A mysterious sci-fi read... Black River by Ruby Jean Cottle (Review) #BlackRiver #RubyJeanCottle #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #paranormal #scifi #suspense #romancebooks #romantasy

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

Black River

By Ruby Jean Cottle

YA Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Romantasy

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 432 Pages

June 9, 2026 by Henry Holt & Co. (BYR)

Summary

JUST ONE TASTE CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.

All seventeen-year-old Dusty wants is to escape into books and the Adirondack wilderness that surrounds her small town. But in the dead of night, strange things have been happening in Black River.

Animals are being ravaged by something unnatural. And Dusty wakes up one day with dirt on her feet, changed and starving. When new kid Will arrives, Dusty feels an attraction unlike anything she’s felt before. She wants him . . . or she wants his blood. As Dusty realizes she’s transforming into something she can’t control, she reluctantly turns to the only person she somehow knows will understand: the annoyingly attractive Eli Blake.

Together, Dusty and Eli must uncover the mystery of their town and their new, insatiable desires. Have they become vampires or some other kind of monster?

Whatever they are, they’re not the only ones.

An irresistible blend of suspense and romance, this paranormal small town mystery is perfect for fans of Stephanie Meyers and Tigest Girma.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

BLACK RIVER is a story about some strange things that happen in a small, mountain town to a handful of teens. The characters are complex and likable and the small-town setting as well as friend and family dynamics all add a bit of mystery. Then there's the constant undertone of suspense, with danger and some twists, balanced by friendship and a sweet romance. Recommended to YA paranormal and sci-fi fans!

The author did an excellent job starting this one off! The beginning was so easy to get immersed in, especially with it shrouded in mystery and questions. I really liked the characters and that they were fully fleshed out and each unique. They also were all different. Some more nerdy/introverted, others more outgoing and popular, and then some in-between. They all had different home environments and backgrounds as well. There were some nods or things that felt a bit Twilightish, but this story was also very much its own. I also really liked the sweet romance. Will is just absolutely adorable!

The first half builds and builds as some things start happening and the characters try to figure out what is going on. There's usual teenage drama, but also so much about high school with friendship and family dynamics that readers will easily relate to. The middle was where this book lost a lot of ground for me. I think the author needed to get from one point to another and had some trouble with the transition. I would have liked the characters acting more realistically and authentically and that section re-worked. I would say about a fourth to a third in the middle made me want to just skip or completely stop reading. Thankfully things resolve a bit and pick back up towards the end with some unexpected twists. There were some fairly violent things in the second half, just as a warning to readers. Thankfully they aren't overly detailed. This author surprised me and made me curious as to where she will be going in the following books. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? An engrossing paranormal, sci-fi story with complex characters that surprised me. I'll be picking up book two.

Content: Some crude references, swearing (s-words and a few f-words), and somewhat gory violence.
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

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Ruby studied Art History before beginning her career in magazines and fashion.

After a winding career path that focused on creative direction in digital media, content creation and branding, plus a move to New York – all the while navigating undiagnosed endometriosis – Ruby finally came back to her first love: writing.

Ruby loves to explore the natural world through storytelling, with a focus on romance, the paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi. Her debut novel, Black River, was originally published in Australia in 2025, and book II of the duology, White Mountain, will be released in 2026.

Ruby lives in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales with her husband, dog, and their two sons.

Website | Tik Tok | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any other books with similar plots? What appeals to you about this story?

A modern twist on an Austen classic... Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by Carolyn Miller (Review & #Giveaway) #NotPreciselyMrKnightley #TheSilverTeapot #CarolynMiller #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #BarbourFiction #cleanreads #christianromance @Celebrate_Lit

Welcome to my tour stop with Celebrate Lit! Find my review and the tour giveaway below...

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley

(The Silver Teapot #2)

By Carolyn Miller

Contemporary Christian Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 256 Pages

May 1, 2026 by Barbour Fiction

Summary

Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?

Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley.

Don’t miss book 1 in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

NOT PRECISELY MR. KNIGHTLEY is about a woman determined to reach her dreams and the best friend who steps aside when it appears that's what she wants. It's about ambition and how sometimes a person can get lost in it, and about forgiveness, friendship and finding oneself. Readers will find relatable, imperfect characters, both city and small town settings, friendship, family and love with inspirational elements woven throughout. Recommended to fans of the author and genre.

I'm a huge Austen fan and always enjoy seeing how authors create their own stories based on hers. Miller definitely does an excellent job doing this! The nods to the original were fun and it was enjoyable seeing the original Emma retold in this story.

The characters were definitely relatable. I did have some issues liking EJ for most of this story, which did impact my enjoyment of the book. Part of that is that I've never liked girls like her in real life. Ones who will put others down to get ahead or will change their morals or themselves to fit in or be accepted by the popular or rich crowd. She thankfully had good roots and was herself a good person who eventually figured it all out. I loved Jordan! He was such a good friend and had EJ's back. He had his own struggles and had to figure out how what to do with plenty of prayer. Both EJ's and Jordan's families were fabulous! So much love and laughter and steadiness there. I also enjoyed the contrast between both the city and small-town settings. The romance was sweet and wasn't the main focus until a bit later into the book. I liked that it felt natural and wasn't easy. There was plenty of history behind the relationship as well. And it was a delightful aspect of this story.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable read and a fun twist on Austen's Emma. I'm looking forward to seeing what Austen classic Miller tackles next!

Content: 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 review.)

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

Find the author here.

More from the Author

Do you know someone who has found love online?

I do. I have numbers of friends and even a family member who have found love and married thanks to dating apps and the like. This newer form of meeting people is something I’ve referenced in several of my books (including Only You Can Love Me), as several of my characters have used an app called Dream Match, a romance matchmaking app for Christian singles around the world. But when I first mentioned Dream Match years ago I didn’t realise at the time that I’d end up writing a story about how the inventor of Dream Match would finally meet her match.

And it seemed perfect to me that Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, known for her matchmaking skills, should be reflected in a modern day context as being the ultimate matchmaker, EJ Bennett, who is responsible for helping hundreds of people find love online. Even if she doesn’t think she needs or wants love for herself.

Playing with Jane Austen’s characters and putting them in a modern setting is a lot of fun. So not only does Emma Woodhouse become EJ Bennett, but George Knightley becomes EJ’s best friend and app co-designer Jordan Knight, the straight shooter she needs. And Frank Churchill, the man Emma starts to fall for, becomes Eric Churchill, son of a TV mogul squillionaire.

The first book in The Silver Teapot series, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, also played around with some of Austen’s settings, placing the story in a small town in Australia called Wattle Vale. I had fun further developing the Australian connections by setting other key scenes in iconic places like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, which naturally meant I had to visit for “research.”

So I hope readers enjoy this little taste of Australia, and all the fun references to Jane Austen’s Emma. Be sure to check out my website and follow me on social media for more Jane Austen inspiration and fun, and get ready to enjoy Not Precisely Mr. Knightley, a sweet and swoony best friends-to-more romance that shows the path to true love is never smooth – even for the professional matchmaker.

Happy reading!

Tour Schedule

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28

Book Looks by Lisa, May 28

The Sacred Line, May 29

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 30

Pause for Tales, May 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 31

Stories By Gina, June 1 (Author Interview)

To Everything There Is A Season , June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Texas Book-aholic, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Lyssa Loves Books, June 5

Wishful Endings, June 5

Fruitfully Planted, June 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , June 6

Cover Lover Book Review, June 7

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, June 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf , June 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 8

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Holly’s Book Corner, June 10

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn 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

Are you an Austen fan or a fan of modern twists of classics? Have you read other Austenesque books that you'd recommend?

Highly recommended YA fiction... The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue by Zoulfa Katouh (Review) #TheOceanWouldPaintMeBlue #ZoulfaKatouh #5starread #yalit #yabooks #newbooks #bookx #TopplingStacksTours

Welcome to my tour stop with Toppling Stacks Tours! Read my five-star review below...

The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue

By Zoulfa Katouh

YA Contemporary Fiction, Magical Realism

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

June 2, 2026 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary

From the celebrated author of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow comes a poignant novel about a Syrian American girl who uses a magical sketchbook to turn her grief into art, painting miraculous murals of her mother’s life in Syria.

Seventeen-year-old Jihad Dabbagh has always seen life with a heightened sense for colors, one of many magical blessings the women in her family possess. But Jihad's gift changes depending on her mood. When depression sets in, the world is a colorless oasis, and in the wake of her mother's sudden death, the world has become a permanent shade of grey.

Broken by tragedy, Jihad's family doesn't believe her color loss. Her father sends her to the elite Braxton Academy to finish her senior year. There, Jihad's name and hijab put a target on her back. Her haven comes in the form of an old sketchbook carved from a tree in her hometown in Syria—a country she only knew through her mother's stories. Jihad hasn't picked up a brush in over a year, but finds herself channeling the colors of her hurt, pain, and grief as she paints the story of her mother's journey in Syria.

When graffiti of that same mural starts magically popping up all over New York, her art goes viral and the world takes notice, the threat of legal consequences is imminent. To reclaim her voice, Jihad will have to paint a new future for herself and Braxton, guided by the resilience of her mother's story.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

THE OCEAN WOULD PAINT ME BLUE is a story about loss, struggle, perseverance, and resilience. It's about being the focus of bullying and racism. It's also about finding friendship and yourself. And even though it's a heartrending read, it is also full of hope. Highly recommended to contemporary fiction fans who enjoy a touch of magical realism!

Read this if you enjoy:
🐚 Expression and emotion through art
🐚 A relatable and likable heroine
🐚 Moving forward after loss
🐚 Deep friendship forged through some hard stuff
🐚 Brokenness, including within families
🐚 Racism and perseverance through it
🐚 So much strength, hope and joy
🐚 A secondary romance that isn't the focus of the story
🐚 A perfect imperfect ending

This was an excellently written story! The characters were relatable and imperfect. I don't have sufficient words for Jihad's life experiences, except overall anger for the injustice of it all. Thankfully this story was well balanced with moments of friendship (I could not love Jaime more!), family, culture (the food and stories!!), and art. The author also did a fabulous job in relaying some cultural and religious information by weaving it through the story. No info dumps here. There are some stories where you can skim or skip. This was not one of those. Every word and page added to this story. Every single bit worth the time to read.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a story that deeply resonated with me. It pulled on all my emotions, but especially anger, sadness and then joy. I will definitely be reading her previous book as well as any future releases.

Content: Some swearing (mostly a few s-words), some racial violence.
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

Zoulfa Katouh is the award-winning and bestselling author of the novel AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW. It’s been translated into over twenty-five languages and was a Governor General’s Award finalist and a Yoto Carnegie Medal nominee. Zoulfa holds a degree in pharmacy and a master’s in Drug Sciences. She resides in Switzerland where she lives as a Studio Ghibli protagonist who is surrounded by a never-ending stack of books that keeps growing.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Did you read this author's previous book? What other books have you read where the main character is Muslim?

Escape to Alaska on a romantic adventure... Scent of Hope by Susan May Warren (Review) #ScentofHope #CalloftheWild #SusanMayWarren #christfic #romancebooks #suspense #newbooks #bookx

Scent of Hope

(Call of the Wild #2)

By Susan May Warren

Christian Romantic Suspense

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

June 2, 2026 by Revell

Summary

Two broken hearts. One deadly mission. And just one avalanche dog standing between them and a killer.

Harley Tatum made a vow to never return to Copper Mountain, Alaska, where a drug dealer destroyed her family and the man she loved walked away. But when that same criminal escapes and justice calls her name, she has no choice but to face everything she buried.

Jericho Bowie remembers things differently. She left him. And he's spent years wondering why. Now Harley needs his search-and-rescue dog, Orlando, to track a fugitive through treacherous mountain terrain--and Jericho refuses to let her go alone. Not again.

But as they push deep into the frozen wilderness, the hunter becomes the hunted. Old feelings resurface at the worst possible time, and survival depends on two people who don't know if they can trust each other--or their own hearts.

Susan May Warren packs action and heart-pounding suspense from the rugged wilderness of Alaska into a nonstop adventure where the greatest danger might be opening your heart again.

This gripping suspense is filled with pulse-pounding action, second-chance romance, and a heroic K9 rescue dog from Alaska, sure to thrill fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Natalie Walters.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

SCENT OF HOPE is a Christian second-chance romance with strong family and friendship aspects, and danger all set during winter in a small Alaskan town. Fans of the author and genre will find this an adventure-filled escape!

Warren does an excellent job keeping readers engaged in her stories. This one had a lot of aspects that I enjoyed:
- Second-chance romance
- Relatable and likable characters
- An adorable dog that will melt your heart
- Strong family dynamics
- Deep friendships
- Danger and suspense
- Moments of inspiration with themes of forgiveness and trust

This was an easy story to jump right into and keep flipping pages to the climatic end. I liked the characters, the setting, and the sweet romance. I also absolutely loved the addition of a search and rescue dog and seeing how they train. I'm such a dog lover so this was an aspect of the story I really enjoyed!

Maybe I have high expectations for this author, but this book somewhat disappointed me. It might be that she's writing a lot of different books and busy with a lot of projects and so the quality of writing has slipped. Her past couple of series released independently and traditionally haven't had the same quality and a lot of the time the characters' internal voices sound exactly the same, using the same phrasing with the same emotional feel. With these characters I also felt like things happened that shouldn't have with their training and background. It seemed like they weren't maybe very good at their jobs or as intelligent as they were set up to be? I think I was expecting a tighter, smarter story. And when the religious aspect comes in, it's not woven through very well. It's a chapter or two straight and both main characters seeming to have very similar conversations at the same time with different people. It doesn't feel organic. It needs to be woven through better and feel more personal to each character, taking place at different points in the story. Or maybe not have both characters dealing with a faith crisis all the time. It could be one of them or neither, but them having a spiritual experience because of their faith. Having said all that, I do continue to pick up these books because I get caught up in the plot and suspense and enjoy the romance.

In the end, was it what I wished for? If you've been reading Warren's other series, then you should enjoy this one with some cameos of prior characters. If you're a fan of inspirational adventure romance set in Alaska, then you may enjoy this one.

Content: Some brief, mild violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Great Reads Book Promotion, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

Are you a fan of this author or of romantic suspense? Have you read any of the books in this series?

Can't Wait for... The Rainy Day Bookshop by RaeAnne Thayne (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheRainyDayBookshop #RaeAnneThayne #romancebooks #womensfiction #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 had a bit of a week, so I apologize for this being up late!

It's been a while since I've read a book by this author, but I enjoyed the last one I read of hers. When I ran across this new release (it released yesterday!), I immediately put it on my list to read. Doesn't it look and sound adorable?!! Plus a bookshop! It's my pick this week...

The Rainy Day Bookshop

By RaeAnne Thayne

Women's Fiction,, Contemporary Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 384 Pages

June 2, 2026 by MIRA

Summary

"A love letter to motherhood, mending fences, and, of course, the bookstores that save us when it all feels like too much." --Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of Summer State of Mind

Life is full of plot twists...

Sandwiched between caring for her mother and rebuilding the relationship with her estranged daughter, Emma, Rosie Lucas’s life is full. In the best way. With Emma and her 3-year old daughter, Olive, back home, Rosie has a partner for The Rainy Day Bookshop, the family business, and a chance to fix the past. What she doesn’t have time for is a romantic relationship. And even if she did, Andrew Morgan is the last person she’d choose. Not only is he an arrogant and reclusive writer, but he’s a single dad with two young kids. She’s already been there, done that. Still as an irresistible flirtation builds between them, he becomes her unexpected confidante on the distance Rosie can’t seem to overcome with Emma, a secret she can’t quite unravel…

Emma isn’t proud of her past. But she’s pulled herself up by the bootstraps, caring for her own daughter, and protecting her mom at all costs. Just as she always has. She never told Rosie what she saw all those years ago and she never will. But some secrets refuse to stay buried, and sometimes the truth is more shocking than fiction. Rosie and Emma will have to navigate an unimaginable path forward. Together.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

Escape to a picturesque national park and a bit of romance... Chase the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Review & #Giveaway) #ChasetheLight #NationalParksSummers #SuzanneWoodsFisher #newbooks #bookx #fiction #romancebooks #christfic @Celebrate_Lit @RevellBooks @Suzannewfisher

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

Chase the Light

(National Parks Summers #2)

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Christian

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

May 5, 2026 by Revell

Summary

She uncovered a piece of history--but can she make peace with her own?

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper's suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia's rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn't expect to find. But they aren't the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper--and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who--and what--deserves her trust.

Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a contemporary romance filled with mystery, treasure hunting, and adventure as a park ranger uncovers a century-old shipwreck and dangerous secrets at Acadia National Park. Perfect for fans of mysteries and love triangles.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

CHASE THE LIGHT is the perfect title for this story where the characters literally look to the light to find hidden gold stashes in the Acadia National Park. This story is a fun combination of a treasure hunt, romance triangle, history research, and several different relationship dynamics all set at a picturesque national park. This author again delivers an intriguing story with great characters that offers a nice summer escape. Definitely a recommended read!

I've loved all of this author's books that I've read over the years and was excited to dive into this newest release of hers! She's so good and writing relatable characters with stories that resonate with the heart. 

This story had some unique aspects that I haven't ran across too often in other stories. I loved the hunt for gold, which added a bit of adventure and intensity. There were a few places of info-dumping, but very brief. I felt the author did a fabulous job weaving through the history and other facts, particularly about the Penobscot tribe, all of which I found to be interesting.

I loved these characters! Particularly Scout and Naki. Goodness! The moments between these two! When an author can covey so much emotion and meaning in glances and wordless, quiet moments, you know it's a good story! I'm not a fan of love triangles, but this one worked for me and also definitely worked for the story and its characters. And everything turned out as it should, of course. The romance is sweet and takes a backseat to other things going on, so I think those who aren't huge romance fans will also very much enjoy this one. 

I appreciated the inspirational moments. They weren't preachy, pushy or lengthy. Some of them also conveyed a sweet message that I personally needed. 

There were a few things I would have liked developed more or added in to make this story more vivid and realistic. I would have loved more involvement with the small town and other characters. The story felt very isolated. Also one of my favorite things about a story taking place in a smaller, tourist town, is how the side characters enhance the story. I could have had less of a main story focusing on the teenagers and more side characters in the park and the town. They were basically nonexistent, including other park rangers that should have appeared here and there on page. The other was that it felt a bit off not to include the police when a car got broken into and to send kids after the perpetrator. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartfelt, relatable read with some adventure thrown in. Wonderful characters who were easy to relate to and a picturesque setting made for a delightful read!

Content: 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 an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (and friends) inspire her stories.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | X | Instagram

More from the Author

If a trip to Acadia National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and when you go, don’t miss warm popovers on the lawn at the iconic Jordan Pond House.

The Unofficial-but-Close-Enough Jordan Pond Popover Recipe*

Back in 1895, Nellie and Thomas McIntire bought a Maine farmhouse overlooking the clear waters of Jordan Pond. On their wide green lawn, they served tea and towering popovers to well-to-do summer travelers. In 1928, J. D. Rockefeller purchased the land and later donated it to Acadia National Park. The lawn remains. The view remains. And the popovers? Still iconic.

While the original recipe is famously guarded, this version comes deliciously close.

Makes 6–8 large popovers.

What You’ll Need

4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of baking soda
2 tablespoons melted butter

Let’s Make Them

1. Start with a hot oven (and a hot pan).

Preheat your oven to 425°–450°F. Place your popover pan (or a muffin tin) in the oven while it heats.
2. Whisk the batter.

Beat the eggs for about 2–3 minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
3. Fill the cups.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
4. Bake.
Bake at 425°–450°F for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 15–20 minutes. The high heat creates the lift; the lower heat helps them set inside.
5. Resist the urge to peek.
Do not open the oven door while they bake. The steam inside is what makes them puff and keeps them tall.

Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.

A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers

- Room temperature matters. Cold eggs or milk will slow the rise. Let them sit out a bit before mixing.
- Heat is your friend. A properly preheated pan jump-starts the puff.
- No peeking. Steam is everything here. Let the oven do its work.

*Recipe adapted from Weston Table.

Tour Schedule

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Lyssa Loves Books, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Texas Book-aholic, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Lakesidelivingsite, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

EmpowerMoms, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 23

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Lily’s Corner, May 25

Devoted To Hope, May 25

She Lives to Read, May 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 27

Cover Lover Book Review, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lights in a Dark World, May 28

Wishful Endings, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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 contemporary books set in a national park? What is a favorite national park that you've visited?

Can't Wait for... The Fatal Unpleasantness of Netherfield by Claudia Gray (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #TheFatalUnpleasantnessofNetherfield #MrDarcy&MissTilney #ClaudiaGray #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #mystery #historical #austenesque

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 have loved this series so much! I'm so looking forward to this next installment and hopefully with a few more sparks between the main characters. It's my pick this week...

The Fatal Unpleasantness of Netherfield

(Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #5)

By Claudia Gray

Historical Mystery, Austenesque, Clean Reads

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

June 16, 2026 by Vintage

Summary

The fifth book in New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s Jane Austen sequel series, which finds amateur sleuths Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney investigating a suspicious murder at Netherfield Park

“With wit, charm, and a pitch perfect Regency voice, Claudia Gray expertly conjures the magic of Jane Austen." —Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author

Jonathan Darcy has recovered from the wound he received in a duel three months prior, during a disastrous London Season. But his parents aren’t over the shock, and they remain convinced that, no matter how many murderers have been caught via their investigations, Jonathan must end his association with Miss Juliet Tilney—particularly now that she is a young lady of ruined reputation. He prays for some opportunity to be with her again, but unfortunately, the answer to those prayers comes in the form of murder: his uncle Charles Bingley’s brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, is found dead from poisoning at Netherfield Park. Aunt Jane is desperate for answers, which means Miss Tilney must be invited to Netherfield to investigate!


Juliet, still reeling from her newfound ruination, is happy to be back in the thick of an investigation. The reunion with Mr. Darcy is difficult—Juliet has missed Jonathan terribly, but she is tormented by the knowledge that his parents will never approve their match. Adding to her troubles are the scheming Caroline Bingley Allerdyce and her daughter Priscilla, whose machinations threaten any hope Juliet might have of societal rehabilitation, much less an engagement. Then, Mr. Hurst proves to be only the first victim at Netherfield, casting a pall of danger—and worse, scandal—over the Bingleys' household. Jonathan and Juliet must find the culprit, and will ultimately be called to make a final choice between respectability…and love.

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Check out this upcoming YA thriller... We Could Be Anyone by Anna-Marie McLemore (Spotlight) #WeCouldBeAnyone #AnnaMarieMcLemore #yalit #yabooks #thriller #newbooks #bookx #topplingstackstours

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

We Could Be Anyone

By Anna-Marie McLemore

YA Historical Thriller, Romance, Horror

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 288 Pages

May 26, 2026 by Feiwel & Friends

Summary

Two teen con-artists must execute an almost impossible scam at an exclusive mansion in this thriller that's White Lotus meets Mexican Gothic - for teens.

Lola and I grew up hearing that we could become anything, but our parents hadn’t meant it the way gringo parents did. They meant it as a warning.

Lola and Lisandro are actors during Hollywood’s Golden Age, but you won’t see them on any silver screen. Instead, these siblings use their talents to scam the rich and famous out of their ill-begotten cash. They have their act down to a science: Lola plays the tragic ghost who haunts the mansions of the wealthy, and Lisandro plays the brave spiritualist who will help her soul find peace. For a small fee, of course.

The siblings have their sights set on their next target: The Coterie, the opulent estate of newspaper tycoon Bixby Fairfax and his famous mistress Blythe Bell. A score this big will allow them to move… well, anywhere but here. But this job requires them to do something they’ve never done before: switch roles. And as strange things keep happening at The Coterie… things that even Lola and Lisandro can’t explain.

As they are drawn deeper into The Coterie’s gleaming façade and tensions rise between brother and sister, one question looms over them. Will they be able to pull off their act? Or will this be their last performance?

Brimming with Anne-Marie McLemore’s signature atmospheric writing, We Could Be Anyone is perfect for readers who love:
• Queer Romance
• Con Artists
• Old Money Glamor
• Myths and Folklore
• Ryan La Sala books

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About the Author

Anna-Marie McLemore (they/them) is the author of William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist The Weight of Feathers; Wild Beauty; Blanca & Roja, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time; Indie Next List title Dark and Deepest Red; Lakelore, an NECBA Windows & Mirrors title; Venom & Vow, co-authored with Elliott McLemore; Flawless Girls; and National Book Award longlist selections When the Moon Was Ours, which was also a Stonewall Honor Book; The Mirror Season; and Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix. Their latest release is their adult debut, The Influencers, and their next young adult novel is We Could Be Anyone, forthcoming in spring 2026.

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The conclusion to this YA Regency romance series... Rebel Heiress by Amalie Howard (Review) #RebelHeiress #TheDiamonds #AmalieHoward #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #cleanreads

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review below...

Rebel Heiress

(The Diamonds #3)

By Amalie Howard

YA Historical Romance

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 384 Pages

May 19, 2026 by Joy Revolution

Summary

A young heiress must disguise herself to attend a prestigious, all-male university, where she unexpectedly falls for her handsome tutor, in this swoony historical romance by the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

Lady Rosalin Chen has a secret—she isn’t as vapid as she pretends to be. In fact, she’s a computing genius and smarter than most of her peers in the ton, including her own cousin, Ansel. It’s a secret she’s kept for years, not that hiding her intelligence has done her any favors in the marriage department.

In fact, after several dismal social seasons in London, she’s practically considered a spinster. With little to lose, she decides to set her sights on getting a proper education rather than finding a husband. Disguised as Ansel, who truly could be her twin, she attends Cambridge University while he galivants around Europe on a secret Grand Tour.

There Rosalin crosses quills with the Trinity College’s mathematics prodigy and her tutor Tarik St. Clair. For the first time in her life, Rosalin is genuinely intrigued by a boy. His mind seems to be as sharp as hers. Unfortunately, as a commoner, Tarik doesn’t fit her parents’ expectations. But what if he could? What if she concocted one more audacious plan that could raise his station and finally take her off the market? She just has to hope that her lies don’t catch up to her.

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My Review

REBEL HEIRESS is a story about a girl who impersonates her male cousin in order to attend college, set in historical England when women weren't allowed into higher education. What ensues is a rather humorous muddle, especially when she falls for her tutor. Full of friendship, family, a young woman coming into her own, and sweet romance. Recommended to fans of the genre.

The premise for this story sounded so fun, and it was! I couldn't help but laugh or smile at a few of the situations the heroine found herself in. Rosalin "Roz" had a bit of a time not exposing herself. She was an intelligent young woman who just wanted to learn like her cousin was at college. She embroiled her ladies' maid in the scheme in order to pull it off. She also made some friends along the way and developed quite a crush on her tutor. The scheme got a bit out of hand, of course, which created some tension and risk. I enjoyed the friendships in this story. Not only those at the school, but also those Roz has with her cousin and her friends. The romance was sweet with plenty of sparks. There were a lot of references to what she was learning as well as the women at the time who made names for themselves in the math/science/astronomy arenas, which was interesting. I also liked the diversity of the characters. We can never have too much of that! The first half of the story was my favorite, through to when Roz starts meeting with Tarik as herself.

I did want some things to be more realistic to the time period and have characters react accordingly. There were parts where that was basically skipped over or not addressed. There was too much name dropping. I also didn't read the other books in the series and there were a few things that could have been either taken out or developed better with previous main characters that were present in this story. The romance seemed to take the story over towards the end and then go on and on. I personally didn't need the ending, especially as this is YA. I think since the author was sad to finish the series, she tried to extend the story to tie the entire series up.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an escape to Regency England. Delightful characters, an entertaining plot, and sweet romance made this a fun read! I'm curious about the previous books in the series and will pick those up as well as check out what Howard publishes next.

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

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling novelist. Always Be My Duchess was one of Cosmopolitan’s 30 Best Romance Books of 2022 and The Beast of Beswick was one of Oprah Daily’s 24 Best Historical Romance Novels to Read. She is also the author of several award-winning young adult novels. A Caribbean-born AAPI writer, her books have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, and Seventeen Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading, being the president of her one-woman Harley Davidson motorcycle club, or power-napping. She lives in Colorado with her family.

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Have you read any other YA Regency books that you enjoyed and would recommend?

Can't Wait for... Scent of Hope by Susan May Warren (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #ScentofHope #CalloftheWild #SusanMayWarren

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 a huge fan of this author, especially loving her Christiansen Family series and her recent indie series. This is the second book in her newest traditionally published series and I'm excited to jump back into the action! It's my pick this week...

Scent of Hope

(Call of the Wild #2)

By Susan May Warren

Christian Romantic Suspense

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

June 2, 2026 by Revell

Summary

Two broken hearts. One deadly mission. And just one avalanche dog standing between them and a killer.

Harley Tatum made a vow to never return to Copper Mountain, Alaska, where a drug dealer destroyed her family and the man she loved walked away. But when that same criminal escapes and justice calls her name, she has no choice but to face everything she buried.

Jericho Bowie remembers things differently. She left him. And he's spent years wondering why. Now Harley needs his search-and-rescue dog, Orlando, to track a fugitive through treacherous mountain terrain--and Jericho refuses to let her go alone. Not again.

But as they push deep into the frozen wilderness, the hunter becomes the hunted. Old feelings resurface at the worst possible time, and survival depends on two people who don't know if they can trust each other--or their own hearts.

Susan May Warren packs action and heart-pounding suspense from the rugged wilderness of Alaska into a nonstop adventure where the greatest danger might be opening your heart again.

This gripping suspense is filled with pulse-pounding action, second-chance romance, and a heroic K9 rescue dog from Alaska, sure to thrill fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Natalie Walters.

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