Read an excerpt from this new romance... His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanreads #harlequin #HisRanchRedemption #LaurieWinter @justreadtours

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Check out this new release with an excerpt and giveaway below...

His Ranch Redemption

(Fern Hollow #1)

By Laurie Winter

Sweet Contemporary Romance

Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

April 28, 2026 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Summary

He was her first love… 
Can he be her forever? 

Widowed Sarah Carmella has a wonderful daughter and fulfilling work running her grandparents’ horse rescue. So there’s absolutely no reason for regrets and what-ifs when her ex-husband, Pete O’Keefe, arrives in town for a mutual friend’s wedding. She and Pete eloped young, then went their separate ways when tragedy struck. But memories of their whirlwind romance and Pete’s charm have Sarah fearing for her heart. Because Pete would never settle down in tiny Fern Hollow. Fresh out of the army, he already has another job chasing danger lined up. Yet, could falling for each other all over again become the adventure they both need?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt

He cupped his right hand behind her head and pressed his lips to hers in the sweetest kiss. For a second, she flashed back to the teenager she’d been who’d fallen in love with Pete the first time they’d kissed. They’d snuck away on horseback into the orchards for a picnic lunch. Their first kiss had been awkward and shy but Sarah had felt certain her future would be filled with Pete.

As she leaned in closer to him now, her mind moved to the present. Her feet stayed firmly planted in reality. She was with a man changed from the boy she’d known. He was different and yet still the same. His whiskers did prickle her upper lip like she’d expected. If she wasn’t careful, the moment would sweep her away. She pulled back and stared into his eyes. Their kiss didn’t change anything, yet she struggled not to question what came next.

Other Books by the Author

 

About the Author

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter creates authentic characters who overcome the odds to find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. Laurie enjoys time with her family and two dogs, all of who inspire her every day.

Connect with Laurie at lauriewinter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Schedule

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

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $20 Amazon gift card and a His Ranch Redemption custom premium candle!

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight April 29, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 6, 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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Have you read any other Harlequin Heartwarming books this year? What did you like about the excerpt?

Can't Wait for... Two Perfect Lies by Natalie D. Richards (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TwoPerfectLies #NatalieDRichards #yabooks #yalit #suspense #thriller

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 week I'm sharing a release that actually came out back in March (I thought it was going to be released next month). However, I've been a fan of this author's suspense/thrillers since her debut, Six Months Later, so I still wanted to share it for CWW. It's my pick this week...

Two Perfect Lies

By Natalie D. Richards

Young Adult Suspense, Psychological Thriller

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

March 17, 2026 by Sourcebooks Fire

Summary

In this taut new young adult thriller by Edgar Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Natalie D. Richards, high school junior Clara discovers a shocking truth about her best friend.

Lily has a dark side and deadly plan. And she's orchestrated every last detail to make Clara look guilty.

The first lie made Lily a savior. The second framed Clara for murder. If it weren't for Lily, Clara would still be a total outcast, shunned for her role in an incident that gave her a criminal record and ruined another girl's life. She's spent the past two years trying to escape that night, and ever since Lily Dalton befriended her, she's almost succeeded. After all, Lily's the golden girl of the high school―smart, popular, beloved by all―and as her best friend, Clara's now the bright, hard-working chemistry whiz.

But is Lily really just the good-hearted friend who saved Clara from the past? Because lately Lily has been talking about certain classmates and teachers―about wanting revenge. Do you ever think about making them pay? she asks. How would you do it? Lily has to be joking. At least that's what Clara thinks, until she finds a folder that outlines a deadly plan, including detailed steps and a list of targets in their school.

Shockingly, there's even more to Lily's plan, and it has everything to do with Clara. After all, everyone already knows what she did two years ago. Suddenly all the evidence has been turned against her, and there's no way she can prove her innocence. And the people on that list of targets? One after the next, they're meeting terrible fates, and Clara's looking guiltier by the second. It's up to Clara to find the truth and clear her name, before it's too late.

A harrowing thriller about lies and their devastating consequences, Two Perfect Lies cements Natalie D. Richards as a powerhouse of the psychological thriller genre and promises a riveting, unputdownable read.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

An enjoyable western romance... The Rancher's Reckoning by Victoria Bylin (Review) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanreads #western #historicalromance #TheRanchersReckoning #VictoriaByin

The Rancher's Reckoning

By Victoria Bylin

(Men of Midas #1)

Christian Historical Romance, Western

Paperback & eBook, 288 Pages

January 19, 2026 by Publisher 

Summary

A Time to Mourn . . . A Time to Love
Caleb Trent has endured more loss than a man should have to bear. Tragically widowed in a devastating hotel fire, he’s chosen to bury himself alive on a remote ranch in northern New Mexico. Never again will he risk loving anyone the way he loved his wife and family.

Married less than a month, Elsa Downey has sorrows of her own. Widowed, penniless and pregnant, she’s being chased by the heartless outlaw who murdered her husband. When a blizzard strands her at Caleb Trent’s ranch, she’s forced to take refuge despite his surly attitude. Yet behind the sneer, she sees another side of Caleb—the kind and caring man he once was.

Having a woman under his roof is Caleb’s second worst nightmare. The first is falling in love with her. It’s up to him to protect Elsa Downey from all harm. And it’s up to Elsa to bring light and love into Caleb’s dark world.

Vibe: Poignant. Emotional. Tugs at the heart.
Themes: Courage. Second chances. Letting go of the past.
Fun elements: Bacon. Clouds shaped like bunny rabbits. Sweet kisses.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Bookshop

Also available in KU.

My Review

THE RANCHER'S RECKONING pulls readers right into the story from the first page. Complex characters, slow-building romance, danger and some memorable side characters made for a story enjoyable from beginning to end.

I thought the premise for this story was brilliant. The author also drops readers right into it, so they're engaged from the start. I loved both main characters and appreciated how complex they were with their own past trauma, strengths and desires. They were so opposite of each other, which turned into them complimenting each other. The romance moves slowly, which I also liked, with plenty of humor and sparks. I liked several of the side characters, particularly the pastor who I hope gets to be the main hero in a future story. The author did a good job in developing an underlying feel of danger and suspense as the story unfolds, so you're never quite sure when the villain is going to pop up.

I did have a few issues with the story. Some parts were too unrealistic for me, especially a certain villain being easily believed by some people who shouldn't be so gullible and how much of that aspect of the story was handled. I also had some issues with how things were faked and then for some reason it was okay for people to know it wasn't fake. Some characters and things weren't consistent, so I would have liked that smoothed out and better development.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a fairly easy and quick read to sink into. Great characters, an interesting story, sweet romance, a bit of inspiration and some suspense made for an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to finding out who the next book in the series will be about.

Content: 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 any other books by this author? Do you have a western romance you'd recommend?

An insightful graphic memoir... Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian (Review) #newbooks #bookx #graphicnovels #memoirs #yabooks #yalit

Welcome to my tour stop with Toppling Stacks Tours! Find my review below...

Until We Meet Again

By Lily Kim Qian

Memoir, YA Graphic Novel

Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 224 Pages

April 21, 2026 by First Second

Summary

A poignant and vividly illustrated graphic memoir about a young woman’s search for belonging as her immigrant family moves between Canada and China.

Lily isn’t sure where home is anymore. Her family is constantly on the move, resettling in different towns across Canada and, eventually, in Shanghai, China. Her father plays the role of primary caregiver while her mother is absent for long periods of time. When she reappears, her strange behavior turns Lily’s life upside down. As Lily enters her college years, she strives to better understand her family and her place in the world. But can she escape the inherited trauma passed down by her immigrant parents?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN is an introspective look at a daughter's life. As the author looks back on her life, she touches on some difficult topics such as divorce, feeling like you never settle, her mom's mental illness and her own struggles. It's a story that will resonate with many readers full of heartfelt questions. The illustrations are masterfully done with contrasting colors that evoke emotion. The graphics along with the story will keep readers engaged as they sit down for this quick read.

This is the first I've read a memoir told as a graphic novel, and I will admit that I wasn't sure what to expect. It honestly surprised me how well the illustrations conveyed the feelings that play out in this story and how little needed to be written to explain what was happening. I thought it was very well done and loved this artist's style (who is also the author). I only had one issue with the book, which was that I wanted more depth. More experiencing the story versus being told it. Regardless, this was still worth picking up and spending time reading.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is an insightful story and deserving of a read. I'm looking forward to seeing what this author/illustrator produces next, as I fell in love with her art in this book!

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

About the Author

Lily Kim Qian is a Chinese-Canadian artist based in New York. She graduated with a BFA in illustration from Parsons the New School of Design in 2021. Along with her illustration practice, she works as a Junior Designer at Penguin Young Readers. Until We Meet Again is her debut graphic novel with First Second books. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at shelters and hanging out with her very own cat assistant, Edgar.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any other books like this one or have memoirs (traditional or graphic novel) on your list to read?

Can't Wait for... A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #ABrewedAwakening #PepperBasham #romancebooks #romcom

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 me some romcom with a touch of magic. I've also adored this author's books for some time so this one is sure to be a fun read (and hopefully the start of a new series)! It's my pick this week...

A Brewed Awakening

By Pepper Basham

Contemporary Romcom, Christian, Clean & Wholesome

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 416 Pages

May 5, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

A beautifully illustrated picture book... The Octopus by Guojing (Review) #newbooks #bookx #picturebook #kidlit #TheOctopus #Guojing

The Octopus

By Guojing

Children's Picture Book

Paperback & eBook, 48 Pages

April 22, 2026 by Two Lions

Summary

Join a little girl as she discovers the hidden world of her new octopus friend in this stunning wordless picture book by critically acclaimed author-illustrator Guojing.

A little girl goes to the beach with her mother, never expecting the day full of magic and wonder that is ahead of her. When she scoops up a tiny octopus in her small, clear container, and they see each other eye to eye, there’s a spark between them! But a little octopus cannot be happy for long in a container. So the girl sets out to discover what the octopus needs. And that’s when something truly magical happens! Soon, the little girl is on an underwater adventure with her new octopus friend, where she discovers the joy and beauty of the octopus’s world and learns how she can help take care of the ocean in her own way.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

THE OCTOPUS is a picture book told completely through illustrations. And these illustrations are adorable in showing the story of a little girl and a tiny octopus who have a day of adventure and fun. There is a softness to the illustrations that conveys a feeling of calm while also showing movement and colors that draw the eye. The story itself leads the reader to think about the ocean and how it is cared for in a very non-pushing way, lending the reader to gather their own conclusions, without that overtaking the story. This is a beautifully illustrated and delightful book that give readers a little visit to the ocean until they can go and make their own memories there.

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

About the Author

Guojing is a celebrated author-illustrator whose wordless and nearly wordless books The Flamingo, Stormy, and The Only Child were named to best-of-the-year lists by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and more. Her most recent books include the graphic novel Oasis, which received seven starred reviews, and the picture book The House That Floated. She holds a BFA from Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts and has also worked as a concept artist on games and in children's television. Guojing grew up in China and now lives in Canada with her family. Learn more about the author at www.guojingart.com and follow her on Instagram @guojing.art.

Do you have a favorite picture book that is set in the ocean or at the beach? Have you read any of Guojing's other books?

Can't Wait for... Lies, Spies and Alibis by Natalie Walters (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #romcom #romancebooks #suspense #cleanreads #LiesSpiesandAlibis #NatalieWalters

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 read a handful of Natalie Walters' books in the past and have enjoyed them. Her upcoming release is even more my type of read and I can't wait to dive in! It's my pick this week...

Lies, Spies and Alibis

By Natalie Walters

Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Romcom

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

May 19, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

They were each other's first love. Now they might be each other's last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can't determine if she's an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Dive into a hilarious, fast-paced romantic suspense that balances danger with wit and charm. Early readers are loving the gripping twists, engaging humor, and clean, chemistry-filled romance that make Spies, Lies, and Alibis such a fun, page-turning ride. Grab your copy today for a story packed with intrigue, heart, and just the right amount of sass.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

Check out a Q&A with the author... The Lumber Baron's Wife by Lynn Austin (Interview) #TheLuburBaronsWife #LynnAusten #histfic #timeslip #christfic #newbooks #bookx @Crazy4Fiction

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

The Lumber Baron's Wife

By Lynn Austin

Christian Fiction, Dual-Timeline

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

April 7, 2026 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873. After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband, John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town, where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed, Hannah reluctantly agrees. There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite, and when she begins confiding in Hannah, it’s clear her marriage is not what it seems . . . and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present day. Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th-century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum. While volunteering with the restoration, she stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

- Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home

- A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner

- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Author Q&A

What first sparked the idea for this dual-timeline story set in Michigan’s lumber era?

I live in Michigan, which is well-known for its lakes and parks and natural beauty. I happened to see a photograph of the devastation left behind after millions of acres of trees, hundreds of years old, were chopped down during the state’s lumbering boom in the 1870s. I wanted to learn more about this era of greed in my state’s history. I thought it would be fun to compare the lumber barons, who destroyed so much land, with modern-day conservationists who work to preserve and restore it

You’ve written across many historical periods. What drew you to this particular frontier setting?

The setting in a Michigan lumbering town is based on a real city on Lake Michigan that prospered during this era, when much of the state was still a wilderness. I was fascinated by the contrast between thriving cities like New York, where Hannah and her husband came from, and the still-primitive conditions in parts of the United States where people were settling.

Hannah and Ashley live in very different worlds, yet their stories echo each other in powerful ways. What connects them at the heart level?

Much is different between Hannah’s life in 1873 and Ashley’s in the present day, but the things they care about are still the same. They are both learning about marriage, and love, and the compromises that marriage entails. Both have made the move to Michigan because of their husband’s work, and are trying to adjust to their new, altered life. The importance of friendship also connects them, especially as they wrestle with matters of faith. And home unites them and is important to them. They live in the same house but 150 years apart from each other.

Many of your novels feature women finding strength through faith and friendship. How do those themes evolve in this book?

Both Hannah and Ashley wrestle with difficult events in their lives, and their faith is challenged. Through their friendships—Ashley with Freida, and Hannah with Kate—they grow in faith, and are helped in making their very complex decisions.

Your novels often explore how faith anchors people in times of upheaval. How do Hannah and Ashley each experience that in their journeys?

Hannah is wrestling with disappointment with God, and she feels estranged from Him. Through the difficult events and challenges that she faces, she will be forced to re-examine her beliefs and decide if she can trust God. Ashley is not a believer, initially. She also faces challenges, and through her friendship with Freida, a Christian, she begins to see faith in God in new ways.

How do you hope this story speaks to readers?

First, I always hope to give readers a satisfying story that makes them laugh, makes them cry, and makes them think. These are qualities that I enjoy in the books I read. After that, I hope it will speak to readers about the partnerships and sacrifices in marriage. In a good marriage, each spouse encourages the other to grow and to pursue their God-given purpose. I also hope readers will reflect on the sanctity of life, and on the God who created us and loves us.

What did you like most about writing your novel, and why?

Because I usually write historical fiction, I really enjoyed writing the present-day storyline. It was a new challenge for me. And I loved looking for ways to tie the present day and historical storylines together.

Can you give us a glimpse into what story or historical period is next for you?

I’m currently working on a story about three women who enlist in the US Army Signal Corps during World War I and are sent to France as telephone switchboard operators. They end up in some dangerous situations close to the front lines—and it’s based on a true story!

About the Author

Lynn Austin has sold nearly two and a half million copies of her books worldwide. She has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Lynn and her husband have three grown children and four grandchildren. They are avid bicyclists and make their home in western Michigan where they love exploring its many trails. Visit her online and sign up for her monthly newsletter at lynnaustin.org.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | X | Instagram

Have you read any of this author's other books or stories like this one? What connected with you in the interview?

Can't Wait for... Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #romancebooks #cleanreads #romcom #NotWhatWePictured #BeccaKinzer

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 enjoyed a couple of this author's previous books and am looking forward to her newest that releases in a few weeks. It sounds like it's going to be a delightful romcom. It's my pick this week...

Not What We Pictured

By Becca Kinzer

Contemporary Christian Romance, RomCom

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

April 21, 2026 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

This is absolutely not how they pictured their summer going.

McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right?

Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska.

With the ring nowhere to be found, all McKenna can do is wait and use the time to build her portfolio and plan her next career move. But she also can’t help getting swept up in Nate’s bed and breakfast renovations and in planning a community concert with the townsfolk. As both await news of Nate’s suitcase, it begins to seem their serendipitous meeting, and the proposal gone wrong, could actually be everything going right . . . and that this may be their chance at a love neither could have pictured.

- A clean, witty rom com with a forced proximity trope and a reluctant allies love story
- Features laugh-out-loud humor and a sweet, endearing couple
- This contemporary summer romance with a Southern small-town setting is great for fans of Sarah Adams, Pepper Basham, and Emma St. Clair
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... The Lumber Baron's Wife by Lynn Austin (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #christfic #histfic #dualtimeline #TheLumberBaronsWife #LynnAustin

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'm sorry this is a day late! I'm hoping life will settle a bit this next month.

My pick this week is a book where the cover first caught my interest but the synopsis held it. I'm intrigued and am hoping that I'll love this one as it's on my list to read this month.

The Lumber Baron's Wife

By Lynn Austin

Christian Fiction, Dual-Timeline

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

April 7, 2026 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873. After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband, John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town, where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed, Hannah reluctantly agrees. There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite, and when she begins confiding in Hannah, it’s clear her marriage is not what it seems . . . and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present day. Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th-century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum. While volunteering with the restoration, she stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

- Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home

- A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner

- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?