here Kendall finds a sister with whom she shares a smile and a sense of wit. And from her, Kendall learns the identity of her father—but she must drive a thousand miles in two days to confront him or miss her chance completely.

Full of cinematic moments and unexpected detours, fights with her best friend and sparks with her best friend’s brother, each stop brings new possibilities but also new pressures. And when Kendall unearths a family secret she never saw coming, she discovers that while map apps may work on terrain, they are far less reliable for the geography of the heart.

Uplifting and heartfelt, All Over the Map is the first YA novel from USA Today bestseller Melanie Jacobson under her pen name, Lanie Jacobs.

(Affiliate link included.)

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My Review

ALL OVER THE MAP is one of those stories with a motley crew of characters as well as both found and blood family. It's a book that will resonate with readers, especially as most of us are still figuring out who we are and where different traits came from. Great characters, a fun road trip, some drama and a bit of romance make for an enjoyable YA contemporary.

Read this story if you like:
🧭Road trip books
🧭Sweet romance that isn't the focus of the story
🧭Found family
🧭Stories about adoption or children seeking their biological family
🧭Best friends
🧭Plenty of humor
🧭Persian food (yum!)
🧭Romance with a best friend's brother (there's history there)

I have always loved this author's ability to tackle some deep topics in a relatable and humorous way. She does it with this book as she balances the vulnerability, heartache, and frustration the main character feels with some steady friends, romance, connections and laughter. I also felt some admiration for Kendall planning everything out like she did and making happen what was so important to her. She didn't handle everything perfectly, which was realistic, but she did have a pretty good plan, considering. I liked that there was both blood family and found family. Kendall wants what her friend has and has questions about herself that she's hoping to find. She doesn't realize what she has and doesn't see the strong woman she is. Gabe added another complexity to the story along with some pretty bright sparks. I liked that the romance wasn't the center of the story and was a bit messy. Made it feel more authentic. I think my favorite part was some other "family" coming through for Kendall and it totally changed her perspective.

My only complaint is that some of the characters' reactions and drama were over the top and a bit unreasonable. Some of the things said were pretty hurtful and I felt like they were then ignored and avoided before being lightly worked out instead of having the weight they should have. Mia especially felt pretty selfish to me. Also one of my pet peeves is when adults or parents don't tell their kids things that realistically they should which happens a bit in this story.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was such a fun read! Great characters, an entertaining plot with all the feels, found family and a sweet romance made for an enjoyable read!

Content: Some references to premarital affairs, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What appeals to you about this book? Are you adopted or were raised by a single mom or dad? Do you like road trip books?

Can't Wait for... Conrad by Susan May Warren (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #romancebooks #cleanreads #suspense

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.

This author started a new series and I enjoyed reading the first book, Jack, and can't wait for the second one coming out in a few weeks. It's my pick this week...

Conrad

(The Minnesota Kingstons #2)

By Susan May Warren

Christian Romantic Suspense

Paperback & eBook

March 7, 2025 by SDG Publishing

Summary

There's Trouble Up North...

Meet Conrad, a hockey star meets celebrity romance in the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

He’s an unlikely bodyguard, but someone has to keep this woman alive…

Meet Penelope Pepper: billionaire heiress, mystery podcaster, and magnet for trouble. If only she wasn’t so determined to unravel the mystery of “who killed her sister’s fiancé.” Because clearly, given her recent kidnapping, with each episode, she’s closer to the truth.

And someone wants to silence her.

Probably she needs a protector, right?

Enter Conrad Kingston, power Center for the Minnesota Blue Ox hockey team and a Guy with a Secret. Namely, the panic attacks that haunt him every time he steps into the limelight. Hanging out with Celebrity Penny is exactly NOT what he needs…

Except, Blue Ox need ticket sales and when a mix-up ropes him into playing Penelope's fake boyfriend, he’s suddenly the social media darling, driving in fans to the home ice. Only problem…one of them doesn’t know the dating is fake.

As Penelope's stalker draws nearer with every juicy episode, Conrad finds himself sliding from fake kisses to real protective instincts, and on thin ice with his heart. But can he find his footing before the killer catches up to Penelope?

Fake dating meets real danger, in this clean, sweet but suspenseful romance in book 2 of the Minnesota Kingstons series.

The Minnesota Kingstons
Book1: Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck

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Will you be reading this one?

A poignant snapshot of history... The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman (Review) #theradiohour #victoriapurman #historicalfiction #histfic #womensfiction #australianfiction #inspirationalfiction #newbooks #bookx #austenprosepr @VictoriaPurman @harpermusebooks @Austenprose

This is a poignant snapshot of history with delightful characters. Read my review below...

The Radio Hour

By Victoria Purman

Historical Fiction

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

February 4, 2025 by Harper Muse 

Summary

A charming and funny look at the golden years of radio broadcasting in post-war Australia that celebrates the extraordinary but unseen women who captivated a nation with their authentic stories of ordinary lives.

Martha Berry is fifty years old, a spinster, and one of an army of polite and invisible women in 1956 Sydney who go to work each day and get things done without fuss, fanfare, or reward.

Working at the country's national broadcaster, she's seen highly praised talent come and go over the years. But when she is sent to work as the secretary on a brand-new radio serial, created to follow in the footsteps of Australia's longest running show, Blue Hills, she finds herself at the mercy of an egotistical and erratic young producer without a clue, a conservative broadcaster frightened by the word pregnant, and a motley cast of actors with ideas of their own about their roles in the show.

When Martha is forced to step in to rescue the serial from impending cancellation, she ends up secretly ghost-writing scripts for As the Sun Sets, creating mayhem with management, and coming up with storylines that resonate with the serial's growing and loyal audience of women listeners.

But she can't keep her secret forever and when she's threatened with exposure, Martha has to decide if she wants to remain in the shadows or finally step into the spotlight.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

THE RADIO HOUR portrays a point in history where families still gather around the radio each evening prior to televisions becoming a staple in every home. It shows the culture at the time and the discrepancies between women and men in the workforce and at home. It's one of those surprisingly delightful books that will resonate with women's fiction readers, even through the difficult parts. Full of humor, endearing characters and a strong emotional arc.

This is the first book I've read set historically around a radio series and I found it entertaining, endearing with some moments that made me angry. Martha, the main character, is easy to relate to, steady and consistent, and fun to cheer for as an underdog. She's supported by a group of fellow women workers, her mother and neighbors, and the radio actors and actresses she writes for with all their unique personalities and roles. The situation portrays the roles women and men were expected to fill culturally at the time as well as a country recovering after WWII. The humor and rather ironic happenings made me laugh in multiple places and provided a good balance to the frustrations and harassment of working women. I also appreciated the friendships that were formed and the relationship between Martha and her mother. The author did a great job in creating an emotional arc, building both the fight the women will undertake as well as the uncertainty of what will happen with the show, particularly what Martha will do.

There wasn't much that I didn't like about this story. The harassment and assault parts were definitely not enjoyable. It's a bit of a balancing act to present situations like this to prompt some thinking and discussion without it being too descriptive. I would have preferred less specifics. However it's all realistically portrayed. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved Martha and her character development as well as the plot. It was easy to invest in and turn the pages. I've somehow missed reading this author's previous books but am definitely planning on rectifying that. Highly recommended to women fiction readers!

Content: Some suggestive content, sexual harassment/assault, and mild swearing.
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

Victoria Purman is an Australian top ten and USA TODAY bestselling fiction author. Her most recent book, A Woman's Work, was an Australian bestseller, as were her novels The Nurses' War, The Women's Pages, The Land Girls, and The Last of the Bonegilla Girls. Her earlier novel The Three Miss Allens was a USA TODAY bestseller. She is a regular guest at writers festivals, a mentor and workshop presenter, and was a judge in the fiction category for the 2018 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature and the 2022 ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize for an unpublished manuscript. Connect with her online at victoriapurman.com.

Have you read any other stories set in Australia or about radio shows?

A new futuristic YA... Echo Nova by Clint Hall (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #echonova #clinthall #yabooks #yalit #scifi @celebrate_lit

Welcome to my tour stop! Check out this new scifi and enter the giveaway below...

Echo Nova

By Clint Hall

YA Science Fiction, Dystopian

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 345 Pages

January 14, 2024 by Enclave Escape

Summary

Dash Keane is about to become the biggest star in history.

As a poor teenager living in the Dregs, Dash Keane can only escape his dismal reality by competing in illegal rooftop races and staying up late to watch the timenet with his younger brother.

When there is an opportunity to participate in a competition set thousands of years in the past, he uses his rooftop racer skills to catch the eye of Mr. Myrtrym, head of entertainment for the massive Dominus Corporation.

It is the chance of a lifetime when Dominus Corp. hires Dash to be a timestar—the focus of his own series in which he must survive some of the most dangerous periods in history, including the Cretaceous period, feudal Japan, the Wild West, and the Golden Age of Piracy. But when empathy for the people of the past conflicts with the desires of his new employer, he must decide whether the price of fame is worth it, a decision that may cost him everything.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

ECHO NOVA is a story about a futuristic world in which time travel is possible and time stars are broadcast to the world, living by their fame. It's about a boy who becomes a time star thinking he is about to reach all his dreams and finds that things aren't exactly as they appear. Young adult readers will find unique characters, an interesting storybook world, and an engaging plot.

This is the second book that I've read from this author and, as I had enjoyed the first, I was interested in reading this one. As with Hall's previous book, this storybook world is intriguing and he does a decent job in fleshing out the world. I liked the different slang, the social and political structures, the friendships and familial relationships. It was interesting seeing where the main character would travel to and see. There were some additional relationships back in time that were complex and brought additional depth to the story. The main character himself was relatable if not always likable. He's young and his character wasn't always consistent, nor did his logic or choices always work for me. But he's easy enough to cheer on. I would have liked more development in areas and for the story to connect with me more as that affected how much I liked it or cared what happened. The plot does have some interesting and exciting places, but I also wanted it to make better sense and felt there needed to be more development.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a unique story with its futuristic world, time travel and overall plot. I wanted a more consistent main character and better development, but still enjoyed reading this one.

Content: Some violence including murder and war.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Clint Hall is a storyteller, speaker, and podcast host. He has been writing stories since middle school, where he spent most of his time in class creating comic books. (Fortunately, his teacher not only allowed it; she bought every issue.) Known for instilling a sense of hope, wonder, and adventure, Clint is the author of Steal Fire from the Gods (finalist for several awards), and has been published across multiple anthologies and magazines. Find him at ClintHall.com or “The Experience: Conversations with Creatives” podcast, available on all major platforms.

Tour Schedule

The Lofty Pages, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Denise L. Barela, February 3 (Spotlight)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 4

Artistic Nobody, February 5 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

For the Love of Literature, February 7 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, February 7

Guild Master, February 8 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, February 9

Fiction Book Lover, February 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 12 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 13 (Author Interview)

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Clint is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of the book, and a bookmark!!

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

ENTER HERE

If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

A new release from a favorite author... Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin (Review) #midnightonthescottishshore #sarahsundin #historicalromance #historicalfiction #wiifiction #inspirationalfiction #newbooks #bookx #austenprosepr @RevellBooks @austenprose

I've enjoyed this author's books for a long time and am happy to share her newest. Read more below...

Midnight on the Scottish Shore

By Sarah Sundin

Christian Historical Romance, WWII

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 376 Pages

February 4, 2025 by Revell

Summary

The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable--become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Master of World War II fiction Sarah Sundin takes you to the wild Scottish seaside, where danger lurks under the surface of the water--and in the depths of the human heart--for a WWII tale you won't soon forget.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

MIDNIGHT ON THE SCOTTISH SHORE is about a woman who trains as a Nazi spy in order to escape occupied Netherlands to England. When things go wrong, she ends up becoming an agent for England against Germany. It's a story of perseverance, family, war, faith and blooming love. Recommended to fans of the genre who enjoy likable characters, some drama and an engaging plot.

This was a new setting for me, being set in Scotland during WWII. I enjoyed the lilting accents as well as the rolling landscape and small village setting. The different Scottish dances and culture were also enjoyable parts of this story. It was also interesting having the heroine housed in a lighthouse.

I liked the characters who were trying to do their best in the difficult situations they were in. Cilla came across initially as a bit flighty and unsteady, but as the story unfolded, she matured a bit and had some moments of realization where she found she had taken some things for granted. Lachlan was decidedly steady, so a bit the opposite of Cilla. He's kind, loyal, smart and hard working. They are both thrust into working together and as they do, a friendship develops and then the possibility of more. Of course, there was also some danger and opposition to things turning out well. There was a central theme of forgiveness and some other faith elements weaved through the story as well.

I did have some issues with some parts and characters coming off as overly dramatic. A few places felt like the characters acted uncharacteristically or different than you'd think under the situations. These are things that I don't love in books, but other readers won't have these same issues.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable story with a setting not often visited in books. The characters were lovely, with a faith element, and a slowly developing sweet romance.

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

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, The Sound of Light, Embers in the London Sky, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information

Have you read any other books set in Scotland during WWII? What appeals to you about this one?

A new Christian western romance... Whispers of Fortune by Mary Connealy (Spotlight) #newbooks #bookx #whispersoffortune #goldenstatetreasureseries #maryconnealy #historicalfiction #westernromance #inspirationalfiction #austenprosepr #bhpfiction @Bethany_House @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop! Read more about this new release below...

Whispers of Fortune

(Golden State Treasure #1)

By Mary Connealy

Christian Historical Romance, Western

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages

February 4, 2025 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

In a land of gold and grit, can two hearts uncover the true treasure?

In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at the Two Harts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he discovers them thriving at the ranch's school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. His options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of ranch doctor, and he forms an unexpected bond with Ellie, who's kept a steady eye on Brody's two rapscallion brothers. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure.

With winter approaching and his brothers threatening to bolt again, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. But along the way, old adversaries resurface, threatening their newfound affection and the safety of those at the ranch.

(Affiliate links included.)

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About the Author

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series A Western Light, Wyoming Sunrise, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at MaryConnealy.com.

Are you a fan of western romances or this author? What appeals to you about this story?

Can't Wait for... Falling Overboard by Sariah Wilson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #fallingoverboard #sariahwilson #romancebooks #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.

I've been a fan of Sariah Wilson for a long time and always look forward to her next release. It's my pick this week...

Falling Overboard

By Sariah Wilson

Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 377 Pages

March 18, 2025 by Montlake

Summary

Forbidden love on the sun-kissed Mediterranean. Regardless of the risks, it’s easy to get swept away in a breathtaking romance by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of Hypnotized by Love.

Lucky Salerno’s dream is to own a bakery. To earn enough money to achieve it, she has secured a lucrative job as chief stewardess on a superyacht cruising the Mediterranean. Aboard the ship, there’s one unbreakable rule: no hookups among the crew. No problem. The last thing Lucky has time for is a man. Then she meets Hunter Smith, the gorgeous new deckhand sharing her cabin. Is the universe trying to test her willpower?

Who needs the drama that comes with a relationship? Not Hunter. Who can ignore a witty, beautiful bunkmate like Lucky? Also not Hunter. There’s something just as enticing for Lucky: a tantalizing mystery behind Hunter’s piercing blue eyes she can’t wait to solve. But at what risk?

As they get to know each other, a secret romance buds at sea, and Lucky has to choose. Abide by the rules to make her career dreams come true, or pursue her love for Hunter—another dream that’s just as near to her heart.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

A lass finds her way in a small Irish town... Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel (Review) @ThisGalsJourney @RevellBooks @Austenprose #heartoftheglen #jenniferdeibel #historicalromance #historicalfiction #inspirationalfiction #newbooks #austenprosepr

Welcome! I enjoyed visiting historical Ireland in this story. Read my review below...

Heart of the Glen

By Jennifer Deibel

Christian Historical Romance

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

January 21, 2025 by Revell 

Summary

Can the lonely thread of her life be woven into a new and finer pattern?

When Saoirse Fagan arrives to start her new job as housemaid at Drumboe Castle, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running away from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and possibly a place to stay for the night.

Sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he's injured in an attack by bandits, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new—and distracting—mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. It may take extra effort on her part, but she's determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her--perhaps as much as she needs them.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

HEART OF THE GLEN is about a woman who feels she carries bad luck with her and is a danger to others as she finds her way amongst a brother and sister and a small Irish town. The story has spots of danger and hardship as well as moments of faith, friendship, family and romance. The small-town setting and a small farm nestled in the hills of Ireland adds a warmth and quaintness to the story. Definitely recommended to Christian historical romance readers!

This was such a lovely story. I immediately felt immersed in the Irish countryside and getting to know Aileen and Owen as Saoirse gets to know them. These were great characters! They had such big hearts, worked hard, and made a life for themselves as best they could. Saoirse and Owen both had some things to work through, especially Saoirse. I loved how their friendship developed and then how it slowly turned into something more if they could just work things out. I found it interesting learning about weaving as well. The faith element is pretty strong in a few places and over a couple of chapters. The romance was sweet and I liked that it took time to develop.

My only complaint was the extreme reaction Saoirse has and how radical her thinking about her bad luck. There's some drama about this towards the end that was too much for me, but then the author let things calm down and her characters figure things out.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a delightful story of resilience, friendship, faith and love set in Ireland with likable characters. Definitely one to grab for fans of the genre!

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

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance), The Lady of Galway Manor, The Maid of Ballymacool, and The Irish Matchmaker. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at JenniferDeibel.com.

Have you read any other books by this author or set in historical Ireland? Have you every been to Ireland?