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Riches Beyond Measure: Christian Historical Western Frontier Romance with Adventure, Cowboys, and a Treasure Hunt (Golden State Treasure)

288 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date

October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead?

When an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with that of Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie’s family ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance.

The aftermath of the earthquake reveals that prized artifacts from the long-sought MacKenzie’s Treasure have been stolen from the ranch. But the return of the MacKenzie family from out east has everyone focused on what other precious finds might be waiting at the end of the legendary two-part map. As Cord, Annie, and the MacKenzies set out in search of riches, they face dangers more treacherous than earthquakes. With gold in their sights and love within reach, Cord and Annie realize that some treasures may fade, but life’s true riches are far more valuable than earthly goods.

Embark on a rousing California wilderness adventure filled with danger, deception, and second chances in this riveting conclusion to Mary Connealy’s Golden State Treasure series–ideal for fans of frontier romances, cowboys, and treasure hunts.

MY THOUGHTS

Riches Beyond Measure is the conclusion to the Golden State Treasure series by Mary Connealy.
You know this one is going to be full of adventure when it starts out with an earthquake.
There were so many twists and turns and suspense that I could hardly put it down.
Despite this and a character or two not having the best of intentions towards others I loved this series and the excitement. Cowboys, treasure hunting, an old ship the excitement just keeps going. I enjoyed the characters and the men were so protective of their ladies and with new relationships being forged life does move on after loss. Nice faith-based novel and I will certainly be looking forward to many more by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of over 80 books and novellas.

Her most recent book series is: Rocky Mountain Marshals including Ambush of the Heart, and Golden State Treasure, including Whispers of Fortune and Legends of Gold, and Riches Beyond Measure.

Other series include A Western Light Series, Brothers in Arms, Wyominng Sunrise, The Lumber Baron’s Daughters, The Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing, an indy pubbed series called Garrison’s Law, and many novellas.

Mary has over a million and a half books in print.

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Can’t Wait Wednesday!

CAN’T WAIT WEDNESDAY

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these posts so I thought it would be fun to get back into it again!

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

This week I am waiting for a book I was just approved for today on NetGalley.

320 pages Publisher Thomas Nelson Publication date August 4, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

From USA TODAY bestselling author Kathleen Fuller comes a cozy, kisses-only romance about fresh starts, fall leaves, and finding love right next door, perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Sarah Adams.

Via Dalton has sworn off men to focus on the two things she loves most: her quirky cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, and the charming town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. But her peaceful world is shaken when Earl Brewster, the owner of the beloved Second Chapter Books next door, passes away. Via is determined to buy the shop and preserve Earl’s legacy, but her plans hit a snag in the form of a tall, handsome, and completely unexpected heir.

Leo Brewster’s life is thriving in LA, and the last thing he needs is an inheritance in the middle-of-nowhere, Ohio. But the alternative–letting his estranged mother inherit–has him packing his bags to receive the inheritance, quickly sell it off to the highest bidder, and hightail it back to LA. What he didn’t count on was the list of stipulations in the will that has him staying in the small town for a month. Oh, and the determined, sunny café owner next door who refuses to let him destroy the town’s heart without a fight.

Desperate to convince Leo the bookstore is vital to her community, Via challenges Leo to complete her Autumn Bucket List. As they navigate corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals, Leo begins to see the magic in Pecan Corner–and in Via. Despite her vow to stay single and his plan to leave, the attraction between them simmers like hot cider.

Can a season of small-town charm convince a city boy to stay, or will Via lose both the bookstore and her heart?

Grab a warm drink and curl up with this delightful grumpy/sunshine, opposites-attract story of unexpected love and small-town charm.

Have a wonderful day!

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Black History Month Read: Against the Currant: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery (Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries Book 1)

304 pages Publisher St. Martin’s Griffin Publication date

January 24, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, New Lyndsay Murray is opening Spice Isle Bakery with her family, and it’s everything she’s ever wanted. The West Indian bakery is her way to give back to the community she loves, stay connected to her Grenadian roots, and work side-by-side with her family. The only thing getting a rise out of Lyndsay is Claudio Fabrizi, a disgruntled fellow bakery owner who does not want any competition. On opening day, he comes into the bakery threatening to shut them down. Fed up, Lyndsay takes him to task in front of what seems to be the whole neighborhood. So when Claudio turns up dead a day later?murdered?Lyndsay is unfortunately the prime suspect. To get the scent of suspicion off her and her bakery, she has to prove she’s innocent?under the watchful eyes of her overprotective brother, anxious parents, and meddlesome extended family. What could go wrong?

MY THOUGHTS

The start of a brand-new cozy mystery series.
First let’s start off by saying the titles of these cozies are just so clever.
A new woman owned business (with help from her family) opens in Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, New York. I loved seeing how this family comes together, especially Grandma to keep their culture connected to their Grenadian roots. The West Indian bakery is a way to stay connected to the neighborhood and everyone in the neighborhood is excited for its upcoming opening. The line is long on opening morning and every morning after.
Everyone is happy except for another local baker who is worried about the competition and tells her to back off.
When her reply is seen as a threat and then he winds up dead shortly after this young entrepreneur is prime suspect number one.
Sleuthing and baking seem to go hand in hand for a while as the case gets solved.
I enjoyed seeing the closeness of the family and the delicious foods and cultures being talked about in the book. Entertaining read. Delicious sounding recipes included.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Olivia Matthews is the cozy mystery pseudonym for national best-selling and award-winning author Patricia Sargeant.

Patricia’s work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews. She’s also been interviewed on podcasts including Destination Mystery with Laura Brennan, Conversations LIVE! with Cyrus Webb, Read You Later with Lasheera Lee and Katara’s Café with Katara Johnson.

Stay connected with Patricia:

Website: http://www.PatriciaSargeant.com.

Email: BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com.

Enewsletter: http://eepurl.com/cOOIPf.

YouTube: https://bit.ly/2Jmbp9E.

Twitter: @BooksByPatricia.

Facebook: @AuthorPatriciaSargeant.

Watch her author brand video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivASYzGogfs.

Patricia has been a keynote speaker and presenter at various events. She’s conducted numerous writing craft workshops for writers groups and book conferences, and offers online fiction writing courses through her The Write Spot website. To contact Patricia about attending your event, email her at BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Black History Month read: Where Wild Peaches Grow

303 pages Publisher Lake Union Publishing Publication date August 30, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control.

Nona “Peaches” Davenport, abandoned by the man she loved and betrayed by family, left her Natchez, Mississippi, home fifteen years ago and never looked back. She’s forged a promising future in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Nona even finds her once-closed heart persuaded by a new love. But that’s all shaken when her father’s death forces her to return to everything she’s tried to forget.

Julia Curtis hasn’t forgiven her sister for deserting the family. Just like their mother, Nona walked away from Julia when she needed her most. And Julia doesn’t feel guilty for turning to Nona’s old flame, Marcus, for comfort. He helped Julia build a new life. She has a child, a career, and a determination to move on from old family wounds.

Upon Nona’s return to Natchez, a cautious reunion unfolds, and everything Nona and Julia thought they knew—about themselves, each other, and those they loved—will be tested. Unpacking the truth about why Nona left may finally heal their frayed bond—or tear it apart again, forever.

MY THOUGHTS

Nona “Peaches” Davenport has grown up, moved on and has no need for her family in Natchez, Mississippi.
She knows she has all her stuff together living in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Having not been to see any of her family in fifteen years she’s satisfied to keep it that way but then she’s notified her father has passed away.
Returning means, she can no longer hide from the past, she must confront it and head on.
It’s not easy, it’s bitter many times. She deeply regrets not having visited her grandma these past years.
As she returns the feeling of betrayal rears its head and the more, she finds out the harder it gets but confront the past she must. Seeing and knowing isn’t easy. A sense of betrayal but regained closeness and forgiveness make this a worthwhile read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Cade Bentley is a novelist and editor who is also published as Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Abby L. Vandiver, as well as Abby Colette. When she isn’t writing, Cade enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She resides in South Euclid, Ohio. For more information visit http://www.authorabby.com.

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Blog Tour for The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods

ABOUT TTHE BOOK

The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods

Some houses won’t let go of the past. Some people won’t, either…

When single mum Libby is offered a life-changing sum of money to clear out an old cottage in the woods, she expects dust and decay. She doesn’t expect a house full of secrets, a room full of birds, and a woman who refuses to leave.

The handsome but stressed architect who hired Libby is also a puzzle. Why can’t Ross empty Elm Cottage himself? What can he possibly see in Libby, who has been burned by love and is wary of attachment? How can they persuade the mysterious but kindly Isobel to move on?

As Libby is pulled into the cottage’s story, she must face up to her own deepest fears. Can she help Isobel, fight the past that haunts her, and learn to open her own heart to love once more?

Jane Lovering’s new novel is a delicious, romantic mystery where secrets, love and healing weave through every page.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/CottageattheEdge

MY THOUGHTS

Down on her luck Mum, Libby thinks it’s a dream come true when she gets a job clearing a house, but this house has secrets and it’s not letting go of them easily. Even more mysterious is the man who hired her, Ross an architect. Why can’t he just get on with it and empty the house himself? Heartbreaking and yet heartwarming all at once!
I love the author’s books and have read quite a few of them. Yes, they’re romantic, relaxation books but make no mistake these books are not fluff. Each one has important thought-provoking issues.
The book starts off ordinarily enough, but we meet a character that at first, I was unsure of them they seemed a bit frightening in a sense.
But the more I got to know this character the less frightening they got, and I was intrigued by them and kept wanting to read more.
I became emotionally invested in the characters and wanted to know more.
I loved the characters and the setting and greatly look forward to reading more of the author’s books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Bio –

Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2023 with A Cottage Full of Secrets. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @jane.lovering

Twitter: @janelovering

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JaneLoveringNews

Bookbub profile: @janelovering

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Black History Month Read: That Pinson Girl


278 pages Publisher Regal House Publishing Pub Date Feb 06 2024 

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a bleak Mississippi farmhouse in 1918, Leona Pinson gives birth to an illegitimate son whose father she refuses to name, but who will, she is convinced, return from the war to rescue her from a hardscrabble life with a distant mother, a dangerous brother, and a dwarf aunt. When, instead, her lover returns with a wife in tow, her dreams are shattered. As her brother’ s violence escalates and her aunt flees, Leona must rely on the help of Luther Biggs, the son of Leona’ s grandfather and one of his former slaves, to protect her child. Told against the backdrop of the deprivation of World War I, the tragedies of the influenza epidemic, and the burden of generations of betrayal, That Pinson Girl unfolds in lyrical, unflinching prose, engaging the timeless issues of racism, sexism, and poverty.

MY THOUGHTS

An amazing book written by an author that lives in the area she writes about so she’s familiar with the area.
A southern very atmospheric book. Life was so much harder back then but that was their normal, they kept going.
Taking place in rural Mississippi, it covers many social issues taking place back then including racism.
I will be checking to see if the author has a new book out.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Gerry Wilson’s linked story collection, STORM WARNING, is forthcoming from Silent Clamor Press in October 2026. Her debut novel, THAT PINSON GIRL, was published by Regal House Publishing in 2024. Her first fiction collection, CROSSCURRENTS AND OTHER STORIES (Press 53, 2015), was nominated for the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Fiction Award.

A seventh-generation Mississippian and a child of the hill country she writes about in THAT PINSON GIRL, Gerry Wilson came of age during the turbulent civil rights era. Her short fiction has appeared in numerous journals.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Valentine’s Day Read: The Fall Risk: A Short Story

81 pages Amazon Original Stories Pub Date Mar 01 2025 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.

MY THOUGHTS

Novella length but it packs a punch.
It’s Valentine’s weekend but our mc’s are not looking for love.
She’s sworn off men, he’s her across the hall neighbor and an arborist. Recently divorced he has trust issues himself. This forced proximity quick read is a fun with witty banter and a fast-falling romantic read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Abby Jimenez is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of laugh-out-loud, pull-at-your-heartstrings romantic fiction. Her novels have sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into 28 languages. Some of her favorite highlights include a Good Morning America Book Club pick, a BOTM’s Book of the Year Award, and the Minnesota Book Award. Before her writing career, Abby was in the national spotlight as a Cupcake Wars champion and founder of Nadia Cakes bakery, which has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and amass an international following. She lives near Minneapolis with her husband, three daughters, and four dogs—all TikTok famous in their own right. Abby loves romance novels, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

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A Wager with the Matchmaker: An Arranged Marriage American Historical Romance Novel Set in 1800s St. Louis (A Shanahan Match)

352 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date May 6, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After her brother’s entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family’s safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah’s resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city’s rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan’s protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle–or a wager with the wily matchmaker–to form a match between the unlikely couple.

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoy the author’s writing, and this series is a prime example of that.
This is a special series, and I love how it’s Irish based with so many of the characters and the dialogue.
Each book in the series reintroduces us to characters from previous books we’ve met, and the stories closely follow each other.
Irish matchmaking series with closed door romance and marriage of convenience themes. I now have the last book in the series to finish.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.


MEET THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

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Hearts in Circulation: A Christian Contemporary Fall Rom-Com Book-about-Books with Forced-Proximity, Grumpy-Sunshine, and Pen-Pal Romance (Checking Out Love)

304 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date November 18, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a rundown bookmobile be the vehicle that brings two unlikely hearts together?

Little Creek’s bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Hayley Holt is afraid it’s going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touches from the vibrant librarian leave him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren’t contained within the bindings of a book.

MY THOUGHTS

The book has such a cute cover and with the title it would be super cute with a Valentine’s Day cover. Though this is the second book in the series it is my first by the author. I’ll now need to read the first.
Such a fun theme for a story, a traveling bookmobile van, a very old one. I love this idea of bringing books to rural areas with no access to books.
The characters are perfectly flawed which makes them more realistic and relatable.
The story centers around the librarian driving the rat trap of a bookmobile.
A rockslide during one of her delivery runs leaves her stranded in Turkey Grove and a whole lot happens before she can leave.
One of the characters has sensory processing disorder. Different people have different triggers for this. A grumpy-sunshine romance, the romance is spot on you can feel the genuine connection the characters have with each other and the understanding they have for each other. We can see how much the librarian enjoys her job and really puts a lot into it.
This gives you a real feel in this small-town charming country romance. I’d love to meet the characters again in another book in the series. I hope it continues.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

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Valentine’s Day Read: Sunday at the Sunflower Inn: A Heartwarming Texas Love Story (A Honey Creek Novel)

320 pages Publisher Zebra Publication date April 26, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jessica Ann McKenzie—“Jam” to everyone in Honey Creek—has fulfilled her dream of owning the best restaurant for miles around. Serving candlelit dinners to every couple in town on Valentine’s Day is a reminder of another dream, one she’s just about given up on. Until, that very night, Sergeant Tucson Smith clambers out of the muddy river and onto her land, bringing the promise of something they’ve both been searching for.

When McCoy Mason crashes on Interstate 45, he doesn’t just bust up his Mustang, his leg, and his relationship. He also loses his prospects of a job and apartment in Houston. Honey Creek, home to his estranged grandfather, offers a temporary respite, a place to recover before moving on again. After all, what permanent use could a town so picture-perfect have for a man like him?

At sixty-seven, Charles H. Winston III lives by order and routine. One of his most cherished rituals is a regular lunch date with three lovely ladies at the Honey Creek Café, including the very proper Miss Lilly Lambert. But it’s not too late to surprise the whole town—or himself—by seizing a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. And there’s no better season than spring, when the warm breeze blowing in from the Brazos River brings fresh hope and second chances to those who need them most . . .

MY THOUGHTS

Small town and charming Honey Creek, Texas has its fair share of a variety of residents but in this book in the series they seem to have caught the Love Bug!
Jessica Ann McKenzie— “Jam” as she’s known to everyone has had her dream come true opening the best restraint around. While serving candlelit dinners by candlelight, she’s also serving up romance this Valentines Day and she’s so happy to see it.
There are several different stories of love in this Valentine’s Day lovely romance. My favorite was the older couple and the youngest couple.
A lot of different vibes and emotions going on. A little drama, a bit of confusion and a whole lot of love. Lovely series of which I’ve read several books in the series already.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR=

New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author Jodi Thomas has published over 30 books in both the historical romance and contemporary genres, the majority of which are set in her home state of Texas. Publishers Weekly calls her novels “Distinctive…Memorable,” and that in her stories “[tension] rides high, mixed with humor and kisses more passionate than most full-on love scenes.” In 2006, Romance Writers of America (RITA) inducted Thomas into the RWA Hall of Fame for winning her third RITA for THE TEXAN’S REWARD. She also received the National Readers’ Choice Award in 2009 for TWISTED CREEK (2008) and TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN (2008). While continuing to work as a novelist, Thomas also functions as Writer in Residence at the West Texas A&M University campus, where she inspires students and alumni in their own writing pursuits.

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.