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

(Affiliate links included.)


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.)


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.)

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)


Artistic Nobody, February 5 (Author Interview)


For the Love of Literature, February 7 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, February 7

Guild Master, February 8 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9 (Spotlight)


Fiction Book Lover, February 10 (Author Interview)


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.


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.)


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.)


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.)


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.)


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?