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?

(Affiliate links included.)

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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.

(Affiliate links included.)

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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.

(Affiliate links included.)

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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?

Can't Wait for... Writer in Residence by Rhonda McKnight (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #WriterinResidence #RhondaMcKnight #fiction #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.

Any book about bookstores or booknerds or authors pretty much grabs my interest. I like that this one is set in a small town and also a lush setting. I'm also always looking for good book for my book club, so I'm hoping this will be one. It's my pick this week...

Writer in Residence

By Rhonda McKnight

General Fiction, Multicultural,, Romaance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

September 8, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

From award-winning author Rhonda McKnight comes a new story of faith, history, and the power of legacy that merges the romance of The Bookshop Sisterhood with the rich Lowcountry setting of Mary Alice Monroe.

Alexandra Chambers is a writer who has run out of words. Struggling with writer's block and the pressure to secure a new book deal, she wins a week in a writer-friendly cabin through a drawing held at a Lowcountry literacy center.

What she finds is far more than she expected--a vibrant community brimming with inspiration, a past steeped in history and culture, and a man who both intrigues and unsettles her.

Gabe Scott, a bestselling author and the former writer-in-residence, is everything Alex feels she's not--acclaimed, award-winning, and unshakably confident. When their paths cross at the center, his literary brilliance and dedication to helping struggling Gullah students stir feelings Alex isn't ready to confront. Though undeniably attracted to him, Alex wrestles with the fear that her books pale beside his celebrated work.

When a surprising family connection unearths long-hidden truths about her past, Alex is forced to confront a lie that has shaped her life. Guided by the quiet wisdom of Ms. Kate, an elderly Gullah cleaning woman with losses of her own, Alex finds the strength to forgive truths long withheld, embrace her voice, and write the story only she can tell.

Writer in Residence is a rich and layered choice for book clubs eager to explore themes of identity, family secrets, creative reinvention, and the power of place. McKnight's lush Lowcountry setting and unforgettable cast of characters spark meaningful conversation about Gullah Geechee culture, the stories we inherit, and the courage it takes to tell our own truth. An included discussion guide makes it easy for groups to dig deeper into Alex's journey of rediscovery--and perhaps reflect on the hidden roots in their own lives.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Another adventure mixed with romance... The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #TheBachelorSpy #FreddieandGraceMystery #PepperBasham @Celebrate_Lit

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

The Bachelor Spy

(Freddie and Grace Mystery #5)

By Pepper Basham

Christian Historical Romantic Mystery

Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

July 1, 2026 by Barbour

Summary

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

THE BACHELOR SPY is another adventure and banter-filled story in this series. Likable characters, a bit of suspense and mystery, danger that climaxes towards the end, romance, and some faith-inspired moments make this an enjoyable read. Recommended to fans of the genre and this series.

I have read the first three books of this series so I was familiar with the characters, and this fifth book was my favorite of the series. I was particularly excited to get more of Blake, Freddie's dashing spy cousin, and he did not disappoint. This story starts off magnificently with literally quite a bang. It made me excited to keep reading and dive into this world again.

Grace and Freddie were very loving on a whole other level, which can be a bit much for me at times. Blake's and Evie's romance was a bit more on par for my taste. Plus I couldn't help smiling or out right laughing at Blake's quips. There was plenty of chemistry, some red herrings with the mystery, plenty of spy business and danger, and an interesting plot. The romance was sweet with good chemistry and dialogue. I also love the relationship between Blake, Grace and Freddie, as well as the relationship between Grace, Freddie and Brandon. I liked that the mystery and suspense had a few twists and turns. All the characters had moments of prayer and faith, but nothing pushy. That was woven through the story well.

In the end, was it what I wished for? There was plenty of chemistry, some red herrings with the mystery, plenty of spy business and danger, and an interesting plot. This was a thoroughly enjoyable story!

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

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can find the author here.

Tour Schedule

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 31

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

Book Holds and Jello Molds, August 2

Sylvan Musings, August 3

Jodie Wolfe, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 4

Connie’s History Classroom , August 4

Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Donna)

The Vine and The Branch, August 5

Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, August 6

Mary Hake, August 6

Min Reads and Reviews, August 7

Wishful Endings, August 7

She Lives To Read, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 8

Labor Not in Vain , August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 9

Lily’s Corner, August 10

Cover Lover Book Review, August 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 11

Pause for Tales, August 11

The Sacred Line, August 12

Devoted to Hope, August 12

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, August 12

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print 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 previous books in this series? Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... A Thousand Nights by Nafiza Azad & Intisar Khanani (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #yalit #yabooks #fantasy #AThousandNights #NafizaAzad #IntisarKhanani #Candlewick

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 grew up listening to my dad reading The Arabian Knights and the tales of Scheherazade among other classics, so when I saw this come across on Edelweiss it immediately brought back nostalgia for me. Then I read the synopsis... I love this whole idea so much! It's my pick this week.

A Thousand Nights

By Nafiza Azad & Intisar Khanani

YA Anthology, Fantasy, Short Stories

Hardcover & eBook, 496 Pages

September 8, 2026 by Candlewick

Summary

"A folkloric tour de force." —School Library Journal (starred review)

In the mold of Arabian Nights, this groundbreaking YA anthology—featuring seventeen Muslim women writers—links together fantastical stories that a group of refugees tell one another within a riveting frame story.

On her way across the desert, fleeing the soldiers who have destroyed all she knows, one refugee meets another. And another and another. As they travel together, on a journey in search of safety, they take turns telling one another stories—stories woven in the imagination; tales with echoes of the reality they face now. Tales of young people stolen away by jinn and tales of siblings rescuing one another; tales of lands encroached on by settlers and abandoned by rain; tales of magic found in caves, deserts, mountains, lakes, and, above all, in people, community, and faith. With a frame story written by Nafiza Azad and Intisar Khanani interwoven with stories from fifteen additional authors of various backgrounds, drawing on the mythologies and legends of their cultures, this extraordinary collection will appeal to lovers of fantasy and to those looking for books that center refugees and diverse narratives.

Stories contributed by:
Hanna Alkaf
Sara Sharaf Beg
Loretta Chefchaouni
Heba Helmy
Zeyneb Holdridge
Ausma Zehanat Khan
Diana Ma
Ardo Omer
Haneen Oriqat
Sarah Mughal Rana
Farah Naz Rishi
Laila Sabreen
Zeba Shahnaz
Ream Shukairy
Zaynah Qutubuddin

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?