Clara’s dance school is finally open, much to the excitement of the residents of Sunnybrook. The stress-busting, lights-off ‘Dancing in the Dark’ sessions are a big hit with the Little Duck Pond Café girls. But when the school is threatened with closure, will Clara’s dream be over before it’s even begun? Love is in the air for new recruit Anika, but could her dreams of romance be about to turn sour, too?
Such a true delight to once again read a story in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. I’ve read all or just about all of them and there are quite a few. I always eagerly look forward to reading each and every one of them. At this point the characters have become like friends and it’s so nice to pop in for a visit every so often.
A new dance school has opened, and Sunnybrook’s members are delighted but could it truly be over even before it sems to have begun?
Strong and supportive relationships are formed which I loved seeing. A little bit of drama , a little bit of romance, new relationships being forged and the kind of friends you want to have on your side . Loved this story and I look forward to more upcoming books in this truly lovely series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio – Rosie Green is the author of the popular Little Duck Pond Café series, set in the fictional village of Sunnybrook. Watch out for more drama and romance in ‘Autumn Wishes & Fireside Kisses’ and ‘A Merry Little Christmas’, which will be published in October and November 2025.
352 pages publisher Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing | Margaret K. McElderry Books Publication date September 2, 2025 Reading age14 years and up
ABOUT THE BOOK
Gilmore Girls meets Jenny Han in this autumnal teen rom-com about a city girl stuck in a quaint small town who must confront her future and her old flame while the town prepares for an annual fall festival.
Ellis has a plan: spend her senior fall prepping her application for Columbia, get into their journalism program, and set the foundation for a respectable career. So when her parents announce that not only are they separating, but Ellis has to move with her mom from New York City to Bramble Falls, Connecticut, to live with her aunt and cousin, it couldn’t come at a worse time.
From past summers spent in Connecticut, Ellis knows Bramble Falls is idyllic and charming. But it also seems to be full of distractions. There’s local barista Cooper Barnett, Ellis’s one-time best friend and first kiss who now wants nothing to do with Ellis. And then there’s the Falling Leaves Festival, a local autumnal celebration run by Ellis’s aunt where people from all over come to see Bramble Falls’s beautiful foliage. The house is stuffed with decorations, and every conversation seems to center around the festival.
Dragged to every oh-so-charming event from apple picking to pumpkin carving, Ellis can’t stop bumping into Cooper…or falling for the quaint town and its quirky residents. As her return to Manhattan gets repeatedly delayed, Ellis finds herself caught between two very different places—and the futures they represent.
MY THOUGHTS
Falling Like Leaves is a teen-age rom com. Picture this, Ellis is a total city girl. More comfortable with the blare of traffic, sirens and the congestion of people everywhere. New York City is home, she’s happy there and looking forward to her senior year of high school and already has her college planned out there as well.
So, when her mother says they must move to Bramble Falls, Connecticut because she and her father are separating, she feels like she’s been hit by a truck as the surprise is so great. Sure, she’s been to Bramble Falls to spend the summer a few times but to move there for good is just unimaginable.
Bramble Falls to me sounds idyllic, with its country charm, quiet, peaceful small-town vibes and everyone into decorating for Fall it sounds superb. When the guy she had a crush on previously wants nothing to do with her she shouldn’t be surprised as she wasn’t the nicest to him.
She adores her father and will do anything to win his approval even though they live separately now, she also finds her mother most annoying. As the story progresses, we see some hard truths come to light as she realizes things may not be exactly as she had assumed.
She does make some pretty rash decisions, and I believe this is because she’s a teenager and doesn’t have the maturity to think of the long-term consequences of her actions.
I enjoyed this fun book and will continue with the series as it releases.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Misty Wilson is the author of Falling Like Leaves and the award-winning middle grade graphic memoir Play Like a Girl. Misty is a teacher, registered nurse, and a voracious reader. She loves binge-watching television series and adores rom-coms. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and their two daughters.
240 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . .
With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year’s Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland–and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall–blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.
Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year’s dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?
Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds.
MY THOUGHTS
What an absolutely lovely book A Sea View Christmas is. It is the last book in the On Devonshire Shores series. I’d recommend reading the series in order as each book builds off of the previous one.
I loved the whole series, the location and the characters. The sisters show so much growth and maturation, and I loved seeing these godly women have the support of their family in all they’ve done.
The books are full of laughter, compassion and a few tears along the way. We have a book devoted to each of the sisters. Family bonds are strengthened, and we see a second chance at love occurring. This holiday regency explores the customs involving Christmas time and romance and is a true delight. Though I am sorry to see the series end I greatly look forward to the next book by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit http://www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.
282 pages Publication date June 17, 2025 Publisher Bethany House Publishers
ABOUT THE BOOK
On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?
After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead’s life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben’s sudden interest in finding her.
When Ben’s motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map’s secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.
MY THOUGHTS
It’s been a few months since I’ve read the first book in the Golden State Treasure series, and this picks up right where the first left off. There are a lot of characters and a lot going on, so much crammed into one book. The first bit of the book is a recap of the first book and then the action picks up and goes nonstop til the end. There were a lot of surprises in this fast-paced book, but I loved it and the descriptions of the rural land, treasure hunting and family. A clean Christian historical fiction that has me looking forward to the next exciting book in the series.
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. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages and Sophie’s daughters, and has man other books.
She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.
Find Mary online at:
Her website: maryconnealy.com
Her blog for aspiring writers: Seekerville
Her blog for lovers of western romance: Petticoats & Pistols
Sign up for her newsletter at maryconnealy.com/newsletter
Mary is on Facebook at facebook.com/maryconnealy
And Twitter at twitter.com/maryconnealy
Thank you for stopping in. I hope you are having a wonderful day!
survived chronic illness and a cheating ex. Surely I can resist one charming hockey player…right?
Clara Working as the social media manager for a pro hockey team is all fun and games—until you trip into the arms of their biggest flirt during a livestream. Now the fans are shipping us, my boss is thrilled with the engagement, and I’m stuck dodging feelings for Cade Lennox, aka the certified charmer. The problem? My contract says he’s off-limits. My heart, unfortunately, didn’t get the memo.
Cade I came to this small town to turn over a new leaf. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. All bets are off the second Clara Johnson literally stumbles into my arms and straight into my heart. She’s focused, loyal, and the most beautiful challenge I’ve ever met. All I have to do is prove I’m worth the risk.
***
Offside and Off-Limits is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. It’s a forbidden love story between one flirty hockey player and the team’s social media manager in this small town romance with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.
Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.
MY THOUGHTS
Small town Maple Falls considers itself lucky as it has a lot going for it with a pro hockey team. And you know what that means, yeah hockey players but there’s one who has turned over a new leaf. Tired of the partying lifestyle and endless flirting with a different woman all the time, Cade Lennox is ready for something new. Clara Johnson, social media manager of the team should be used to being around the guys and taking lots of pictures but when an assignment has her literally falling into the arms of Cade Lennox it’s over. Will this be her downfall, the hockey player with a smile and flirting for all the ladies, could he possibly be ready to find the one? I’ve read a few other hockey romances, and I’ve enjoyed this one just as much. A closed door romance we see a hockey player who gives it his all not only on the ice but in this fast paced and fun romance.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Kate O’Keeffe is a USA Today bestselling author known for her fun, feel-good romantic comedies brimming with humor, heart, and happily ever afters. A native of New Zealand, Kate has crafted numerous popular series, garnering a devoted international readership.
With a flair for witty banter and irresistible heroines navigating the ups and downs of modern dating, Kate’s novels showcase strong friendships, comedic entanglements, and the of course sometimes bumpy but always hopeful road to love.
When she’s not writing, Kate can often be found reading romcoms, binging her favourite shows, or spending time with her friends and family in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand.
When Jessie Gibbs meets Lemuel Sanders, she thinks she has finally found her ideal man—until she discovers that he is the ghost of a Civil War soldier. For 144 years, Lem has kept vigil at his unmarked battlefield grave, seeking someone to complete a personal mission so he can go to his final rest. As love grows between them, Jessie is torn. If she succeeds in fulfilling Lem’s wish, she’ll lose him when he passes into the afterlife. But if she fails and he remains in the world, she’ll never be free to find intimacy with a living man. A riveting story of passion and selfless devotion, Stones River shows the power of love to overcome all obstacles—even death itself.
MY THOUGHTS
Stones River is written by a debut author and one to keep an eye on. The writing has very much impressed me. This is a time slip novel but yet so much more. The author contributes a fresh take on the same old civil war story one that caught and kept my interest.
There have not been as many historical fiction books written in the past several years pertaining to the civil war as more are being written about WWII. Civil war history has always been a favorite topic of mine and this writing has been a welcome change.
A time slip we get a modern-day civil war reenactment as our start which includes a woman having a paranormal experience. I haven’t really read much as far as paranormal romance, but this one was really really good. We see many civil war stories from a woman’s point of view, but this one is from the man’s point of view during the civil war time period.
We see day to day activities of the civil war, and I love books that are full of details. It makes the reader feel as though you are really there experiencing it with the characters and you feel included.
Emotional, romantic, full of compassion and very interesting. I can’t wait to see what the author will put out next.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
M. F. JONES is a former editor for Viking Press book publishers, where she discovered Judith Guest’s bestseller Ordinary People in the slush pile and became its editor. She then moved to magazines and held senior editorial positions at Redbook, Family Circle, and Reader’s Digest. In addition to writing, she’s a devotee of reading, knitting (while listening to audiobooks), choral singing, and hiking with her rescue dog, Ruby. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, composer Douglas Hedwig. STONES RIVER is her first novel, and the first book in THE SENTINEL HEART TRILOGY.
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“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” Anne Frank
294 pages Publication date September 9, 2021 Boldwood Books publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
After tragically losing her husband, Nicola Jacques and her teenage son Oliver relocate to his father’s family’s olive farm in the hills above the French Riviera.
Due to a family feud, Oliver has never known his father’s side of the family but Grandpapa Henri is intent that Oliver will take over the reins of the ancestral farm and his rightful inheritance.
Determined to keep her independence from a rather controlling Grandpapa, Nicola buys a run-down cottage on the edge of the family’s Olive Farm and sets to work renovating their new home and providing an income by cultivating the small holding that came with the Cottage.
As the summer months roll by, Nicola and Oliver begin to settle happily into their new way of life with the help of Aunts Josephine and Odette, Henri’s twin sisters and local property developer Gilles Bongars.
But the arrival of some unexpected news and guests at the farm, force Nicole and Aunt Josephine to assess what and where their futures lie.
This book was previously published as The French Legacy.
MY THOUGHTS
Such a lovely holiday beachy read. Taking place in France mostly I enjoyed reading about the foods and customs. Lots of personal growth of characters and a few surprising romances come out of the book. Ends up finishing up at Christmas time. The author’s books are fun and fresh a read that’ll make you forget about everything else while reading. I’ve read a few by the author and will be reading more soon.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Hello!
If you’re already a reader of my books welcome, and if you’re just checking out my novels, I hope you find something you like.
I currently live in Brittany but I have three places I often refer to as ‘home’: Devon, Brittany and the South of France. Having lived in all of them I know certain areas like Dartmouth, Finistere, Cannes well and they are the places where I like to set my stories.
My stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives – but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before.
146 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Beverly Lewis, the number-one bestselling author of Amish fiction, delivers a delightful Christmas novella of faith, romance, and heartwarming holiday traditions.
With the holidays approaching, Liz Lantz is dedicated to using her Hickory Hollow buggy tour business to share God’s love with the Englisher tourists who visit her Lancaster County community. But when her father and brother are called away for a while, Dat finds a young Amishman to assist her on the tours in her brother’s place, much to Liz’s dismay. Regardless, the popularity of her Christmas House Buggy Tour means she could use the help, so as the countdown to Christmas begins, she works alongside Matthew Yoder, who quickly takes a genuine interest in the tour customers–and Liz.
As an Englisher family in Hickory Hollow expresses their festive spirit with a lavishly decorated house for the second year running, Liz’s Amish community becomes increasingly concerned about attracting unwanted traffic and attention, and Liz wonders if there is any way to bridge the gap to help the new neighbors feel welcome. At the same time, she grapples with her growing feelings for Matt, whose position with her is only temporary. Can she find a way to bring harmony to Hickory Hollow in time for Christmas?
Beverly Lewis’s homespun Amish romance will draw in readers who love family, small towns, and Christmas festivities. This charming holiday novella brings cheer and faith for the winter season.
MY THOUGHTS
I haven’t read a book by the author in several years and I was thrilled to see a new Christmas novella releasing by her this Fall.
The writing was just as I expected, faith filled, fun, and a little romance. This is Liz Lantz’s story. Liz Lantz gives the Englishers buggy tours in her Lancaster Amish community all the while spreading God’s word while doing so. So, when her father and brother are unexpectedly called away right during the peak Christmas busy season Liz is worried her business will have to be put on hold.
What she doesn’t expect is her father to arrange for a handsome Amish man to go with her as she gives the buggy tours as her brother’s replacement.
Such a beautiful story full of kindness, gentle reminders and it will leave you feeling happy and full of good Christmas cheer.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’ve had my nose in a book, for as long as I remember. When I was about 9 years old, I started writing my own stories. By sixth grade, I’d hand-written a 66-page semi-autobiographical book titled, “She Shall Have Music.”
After I was married and our three children were in middle school, I began submitting articles and short fiction to various magazines.
My first book (Holly’s First Love) was published in May 1993, the start of a 14-book series for pre-teen girls. Soon after, my first chapter book was published for 7-10-year-old readers (“Big Bad Beans”) which later became part of my 24-book series, The Cul-de-Sac Kids. I wrote another long-running series for girls, titled “SummerHill Secrets,” which was set very close to Neffsville, PA, where I grew up–near the heart of Amish country.
But it was the story of my grandmother Ada Buchwalter’s shunning by her ultra-strict father and subsequently her old order Mennonite community that nudged me toward writing adult fiction. THE SHUNNING was published in 1997 by Bethany House Publishers, and along with its sequels, has touched a nerve in millions of readers intrigued by the Plain tradition of Lancaster County, PA. Many readers have enjoyed the Hallmark Channel’s adaptation of this book and the other books in the Heritage of Lancaster County series.
My passion for Amish-related stories continues to keep me up at night, and I’ve written over three dozen novels for adults set in Lancaster County.
When I’m between writing deadlines, I enjoy hiking in the Rocky Mountains with my husband. Cooking from scratch, playing Mozart at the piano, and making family memory albums, as well as traveling to meet my devoted readers during book tours, are some of my very favorite things. I also adore reading biographies and memoirs, as well as classic literature.
304 pages Publisher Kensington Publication date October 28, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
The second eldest, Beth Schrock always believed herself the most level-headed sibling. After all, in the wake of their parents’ divorce, it was she who emerged as the caretaker and steadying presence. Yet after almost two years in Ohio, Beth’s life remains the most unsettled.
Unlike her younger sister and brothers, Beth has yet to become Amish, or fall in love, much less marry. Still, she is about to take on the biggest responsibility of them all. She is going to be a mother. A single mother. While she’s not proud of her actions, she is excited, and hopeful about the sense of purpose this change will bring.
When Beth happens to meet family acquaintance Junior Lambright, they bump heads a bit. But after she takes a part-time job at his successful candle factory, it doesn’t take long for sparks to ignite—or for Junior to decide to be the friend Beth clearly needs.
Still, neither expects a romance. Ten years older than Beth, Junior seems content to devote himself to work and his two senior Labradors. And as Beth’s due date looms, she must choose a path. She considers returning to Cleveland and her high-paying, high-stress, realtor job. She could hire a nanny. But she’d miss so much about Walden—including Junior.
And then, Junior proposes.
Beth is sure Junior’s sweet offer is only to save her reputation. . . . Unless, like her, Junior is also yearning for something more. With faith, and the courage to open their hearts, they might soon find out . . .
MY THOUGHTS
I love that the author is doing an alphabet series. It’s so much fun as we once again meet up with the four Englisher siblings who after moving to Ohio and their Amish grandparents farm must decide if the Amish way of life is actually for them or the English world has too much of a hold on them. This is sibling, Beth Schrock’s story. Second oldest in the group she’s the rock, the one the others come to for comfort and who always seems to have the right advice. So why is she feeling so unsettled after finding herself in an unexpected situation? Beautifully told story with both Amish and English characters We see the vulnerability in a character everyone thinks of as strong but sometimes we all need a little help. I enjoyed seeing relationships blossom and grow including a special and unexpected one. Faith filled Amish romance. Loved the characters and look forward to the next in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.
Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.
She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.
Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.
With help from the Little Duck Pond Café girls, Rosie’s Spice Kitchen is becoming a firm favourite at the Lockley Meadow farmers’ market. But when shocking things start happening and a face from the past stirs up memories she would rather forget, widow Rosie’s hopes for a better future for her and her little daughter, Amelie, are suddenly dashed. Has someone discovered her devastating secret? The secret that is preventing her from moving on and finding love again? Meanwhile, new mum Ellie and step-daughter Maisie are both hiding emotional secrets of their own . . .
MY THOUGHTS
Another Little Duck Pond Cafe book. What can I say, well maybe just how I love them so much. I’ve read all or just about all of the many books in the series and I never get tired of them. Always upbeat, always encouraging.
What I really love about the books is how realistic they are, all contain a touch of drama. And as in real life it makes the stories more believable. I wouldn’t enjoy reading a book with no tension of some kind, we need things going on in the story and this series really delivers.
I loved seeing the growth of the characters and how things were worked out. Such wonderful character development. I’ll be coming back for more and can’t wait to continue on with this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio – Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for DAYDREAMS & DOUGHNUT CAKE, out in June 2025, and TEACAKES AND TANGOS, which will be published in August 2025!
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