Can't Wait for... How to Fake a Meet-Cute by Rachel Magee (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #HowtoFakeaMeetCute #RachelMagee #cleanreads @TNFiction

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.

My life is crazy so I'm always looking for delightful romances that I can relax to. This one sounds like so much fun! Plus I like how there is a sister relationship since I have two amazing sisters I'm close with. It's my pick this week...

How to Fake a Meet-Cute

By Rachel Magee

Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Sports Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

January 12, 2027 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

She (literally) fell for a hockey player. The world fell for the story.

Actress Chloe George has spent her career making audiences fall in love with her. Falling on the Met Gala steps, straight into the arms of hockey's broodiest bad boy, Axel Poteet, was admittedly off script. But when the photo goes viral and the internet declares them soulmates by sunrise, they spot an opportunity neither can afford to pass up. Her star has dimmed since a very public breakup, and she could use a boost to her image. He has reasons of his own for keeping the cameras pointed anywhere but at his game. A few staged dates and one flawless public romance could be exactly what they need to fix everything. What could go wrong? After all, faking love is literally Chloe's job.

Meanwhile, Chloe's sister and manager, Leah, is stuck running damage control alongside Axel's infuriatingly fit trainer, Owen--a man whose favorite food is broccoli, who has never sipped a Diet Coke, and who goes on five-mile runs for "fun." Who can trust someone like that? Leah has spent years protecting her sister's image and guarding a few secrets of her own, and she's not about to stop now. If tolerating the most aggravating man alive is what it takes to sell this fairy tale and save Chloe's career, so be it. All she has to do is trust her head and ignore whatever her heart keeps doing every time Owen walks into the room.

How to Fake a Meet-Cute serves up fake dating, a rogue kiss cam, sister banter, and two swoon-worthy romances--proof that the best love stories sometimes begin with a stumble.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

A cozy mystery set in a lavish historical San Francisco hotel... Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink (Review & #Giveaway) #MurderMostFowlMysteries #MurdersintheMarquee #DanaMentink #newbooks #bookx #cozymystery

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

Murders in the Marquee

(Murder Most Fowl Mysteries #1)

By Dana Mentink

Historical Cozy Mystery

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

September 1, 2026 by Love Inspired Trade

Summary

“Mentink is at her peak.” –Korina Moss, Agatha Award-winning author of the Cheese Shop Mysteries series

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good. This first book in the Murder Most Fowl Mysteries is perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

For fans of:

- Amateur Sleuths
- Historical Cozy Mystery
- Twisty-Turny Whodunits
- Turn-of-the-Century Settings

Don't miss Book 2 in the Murder Most Fowl Mysteries series, Missing from Suite Five, coming Fall 2027!

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

MURDERS IN THE MARQUEE is set during a lavish historical period in San Francisco where a hotel's image is set above all else, even if that includes hiding some dead bodies. The author forms a motley group of characters who make a trio of sleuths which include two of the hotel workers led by one of the upper crust. What ensues is a somewhat dramatic, but sweet and cozy mystery.

I liked the characters from the start of the story. They're an interesting group. Saul is the mature member who recently was released from prison and is trying to restart his life. He's married but hasn't seen his wife in some time and doesn't know if she'll keep him. There's young Henry who runs the elevator, has dreams of being a showman, and has a crush on the Kitty. And Kitty, who is an 18-year-old affluent woman staying at the hotel with her parents who wants to be like the detectives she's so fond of in her books. The characters work well together even though they're all a bit bumbling about trying to solve the disappearance of the former “Duck Commandant.” 

The plot itself meanders along. Sometimes it feels like there isn't actually a mystery to solve, but then there are some red flags that pop up and some other characters acting strangely. There definitely is a feeling that something, if not several, is off, but it's hard to know exactly what. It starts to come together towards the end, and what an end it is!

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is one of those books you can read or listen to while you relax. It is definitely a cozy mystery with emphasis on the cozy, and has some delightful characters, including some adorable ducks. Recommended if you're a fan of the genre and the historical period.

Content: Some references to murder, but not overly detailed. Clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Coming in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over sixty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Revell.

You can find the author HERE.

Tour Schedule

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29

Books Less Travelled , September 30

She Lives To Read, September 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Wishful Endings, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 3

Lily’s Corner, October 4

Blogging With Carol, October 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 6

Life of Literature , October 6

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Blossoms and Blessings, October 8

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a signed 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 cozy mysteries? Do you have a favorite series?

Can't Wait for... The View from Here by Kasie West (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheViewfromHere #KasieWest #yalit #yabooks #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 Kasie West for a long time and am definitely ready for a fun and sweet YA romance from her! It's my pick this week...

The View from Here

By Kasie West

Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages

January 5, 2027 by Delacorte Romance

Summary

Two teenagers—an ex-social media star and girl who feels totally adrift—find an unexpected connection on a eleven-day, senior citizens cruise. But will rough waters sink their temporary love story?

Tate Hall needs a sign. At least, according to the fortune she finds in a trinket shop. Which makes sense, because lately she’s felt totally adrift. So when her grandma offers her a spot on a Mediterranean cruise during spring break, she jumps at the chance—even if the cruise is for senior citizens, not seniors in high school.

Running headfirst into Luca Park, ex–social media star and one of the only other teenagers on board? Definitely not a sign. Nor is the fact that Luca needs someone to help him film videos for his secret new channel, or that everything Tate shoots for him goes viral.

As they travel from port to stunning port, something between them starts to grow—just as the views on Luca’s videos skyrocket. Can their electric connection last beyond their eleven-day journey? Or do all signs point to the end of their love story before it can really set sail?v

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... Potions & Prejudice by Tee Harlowe (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #Potions&Prejudice #TeeHarlowe #fantasy #romancebooks

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 supposedly is a re-release, but it's the first time I've seen it. I love the updated cover! I love books that are a twist on Austen's classic and this one has an extra magic twist that should be very fun! It's my book this week...

Potions & Prejudice

(The Moonflower Witches #1)

By Tee Harlowe

Cozy Romantic Fantasy

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 254 Pages

January 26, 2027 by Ace

Summary

A cursed witch finds herself stranded in a small town with a sentient cottage, pocket-size dragons, and a glowering, handsome tavern owner in this spellbinding and cozy reimagining of Pride and Prejudice.

Elspeth Moonflower just wants to use a spell. Unfortunately, that’s impossible since every witch in her family has been cursed to marry before gaining their magic. As a result, Elspeth and her three sisters are outcasts, always on the move, running their traveling apothecary shop, while their mother complains that her daughters are all magicless spinsters.

When they find themselves stranded in the charming village of Thistlegrove, Elspeth’s older sister meets a handsome suitor who becomes smitten with her. If only his best friend weren’t completely insufferable. Draven Darkstone is broody, arrogant, and wealthy—the exact kind of man Elspeth would never marry. But for the sake of her sister's happiness, she’ll be nice.

Which is hard when all Draven does is glare at her. It’s even harder when the glowering turns to searing glances. It’s downright impossible when he kisses her.

Little does Elspeth know, the line between love and hate just got thinner.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... Shadow Witness by Janice Cantore (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #ShadowWitness #JaniceCantore #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.

I've been a fan of Janice Cantore for years and always enjoy her suspense police procedurals mixed with romance. Here upcoming January release is my pick this week...

Shadow Witness

By Janice Cantore

Romantic Suspense, Christian

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

January 12, 2026 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

In this high-stakes romantic suspense, a Long Beach police officer and a man from her past team up to search for a missing Hollywood star, only to discover a web of deception and lies far more dangerous than they ever could have imagined.

Long Beach police sergeant Kaycee Carlyle is grieving the death of her husband in the line of duty when news comes that sends her world spinning out of control once again: her childhood best friend Jessie Jewel, now a famous Hollywood actress, has vanished without a trace. Making the missing persons case even more troubling is that Jessie’s famous boyfriend, Wes Becket, has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and blackmail. Convinced Jessie is innocent, Kaycee must face the disturbing reality that her friend has either been taken or has fled, for reasons Kaycee is desperately trying to sort out.

Pastor Daniel Nelson has just returned from a rescue mission overseas when he learns Jessie Jewel, the daughter of one of his elderly parishioners, Martha Gordon, has disappeared. Martha herself was left battered and injured in her apartment by unknown attackers. While visiting Martha in the hospital, Daniel crosses paths with Kaycee, and it quickly becomes clear the two share the same concern: Jessie is in grave danger.

Kaycee’s unsure what to make of the dramatic changes in Daniel after all these years―especially given his bad-boy reputation in high school―nor of his unexpected link to the Gordon family. But when she learns they both have been in touch with Jessie, and that Daniel was attacked by armed assailants on the same day as Martha Gordon’s assault, coincidence begins to look a lot like connection, and Kaycee agrees to team up with him to track down Jessie. But they’re not alone in their hunt. Someone believes Jessie Jewel holds incriminating evidence they’ll stop at nothing to protect . . . which means Jessie is not the only one whose life is on the line.

- A high-stakes clean romantic suspense novel about a missing Hollywood star, white collar corruption, and two friends desperately trying to protect the vulnerable and uncover the truth
- A standalone thriller perfect for fans of Christian fiction by Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Elizabeth Goddard

- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Check out an exclusive author interview... The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal (Interview & #Giveaway) #TheGentlewomanApprentice #EmilyOpal #newbooks #bookx #historicalfic #romancebooks #historicalromance #cleanreads @justreadtours

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Check out an exclusive author interview and enter the giveaway below...

The Gentlewoman Apprentice

(The Gentlewoman Series #5)

By Emily Opal

Historical Romance

Paperback & eBook, 380 Pages

September 3, 2026

Summary

Every seam hides a secret. Every valentine reveals the truth.  

When Margaret Cooper departs the slums of East London for an apprenticeship in a quiet market town, she topples the established order—and no one feels it more than Peter Sloan, the handsome tailor forced to teach her his trade. 

Margaret is steeled to prove her worth in a man’s world and has no leisure for courtship. But when anonymous Valentines begin to arrive, each with gifts and words that pierce her heart, she feels truly known for the first time. If only she could unmask the hand that distracts her from her aspirations. 

Burdened by a failing business and an ill father, Peter has no patience for a female apprentice who upends his orderly life. Yet through a reckless wager, he finds himself sending Valentines to none other than Miss Cooper. What begins as halfhearted duty blossoms into admiration—and dangerous longing.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also available in KU.

Author Interview

What inspired you to write a story where a woman apprenticed to a tailor?

In 1675, Louis XIV formed a dressmaking guild for women. This small fact drew me in and triggered my imagination. Imagine a world where men made all of women’s clothing. Imagine the design of women’s clothing left solely to men. Imagine the women who orchestrated the formation of the female-controlled guild. Imagine the women who forayed into this previously male profession. Meg, the main character of this novel, is one such woman. I also really love the movie You’ve Got Mail, so when I discovered that people used to exchange anonymous valentines, I had my story.

Would you tell us more about the main characters?

Meg’s difficult past has taught her not to rely on others. Her determination and ambition do not always serve her well. Her single-mindedness makes her blind to certain truths, and she almost misses out on love. On the other hand, she is one of the most giving and tender people I’ve written, hugely generous and empathetic.

Peter is more of a peacemaker. It takes a lot of pressure before he is moved to take action and explore things that might disrupt family and community expectations. Forced to train a female apprentice, he is already under more scrutiny than makes him comfortable.

At its core, The Gentlewoman Apprentice is story of two people discovering that they are brave enough to learn, to attempt what is difficult, and courageous enough to love.

What did you find the most entertaining about these characters or the story?

It was fun (and hard) to write the relationship between Meg and Peter, two people who knew one another both professionally and through the exchange of letters. Meg seems difficult to crack, but because of the valentine exchange, Peter comes to understand her heart. It was a difficult dynamic to balance since Meg doesn’t know she is receiving valentines from her master apprentice, nor that she is writing to him in return.

What did you find you learned as you wrote The Gentlewoman Apprentice?

The most surprising bit of research is that demand for chintz or printed cotton was instrumental in prompting the industrial revolution. Colorful stamped and painted cotton came in from India and was so popular, it threatened British wool and silk industries. Calico Acts outlawed its purchase to the point that women risked having their chintz gowns torn off them by angry wool workers. But women wanted cool, easy-care cotton, so industrialists figured out how to make it quickly and cheaply.

On a personal note, writing is therapeutic for me, and I often find my own concerns falling onto the page. This time, it was Meg’s relationship with her younger sibling, Samuel. She feels responsible for him in a way that is impossible for her fulfill. As my own children are striking out on their own, Meg’s sentiment is mine. Ultimately, I trust God to find them, hold them, and bring them home.

What was a book that made you cry, a book that made you laugh, and a book that made you swoon?

Cry: I don’t know why but just about every book I read has me crying at some point these days. I’ll go with James by Percival Everett, a poignant take on Huckleberry Finn.

Laugh: Beth Brower’s The Emma M. Lion series is so funny.

Swoon: The Other Bennett Sister by Janice Hadlow. I don’t usually like Pride and Prejudice spin offs, but I really loved this slow burn.

What are you working on next?

I am working on The Gentlewoman Scoundrel, a book of revenge and redemption that follows Meg’s housekeeper. Grace leaves Meg’s employ to become a highway robber in an attempt to even the score between herself and the nobleman whom she blames for destroying her family. She is a delightful character, full of fun and bluster. Distracted by a bee inside her veil, she accidently shoots and injures the love interest. It’s playful and great fun to write.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Emily Opal spent her childhood reading, having tea parties, and imagining she existed in another century. While pleased to live in a time when chamber pots are obsolete, she loves researching a bygone world full of hardships both foreign and relatable. Fortunate to find a spouse equally afflicted with wanderlust, Emily and her husband travel whenever and wherever they can. They live with their children and Labradoodle in Utah, where she enjoys mountain views and hiking but pretends to love skiing.

Connect with Emily by visiting emilyopal.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates. 

Tour Schedule

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

Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a book box with 18th century bits and bobs and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026. 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 for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Have you read any of the books in this series or other books with women apprentices? Which question and answer in the interview did you like the most and why?

Can't Wait for... Murder at Enscombe Park by Vanessa Kelly (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #MurderatEnscombePark #VanessaKelly #EmmaKnightleyMysteries #historical #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.

I love this series so much! You can read my reviews of the first two books: Murder in Highbury and Murder at Donwell Abbey. It's perfect for Austen fans, especially if you adore Emma, and for those who also enjoy cozy mysteries. The third book that releases in two months is my pick this week...

Murder at Enscombe Park

(Emma Knightley Mystery #3)

By Vanessa Kelly

Historical Cozy Mystery, Austenesque

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 432 Pages

November 24, 2026 by Kensington

Summary

When Jane Austen’s Regency-era heroine Emma Knightley visits her pregnant friend Jane and her husband Frank Churchill at their Yorkshire estate, a proper country house party soon becomes the site of a ghastly murder . . .

Emma, her husband George, and her father and his new wife have journeyed to Enscombe Park, the grand estate where Jane and Frank live with his uncle, who adopted Frank as a boy. Upon their arrival, they are concerned to find Jane wan from her condition, Frank bruised from a mysterious accident, and Mr. Churchill in an ill temper, as well as surprised by additional houseguests including Miss Caroline Bingley and a distant cousin from the West Indies.

Emma worries this might all be too much for Jane, but it is Mr. Churchill who is decidedly out-of-sorts, possibly due to his heart medication. When Frank’s uncle is found dead in the library, it appears he’s fallen victim to heart seizure. But Emma—despite George’s admonitions to stay out of it—begins to wonder if he may have been poisoned.

Experience has taught Emma that her matchmaking instincts may not always be spot-on, but her sleuthing skills are as sharp as ever. As a recently altered will and secret debts come to light, suspicion falls on Frank Churchill of all people. Now it’s up to Emma to save her friend’s husband from the gallows . . .

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

The conclusion to this Norse fantasy... Winter's Dawn by Morgan L. Busse (Review & #Giveaway) #WintersDawn #TheNordicWars #MorganLBusse #newbooks #bookx #fantasy #christianfantasy @celebrate_lit

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

Winter's Dawn

(The Nordic Wars #3)

By Morgan L. Busse

Christian Fantasy, Norse & Viking Mythology

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 320 Pages

August 11, 2024 by Enclave Publishing

Summary

Fearless. Defender. Shield Maiden.

Brighid returns to the Nordic forces. But she is not alone. Her newfound companion accompanies her, along with Kaeden, the Eldaran Truthsayer. Together, they approach the battlefield, powered by a unique bond forged since their first encounter.

Yet a dark and menacing presence grows within Brighid’s mind. Her connection to death has returned, and this time, there is no oath to numb the terror. Will she be able to fight and protect her people while sensing the reaper of life?

Kaeden’s recent conflict with one of the Shadonae has left scars across both his body and soul. Still, he is determined to finish what he has started and free both the Nordic people and the world of this great evil. To do so, he may have to sacrifice everything to reach the one who has bound the Nordic people to this deadly war.

Kaeden will need Brighid’s help. But when he reveals the truth behind the dreams they have shared, Brighid must make a choice that could change not only her future but the fate of her people: accept the bond between them or let it fade―and lose him along with it.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

WINTER'S DAWN picks right up from where the second book left off with a bit of a recap woven through the first few chapters. Here readers will see the characters come into their own even more than at the end of book two as they face the enemy and sue for peace. There is a consistent feel of the climax building in this story so that readers are completely engrossed by the time we see how everything plays out. It's an exciting read and finishes off this series well!

From reading the previous two books, I already loved both of the main characters and was excited to dive into book three. I was curious to see how they would deal with their enemies and possibly find something sweet between themselves. Brighid is still fierce and independent, while equally warm towards family and Kaeden. Kaeden is steady and becomes the foundation of this group. I liked how they both have their own strengths, fears and weaknesses, and how they compliment each other. There are some other side characters, including Brighid's bear, and then the villains who all play their roles well.

The plot itself was steady, with some slower sections and then some climatic ones. There is some romance that slowly builds and never takes the central focus of the story. The religious aspect is another aspect of this story that is woven throughout. It does get fairly strong towards the end. I probably would have liked it to feel more organic and some of the dialogue towards the end to feel more realistic. Some of it was a bit overly cute instead of feeling more like what the characters would say. And there were some things that weren't realistic at all with some opportunities for more depth that were skipped. What I enjoyed most was the kindship, the action, and not knowing at all how everything would come about in the end. I got to enjoy the ride and living with these characters as they figure it all out.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable story with great characters and an intriguing plot. I'm looking forward to seeing what Busse writes next!

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

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my reviews.)

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the FOLLOWER OF THE WORD series, THE SOUL CHRONICLES, and THE RAVENWOOD SAGA. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and winner of both the INSPY and the Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

Find the author here.

Tour Schedule

The Lofty Pages, August 27

To Everything There Is A Season, August 28

Artistic Nobody, August 29 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, August 30 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, August 31

Texas Book-aholic, September 1

Fiction Book Lover, September 2 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, September 3 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 4

Wishful Endings, September 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

For the Love of Literature, September 6 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, September 7

Labor Not in Vain, September 8

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Morgan 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

Have you read any other Norse or Viking books that you enjoyed? What interests you about this series?

Can't Wait for... Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #PrideandPracticality #PepperBasham #romancebooks #austentwist #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.

Pepper Basham is such a fun author! I've really loved her romcoms and historical romances. Her upcoming release, an Austen twist, is my pick this week...

Pride and Practicality

By Pepper Basham

Historical Romantic Comedy, Christian

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 400 Pages

November 3, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

In a world ruled by reputation, compassion may be the most scandalous act of all. Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of a good humor, must be in want of a Pepper Basham book--and Pride and Practicality is one of her best." --Karen Witemeyer

Arianna Reeves knows how quickly admiration can turn into exile. One poorly placed trust, one disastrously charming rake, and she is no longer society's darling--but its favorite cautionary tale.

Now returned home--uninvited and unmistakably whispered about--Arianna is determined to make amends with her estranged family and do something useful with her thoroughly ruined life. Even if polite society would prefer she did it at a very great distance from anyone respectable.

Thomas Bridges, a principled clergyman with an inconvenient habit of thinking for himself, is already walking a narrow line. His congregation expects propriety, his mother expects matrimony, and both have very firm opinions about his future. Thomas, however, would prefer a life guided by conviction . . . even when it proves impractical.

When Arianna repeatedly--and quite disruptively--crosses his path, Thomas faces a dilemma no sermon prepared him for. She is not at all what she ought to be: not dull, not foolish, and--most dangerously--not someone he can overlook, but a kindred spirit who shares his passion for service and his troubling habit of defying society's expectations . . . all with good intentions, of course.

As their forbidden acquaintance deepens into something far more perilous than friendship, Arianna and Thomas must decide: preserve their reputations, or risk them entirely for the good of others—--and their own hearts.

Because in a society that measures worth by perfection, choosing grace, mercy, and love may cost them everything--and give them more than they ever hoped to find.

In Pride and Practicality, Pepper Basham delivers a Regency rom-com brimming with lively banter, heartfelt charm, and just enough mischief to keep propriety on its toes. With a kisses-only romance that sparkles with chemistry and a story rich in faith, humor, and second chances, this delightful tale invites readers to laugh, sigh, and fall in love with a romance that is as meaningful as it is joyful.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... Falling Into Us by Denise Hunter (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #FallingIntoUs #DeniseHunter

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 love this author's books. They're such a good mix of hard and good with some sweet romance and great characters. I always come away feeling uplifted and happy. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...

Falling Into Us

By Denise Hunter

Christian Contemporary Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

October 13, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

She only meant to drop off a letter. She found a family instead.

Gabby Donaldson's late mother left her with one final task: deliver a letter to her estranged mother. Once Gabby fulfills her mom's deathbed promise, she'll leave behind the grandmother she never knew and return to her carefully constructed life in the city. With a fulfilling career as a jewelry designer, she's convinced she doesn't need roots to feel whole.

But locating Rosemary proves more complicated than expected. And when journalist--and single dad--Mason Morrison offers help in exchange for telling her story, Gabby agrees. The arrangement seems simple enough: he gets the human-interest piece that could be his big break, and she gets to fulfill her mother's final wish.

What neither anticipates is how quickly professional boundaries blur. As Gabby is drawn into Mason's world--and the life he's built with his precocious twelve-year-old daughter--Gibson begins to feel less like a stopover and more like home.

Yet the past has a way of complicating the present. If Gabby uncovers the truth about her family, will it free her to move forward--or make leaving impossible? And when the story is finally written, will she return to the life she planned . . . or risk falling into one she never saw coming?

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheChristmasYesList #MelissaFerguson #romancebooks #cleanreads #holidaybooks

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 basically love holiday romances, especially since I usually need some good relaxation at that time of the year. This one is also by a great author and will be soon be a streaming movie. It's my pick this week...

The Christmas Yes List

By Melissa Ferguson

Contemporary Holiday Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

October 6, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

SOON TO BE A STREAMING ORIGINAL MOVIE!

All she wants for Christmas is a rejection.

Chloe Hollis is done being a people-pleaser. After one too many bad decisions--including a job that asked her to cross a line she couldn't--she's determined to change. Her plan? Collect ten nos before Christmas by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can think of.

It should be easy.

But then? Then she meets James.

Instead of shutting her down, the charming out-of-towner keeps saying yes--to Christmas karaoke, to small-town holiday traditions, to every spontaneous, hilarious, totally chaotic idea she throws his way. And the more he says yes, the harder it becomes for Chloe to stick to her plan . . . or protect her heart.

Because James has a reason for saying yes to everything, too--and it might cost them both more than they bargained for.

As their opposite missions collide in a swirl of festive mishaps, unexpected courage, and undeniable chemistry, Chloe starts to wonder if the biggest risk isn't rejection after all . . . but saying yes to something real.

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Will you be reading this one?

A childhood crush grown up and a librarian... Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon (Review) #newbooks #bookx #BookmarkedforLove #SarahMonzon #romancebooks

Bookmarked for Love

(Checking Out Love #3)

By Sarah Monzon

Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

July 21, 2026 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

Can a jeopardized children's library program spark a partnership that saves their careers but costs them their hearts?

When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again.

Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. So when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a bestselling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.

"With a uniquely heartfelt message, lovable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, Sarah Monzon's novel is a delight!"--MELISSA FERGUSON, bestselling author on An Overdue Match

"This charming rom-com won me over from page one."--BECCA KINZER, award-winning author on Hearts in Circulation

In her charming rom-com style, Sarah Monzon delivers a bookish novel brimming with forced proximity, workplace romance, a curvy and plus-size heroine, the silver fox trope, and middle-age romance. For fans of Pepper Basham, Courtney Walsh, and Becky Wade.

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My Review

BOOKMARKED FOR LOVE is a sweet romance with characters who are not the usual generic mold. There are also a lot of book involvement. The heroine is a librarian and a complete book nerd and the hero is the almost-eventually CEO of a publishing house. There's also a author conference. So plenty here for book lovers to geek out over. It helps that the characters are also likable, for the most part, and that this is a delightful story of a woman possibly getting the man she's crushed on for a long time who finally sees her.

I enjoyed the previous books in this series as well as other books by this author. I loved the premise, (who doesn't love books and enjoy having a librarian for the heroine and a dashing publishing house executive who can make all her dreams come true in getting her books published. I also liked that the characters were flawed and that the author didn't tie up everything overly perfectly, making it feel more authentic. The romance was sweet with a bit of chemistry and a fun family upstairs downstairs dynamic.

I did have some issues here and there. Like the plausibility of some of the things that happened and the drastic behavior shift in Julien at some points. Felt a bit juvenile and not consistent with the characters.

In the end, was it what I wished for? this was an overall fun read with a sweet romance and lots of nods to books.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Do you enjoy books where one or both of the characters works with books in some way? Do you have a favorite?

A dangerous mystery... When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard (Review) #bookx #newbooks #suspense #mystery #christfic

When the Silence Breaks

(Mercy Ridge #1)

By Elizabeth Goddard

Christian Romantic Suspense, Thriller

Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

August 4, 2026 by Revell

Summary

A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers--and danger closing in.

When intelligence analyst Sarah Ellison learns of her grandfather's deathbed confession connected to her brother's murder, she's determined to protect her remaining family. After further investigation, she discovers the disclosed information points to a decades-old government secret buried deep in the Cascade Mountains. With this knowledge, she looks for a guide who knows the terrain like the back of their hand.

After his father's death in a tragic mountain accident, former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin no longer guides for the family business. At first, Ryder refuses to help Sarah, but he sees the trouble chasing her and can't stand by while someone brings danger to his small-town mountain community.

Ryder and Sarah gear up to climb the mountain in a race against time and a looming storm. When the danger escalates, their search for answers shifts to a survival mission. Their only chance to make it through involves trusting each other and confronting the truth no one wants them to find.

This gripping romantic-suspense thriller set in the Pacific Northwest from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard is a series opener that will sweep you away in a rush of adrenaline.

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My Review

WHEN THE SILENCE BREAKS was a mix of danger, military suspense, wilderness adventure, inspirational story, and romance. The characters were complex and likable with a slight small-town feel and family. The mystery will pull readers along as well as the danger that hunts this pair from beginning to end. Readers of the Christian romantic suspense may enjoy this one.

I liked the overall premise of this story. There's a long-buried secret or treasure, depending on how you look at it, that some don't want found while other want to find to divulge the truth and other want for their own gains. There are two main characters who are keeping things from each other (one more so than the other) but who are on the same side, and then there are others who are tracking them as they travel through a frozen wilderness terrain. There was a constant underlying sense of danger and suspense that kept the story going. There were also some moments of faith reflection mixed throughout. And then there's the romance that slowly develops from attraction and admiration to something stronger as they face danger together.

I did have a really hard time with a lot of the plot points, choices and reactions of the characters and just how several parts played out. It seemed like the good guys weren't really good or had professional skills for being a Navy SEAL and a CIA operative. I felt like the villains had it much too easy and I would have liked that all more developed to play out on a higher level of skill between the two parties. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall entertaining story and likable characters. I'm curious what the author has in store for the next book in this series.

Content: Some violence (military and natural disaster) but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Have you read other books by this author or stories that mostly take place in snowy mountains?