Can't Wait for... Royal Connections by Traci Hunter Abramson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #RoyalConnections #TheRoyals #TraciHunterAbramson #suspense #romancebooks #cleanreads

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I've loved this author's romantic suspense novels for a very long time and get excited every time I see she has a new one coming out. This is one of at least two or more books she has coming next year. It's my pick this week...

Royal Connections

(The Royals #7)

By Traci Hunter Abramson

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages

January 5, 2026 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

Princess Tayla came to Italy to escape her past. Preston Mitchell came for a career breakthrough. Neither expected a threat to themselves or their growing attraction.

“Traci Hunter Abramson has done it again! Her highly anticipated novel Royal Connections delivers the perfect blend of tense suspense and heartwarming romance. Abramson skillfully captures both the constraints of royal life and the chilling fear of being stalked, creating a story that keeps the pages turning. Another winner from Abramson!” —Ellen Butler, bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal Mysteries

Princess Tayla of Alameda has spent two years rebuilding her life after a shattered engagement and a very public royal scandal--but when a new "secret admirer" begins breaching palace security, old fears return with dangerous intensity. Hoping distance will quiet both the headlines and the threat, Tayla agrees to escape to Italy to assist with preparations for a luxury Amalfi Coast resort that her good friends are opening.

Preston Hale is desperate for a fresh start. A struggling photographer stuck in a career going nowhere, he seizes the opportunity of a lifetime--a freelance assignment at the new Amalfi Coast resort. What begins as a professional breakthrough quickly becomes far more complicated when Preston finds himself drawn to a woman clearly hiding more than her title.

As unsettling messages follow Tayla across borders, familiar allies—including Princess Victoria and Prince Alan—join the effort to uncover the culprit. With danger closing in and trust growing fragile, every relationship is called into question. In a setting built for romance but shadowed by escalating peril, Tayla and Preston discover that remaining in Italy to explore their blossoming love may be the most dangerous move of all.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Family, danger and romance... Mail-Order Lady by Misty M. Beller (Review & #Giveaway) #MailOrderLady #LordsoftheRockies #MistyMBeller #newbooks #bookx #christfic #histfic #romancebooks @celebrate_lit

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

Mail-Order Lady

(Lords of the Rockies #4)

By Misty M. Beller

Christian Historical Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 252 Pages

October 13, 2026

Summary

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

She agreed to a safe, sensible marriage. He agreed because she already holds his heart.

Clara McKinney came west as a mail-order bride—only to watch her sister marry the intended groom instead. Now recovered from an illness that nearly killed her, she’s stranded at the Balfour ranch. Worse, her mother is demanding her return to face an arranged marriage that feels like a nightmare. When the quiet, bookish brother offers a marriage of convenience, Clara accepts with relief. No messy emotions or risk of rejection. Just safety.

Robert Balfour has one goal—win Clara’s heart. She now shares his name, but he must convince her that his devotion runs deeper than courtesy.

Then a stranger appears at the ranch with a shocking claim—he’s the rightful Balfour heir. Suddenly, Robert’s focus on earning his wife’s love faces a test he never saw coming. With enemies lurking and family loyalties tested, this marriage of convenience is about to become the most dangerous arrangement of all.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a marriage of convenience, unrequited love, and a family mystery that spans continents…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

MAIL-ORDER LADY is about a woman who must face her past and be willing to trust in a future with the help of a man, and a man who has loved unrequitedly with the desire to protect. It's about both by blood and found family, including one who was lost. It's about danger, patience and hope, with the central focus being a blooming romance.

I've read quite a few of this author's books and there is always an aspect of danger with a few twists, likable characters, and a sweet romance. You'll find that here along with the addition of rustic Montana and a family full of brothers whose roots are in England. I liked all the brothers and their different personalities. I also liked the two main characters this story focuses on, Robert and Clara. The romance developed steadily with Robert's being more solid because of the time he spent caring for Clara when she was sick. The author also did a great job in portraying Clara's manipulative and controlling mother and a feel of underlying danger from the beginning to the end. It was fairly engrossing as everything played out. It was also plenty awkward watching Robert and Clara try to maneuver in their new situation. The brothers' reactions were quite humorous as well.

I also felt like there were some issues with the story that took away some of my enjoyment, especially towards the end. There was a storytelling addition with Clara that I didn't feel was needed. I thought there would have been more room for depth with all the characters, the plot and romance without that taking up space. On that same strain, there were quite a few characters but several of them were very one dimensional. I haven't read the previous books in this series, which probably would have helped with that, but there wasn't much of a recap and so I felt like there were holes and characters who were on the page but didn't fully exist. Then the ending sped everything up, but also didn't work for me. I didn't feel it was realistic and quite a bit of what occurred was skipped with emphasis on Clara's story instead and some unrealistic reactions from some of the characters.

In the end, was it what I wished for? An overall sweet, entertaining read that I felt needed more development. Fans of the author and genre should still enjoy this one.

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

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

Find the author HERE.

Tour Schedule

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Devoted Steps, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Simple Harvest Reads, November 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

For Him and My Family, November 2

Wishful Endings, November 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 3

lakesidelivingsite, November 3

Betti Mace, November 4

She Lives to Read, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5

Lyssa Loves Books, November 5

Sydney Schmied Books, November 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 7

Book Holds and Jello Molds, November 7

Sylvan Musings, November 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 9

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Artistic Nobody, November 10 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 11

Devoted To Hope, November 11

Mary Hake, November 11

Blossoms and Blessings, November 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Lily’s Corner, November 13

Pause for Tales, November 13

Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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 other books set in historical Montana or by this author? What draws you to this story?

Enter a magical world steeped in Egyptian history... Karabos by Lyndsey Lewellen (Spotlight & #Giveaway) #Karabos #TheTimeboundDuology #LyndseyLewellen #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #fantasy #chrsitianfantasy @celebrate_lit

Welcome to my tour stop! I enjoyed this author's debut book, The Chaos Grid and am excited about this new series! Isn't the cover gorgeous? Read a note from the author and enter the giveaway below ...

Karabos

(The Timebound Duology #1)

By Lyndsey Lewellen

YA Christian Fantasy, Time Travel

Paperback & eBook, 384 Pages

October 13, 2026 by Enclave Escape

Summary

Enter a dangerous game of magic beetles, buried secrets, and shifting time.

Winslet Nubek knows bugs better than she knows people. The sixteen-year-old, homeschooled entomologist is determined to earn her place among the ancient and dangerous ranks of magical insect hunters. With her father’s failing mines pushing them toward bankruptcy, winning the Tournament of Scarabs becomes her only shot at securing her dream and saving her family from ruin. But when she touches a forbidden time scarab before the competition begins, she’s left with a mark she can’t explain and trips into the past she can’t control. Forced to hide her mistake, Winslet enters the tournament with a growing fear of being discovered. As her secrets grow, so do her slips through time.

Rafe Stormholt charts maps like other people write diaries, but his own future isn’t his to navigate. He needs the tournament prize to keep his grandfather’s company out of treacherous hands. After the preliminaries go awry, Rafe ends up on a team of academic misfits, including the bug girl he’s already judged as a liability. But when he’s dragged into the past alongside her, Rafe uncovers truths that shatter the faith his family has held for generations.

Bound by a time-slipping curse, Winslet and Rafe must navigate the tournament’s perilous trials while unraveling a conspiracy buried centuries deep. As enemies close in and the past begins to bleed into the present, they’ll have to decide what they’re really fighting for and what they’re willing to lose to win.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Note from the Author

“Oh boy!”

As far back as I can remember, TV shows and movies like Quantum Leap, Kate and Leopold, Back to the Future, and (my personal favorite) Groundhog Day have absolutely fascinated me. Why? Because all of them share my most beloved trope.

Time travel.

If a story contains time loops, paradoxes, slips, or butterfly effects, count me in! Maybe that’s because I’m intrigued with the structure of time. Sun up, sun down, rinse and repeat. Day by day, we live in a beautifully ordered timeline the Lord has placed us in. My favorite scripture in the Book of Acts exemplifies this truth. While speaking to the Athenians about God’s character, Paul says, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:26-27)

It’s a glorious and comforting reality that we are exactly where and when we need to be in order to have our best chance at reaching for Him.

However, through fiction, we can imagine what it would be like to step outside the bounds of time. By doing so, I believe, we can better understand our reality. Moving in and out of that well-oiled timeline would jar anyone. For me, it’s that jarring that sparks my curiosity. What would I do if I was moved into the wrong time? Assuming my actions could be catastrophic in the future, how well could I think on the spot and not accidentally cause myself to not be born at all? Perhaps it’s thinking well on the spot that interests me the most. Because isn’t that a fear many of us have? Watching others succeed in these dire situations can give us confidence that we can do the same.

Not only that, but to think of how God is outside of time causes me to look at Him in wonder. He can be fully trusted to tell us about the future because He already knows the end from the beginning. When I read time travel in a novel or craft it in my own stories, I appreciate the wondrous works God has done, is doing, and will do down the line. I am humbled by His skill. All I can do is give Him praise.

So, when I finished my debut series, The Chaos Grid duology, I knew I wanted to tackle a time travel novel of some sort. Sci-fi idea after sci-fi idea popped into my head, but none of them resonated with me enough to start drafting.

Until one day, while eating lunch at a drive-through restaurant, I was listening to an apologetics podcast and an idea struck.

The episode was about archaeology and whether we can trust the events in the Bible. Who was the pharaoh of the Exodus? Were the Hebrews really enslaved? Why didn’t the Egyptians directly record the ten plagues? What intriguing questions! That’s when my idea for a time travel story converged with an Egyptian fantasy. I would love to read a story where people in the future who were lied to by their ancestors traveled back to that time to find out what really went on. There they could discover ancient coverups and propaganda that shaped their skewed view of the past. So, I wrote it.

But being the fantasy and adventure lover I am, I had to throw in a magical scarab competition with The Mummy and Indiana Jones vibes. And, of course, what better era to set the future timeline of my novel than a fictional 1920s when Egyptomania ran rampant?

Thus, Karabos was born, a story of a magic scarab hunting girl who tries to save her family but accidentally drags her reluctant teammate into unstable trips to the past during a dangerous archaeology competition.

I am beyond excited for readers to go on this wild journey with Winslet and Rafe. My hope is that through their story you’ll come away looking at time, and our Creator who stands outside of it, with a renewed sense of wonder.

About the Author

Lyndsey Lewellen grew up on a healthy dose of comic books, punk music, and sci-fi. She infuses all three loves into novels written for young adults. Inside her “what if” worlds, her characters take risks, grow, and fight for what matters. When she’s not writing or whittling down her endless TBR, she designs novel covers and paints on shoes. She lives on a small Texas farm with her best friend/husband, five children, and what some might call a zoo of animals (especially after meeting the peacocks).

Find the author HERE.

Tour Schedule

The Lofty Pages, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 31 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 1

Artistic Nobody, November 2 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 3

Guild Master, November 4 (Author Interview)

Sydney Schmied Books, November 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

Fiction Book Lover, November 6 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 7

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 8

The Bookish Ledger, November 9 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 10

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lyndsey is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER HERE

Have you read any books with a similar premise? Are you a fan of movies like Indian Jones, The Mummy, Quantum Leap, Kate and Leopold, and Back to the Future like the author?

Can't Wait for... The Magical Cheese Emporium by Sarah Beth Durst (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheMagicalCheeseEmporium #TheSpellshop #SarahBethDurst #romantasy #fantasy #romancebooks

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

This upcoming releases has a quirky title and synopsis, and looks and sounds so imaginative! It's also from an author whose books I've enjoyed. There are three books in the series before this one, but they each can be read on their own. I'm looking forward to entering this fantastical world and expect plenty of laughs and a bit of swooning. It's my pick this week...

The Magical Cheese Emporium

(The Spellshop #4)

By Sarah Beth Durst

Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Standalone

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 416 Pages

January 19, 2027 by Bramble

Summary

DELUXE EDITION―a gorgeous hardcover edition featuring beautiful butter yellow sprayed edges!

The Magical Cheese Emporium by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst is the fourth magical standalone adventure in the series that started with The Spellshop.

When Eloren joined the revolution against the empire, she didn’t expect to lose everything―or to find a safe haven in a magical cheese shop.

After the Great Library burned down and her position as Assistant Librarian with it, Eloren had no other choice but to return to the only other home that would have her: her grandmother’s shop.

Now, she’s stuck at the Magical Cheese Emporium in the remote island town of Dew, struggling to become the small business heiress she never wanted to be. But the unicorns won't let her milk them, there’s a monster in the cheese caves, and Eloren is more into books than Brie. The only good thing about coming home is reuniting with Garyn, the childhood friend and clever inventor who, at some point, got a whole lot taller―and handsome.

When Dew’s governor imposes impossible taxes on small business owners, Eloren knows one thing: she didn’t take down the emperor just so someone else could exploit good people.

Eloren, Garyn, his (mostly) helpful contraptions, and a mouse made of cheese set off to rescue the cheese emporium and all the other local businesses. And in helping to save this community, Eloren might finally realize that home is where the Havarti is.

The Magical Cheese Emporium is a fantasy romance about the places that tell you you’re home when everything burns down and daring to see old friends with new eyes. Prepare for hard work, sparkly dreams, and lots of magical cheese.

Expect:
Standalone romance
Best friends to lovers
Magical creatures
Librarian x engineer

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... The Fires of December by Brandon Sanderson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheFiresofDecember #BrandonSanderson #HoidsTravails #fantasy

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 been on a Brandon Sanderson kick binge reading his books. I'm currently on book four of his Stormlight Archive and already read the first three Mistborn books all in the past couple of months. I like that the books in this collection can each be read on their own, so if you haven't read the first two, like me, you can still jump in and read this one. It's my pick this week...

The Fires of December

(Hoid's Travails #3)

By Brandon Sanderson

Epic Fantasy, Standalone

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 384 Pages

December 8, 2026 by Tor Books

Summary

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson―creator of The Stormlight Archive, the Mistborn saga, and countless bestselling works of science fiction and fantasy―comes a new standalone novel set in his Cosmere universe.

In the next Cosmere standalone novel, Hoid has an epic tale to share: In a forgotten land sustained by colorful rivers of demon blood, a young woman named December learns a devastating plague is on its way. But who will believe her? Against impossible odds, she sets sail up the River Violet to warn the king's court, determination―and wisdom beyond her years―burning in her eyes. With a chatty priestess and a fledgling fashion designer at her side, she must navigate incredulous royal officials, twisted court intrigue, and a roguish count who might hold the key to her quest―and her heart.

The novels of Hoid’s Travails are standalone tales narrated by the worldhopping storyteller Hoid, and can be read in any order.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... Vera Wong's Vacation Hacks for Catching a Killer by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #VeraWongsVacationHacksforCatchingaKiller #JesseQSutanto #cozymystery #VeraWong

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.

If you're a fan of hilarious cozy mysteries that have quirky characters and lots of warmth and haven't dived into this series yet, definitely do! I loved the first book and still need to read the second, but I'm still highly anticipating the third. It's my pick this week...

Vera Wong's Vacation Hacks for Catching a Killer

(Vera Wong #3)

By Jesse Q. Sutanto

Cozy Mystery, Women's Fiction

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

April 20, 2027 by Berkley

Summary

Nosy shopkeeper turned amateur detective Vera Wong can’t resist solving a murder, even while she’s on vacation, in this delightful mystery from USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Chinese mother and detective extraordinaire Vera Wong delights in meddling, which happily has led her to solve not one, but two murders. And the internet seems to agree that she has found her calling in sleuthing. It’s the ideal side hobby for when Vera isn’t running her teahouse in bustling San Francisco. So is her recent discovery of the joys of social media, where she shares updates about the teahouse—and her cases—with her millions of followers.

All that work has earned Vera a much-deserved break. A Parisian vacation, to be exact. Though it helps that this vacation is almost entirely funded by the loads of gifts that her fans keep sending as tokens of their adoration. How could she have known that accepting free accommodation at a gorgeous apartment in Paris would result in a dead man lying in the middle of her Airbnb?

Clearly, it’s a sign that this murder needs Vera’s own unique brand of sleuthing. But this case might be a challenge even for Vera, as she uncovers that the victim was tangled up with a mob boss who now seems to have his sights set on her. Good thing there’s no case a little meddling can’t solve. . . .

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

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

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

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

How to Fake a Meet-Cute

By Rachel Magee

Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Sports Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

January 12, 2027 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

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

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

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

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

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

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

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

Murders in the Marquee

(Murder Most Fowl Mysteries #1)

By Dana Mentink

Historical Cozy Mystery

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

September 1, 2026 by Love Inspired Trade

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

For fans of:

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

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

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

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

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

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

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

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

Coming in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

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

You can find the author HERE.

Tour Schedule

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29

Books Less Travelled , September 30

She Lives To Read, September 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Wishful Endings, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 3

Lily’s Corner, October 4

Blogging With Carol, October 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 6

Life of Literature , October 6

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Blossoms and Blessings, October 8

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER HERE

Are you a fan of cozy mysteries? Do you have a favorite series?

Can't Wait for... The View from Here by Kasie West (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheViewfromHere #KasieWest #yalit #yabooks #cleanreads

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I've been a fan of Kasie West for a long time and am definitely ready for a fun and sweet YA romance from her! It's my pick this week...

The View from Here

By Kasie West

Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages

January 5, 2027 by Delacorte Romance

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

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

Potions & Prejudice

(The Moonflower Witches #1)

By Tee Harlowe

Cozy Romantic Fantasy

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 254 Pages

January 26, 2027 by Ace

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

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

Shadow Witness

By Janice Cantore

Romantic Suspense, Christian

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

January 12, 2026 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

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

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

The Gentlewoman Apprentice

(The Gentlewoman Series #5)

By Emily Opal

Historical Romance

Paperback & eBook, 380 Pages

September 3, 2026

Summary

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

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

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

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

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Also available in KU.

Author Interview

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

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

Would you tell us more about the main characters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are you working on next?

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

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

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

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

Tour Schedule

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

Giveaway

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

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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