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The Manhattan Confessions (On Central Park Book #3): Christian Historical Fiction About a New York Historical Society Librarian Set in the Roaring Twenties 

391 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date

April 7, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

The streets of New York are brimming with secrets, and discovering the truth means navigating danger, deception, and an unexpected romance.

Ivy Malone, a New-York Historical Society librarian, is dedicated to preserving Manhattan’s rich history, but when society grand dame Adeline King anonymously reveals her shocking life story, Ivy finds herself holding a highly coveted secret. Burdened with the responsibility of keeping Adeline’s identity hidden, the matter grows increasingly complicated when two men claim ties to the elderly woman–one of them accusing Adeline of involvement in a crime.

Another dilemma brews when Ivy’s Italian cousin, Gina, is detained at Ellis Island for lack of proper documentation. Hoping an immigration service can resolve the misunderstanding, Ivy employs their help but is instead thrust into a dangerous world. With time running out, she must unravel the tangle of secrets that bind Adeline’s past, Gina’s freedom, and her own safety. Who can she trust, and how far is she willing to go to protect those she loves?

This sweeping historical romance set against the backdrop of 1920s Manhattan, New York, and Ellis Island features family secrets, immigration, and a librarian’s quest for justice. Fans of Elizabeth Camden and Roseanna M. White will savor this story that’s perfect for book club discussions.

Vintage-style library interior with wooden bookshelves, classic lamps, and people reading at tables
Readers immerse themselves in books within a warm, vintage library setting.

MY THOUGHTS

The Manhattan Confessions is the third and final book in the On Central Park series.
Though I’ve never been to Manhattan there are a lot of historical buildings mentioned, some still standing and in use that sound like they would be fascinating to visit.
I love how well researched the authors books are including this series. Really makes you feel like you’re going back in time. This one takes place in the Roaring Twenties.
A very intriguing read this one talks about immigration and the strictness of being accepted at Ellis Island, many failed the health test or questionnaire. Along with immigration came gangs, human trafficking, the Prohibition era and immigrant smuggling. New York seems to have always been a booming area with lots going on.
The book is full of secrets and when one is revealed it’s dangerous and life changing. This book really kept me glued to it and I can’t wait to see what’s released next by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

Her books have finaled in the Christy Awards and Inspirational Readers Choice Awards, and have won gold from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, Toblerone chocolate bars, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

Visit her at jocelyngreen.com, and receive a free gift when joining her e-newsletter mailing list at jocelyngreen.com/subscribe.

Have a marvelous day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Cover Reveal for Love Always Lindisfarne by Kimberley Adams

This is a new to me author but her book sounds so good. I’m looking forward to reading this and hope you are too.

Love Always Lindisfarne
Return to Northumberland where happy ever afters await…
Take a magical trip to stunning Northumberland via the pages of this feel-good romantic comedy by award winning writer Kimberley Adams. Full of warmth and joy, it will leave you with a wide smile and a yearning to visit this iconic location in person.
When the almost unbelievable truth about Kittiwake Penaluna’s heritage comes to light, the residents are shocked, but in true island fashion they rally together to protect their fledgling chick as she faces life-changing revelations.
Meanwhile, the island mourns the loss of its beloved village butcher, and the closure of the shop on Main Street leaves a hole at the heart of the community. Then, when other businesses unexpectedly close, rumours begin to circulate about who might be behind the unsettling changes.
As familiar faces depart, new ones arrive, but not everything is as it seems. And when a despised figure from the past returns, old tensions resurface and the island is thrown into further turmoil.
Amid the chaos, Ellie and Zen finally begin preparing for their long-awaited wedding, but as always on the island, nothing goes quite according to plan. With difficult decisions to make and obstacles to overcome, they soon discover that they can weather any storm, because love always endures on Lindisfarne…

Pre-order Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GSN2GHNQ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSN2GHNQ
Publication Date: 21st May 2026
Author Bio –
Kim was born in Corbridge in Northumberland and still lives in this gorgeous corner of the world. Passionate about the area, Kim tends to set her work in the northeast, and why not considering the wealth of stunning scenery and the warm-hearted locals, both of which constantly give her ideas for future writing endeavours.
Kim’s debut Love Lindisfarne was released October 2023 and from its first cover release on social media gained momentum, taking Kim totally by surprise. Kim had never envisaged writing more than one book, but here we now are at number four, three Lindisfarne book and a Christmas novella called the Christmas Angel of the North which is about a nana and her granddaughter and set in Newcastle.
Kim finds most of her inspiration mooching around cafes across the Northeast where she ‘overhears’ some of the funniest and warmest things that are stored away for future use (anonymously of course!) If you see her, buy her some cake, then she promises never to write about you – unless you want her to of course!
Kim is very proud of her ratings on Amazon and if you want to read reviews for her previous books just pop on and you will be able to see just why Kim gets quite emotional over some of the lovely things that have been said about the books! If you do enjoy the books, please try and leave a rating or review, you don’t even have to have bought the book from Amazon, but each rating helps towards getting the system to recognise Kim and her books.

Social Media Links –
X Twitter – @kim_adamsWriter
Facebook – Kimberley Adams-Writer
FB Page – Love Lindisfarne
Instagram – love_lindisfarne
Or follow her on Amazon.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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At Morning’s Light: Christian Historical Fiction with Romance Set on the Frontier of Midwestern America (Home to Green Creek)

320 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date December 2, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

In her new homeland of Iowa, she must risk heartbreak and uncertainty for her dreams to flourish.

Maya Bredesen and her husband plan to journey from Norway to a new life at her cousin’s boardinghouse in America, but on one last fateful fishing trip, a fierce winter storm steals away her husband. With her dreams for the future crushed, Maya is left grieving on the voyage to Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother, who plans to finish his seminary degree.

Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly married couple, Maya struggles to find her place amid the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind farmer next door, but just as Maya begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her. As she and Eben weather trials together, can they overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?

This Christian fiction historical novel by Lauraine Snelling paints a heartwarming story of family and love on the Midwestern frontier for readers of frontier romance, Janette Oke, and Tracie Peterson.

MY THOUGHTS

At Morning’s Light is the second book in the Home to Green Creek series.
I have been reading this author’s books for absolutely years, and I find it fascinating that so many of the series are based on characters living in or coming to America from Norway.
In this second book in the series, we meet many of the same characters from the first book when they voyaged to America.
Coming to America is just what Maya Bredesen and her husband need for a new start.
A tragedy occurs before they can leave, a fishing trip accident and her husband is lost forever.
The voyage to Iowa sees Maya accompanied by her brother and she will live in her sister’s boarding house.
After arrival I love the willingness, the characters have to help each other. Imagine being in a country unfamiliar to you having to learn the language and customs of this country. In the area of Iowa they settle in there are plenty of other Norwegians to help them settle in. I enjoyed seeing the dialogue, types of foods and reading about the Norwegian customs they brought to America. There are trying times as our characters try to acclimate themselves to a new country. Just when Maya is sure things are getting better, she is dealt another blow. A close friend will help her through this. Out of the burning ashes a light shines through. Very realistic I enjoyed this very much.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

About the Author

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She makes her home in Tehachapi, California. Learn more at LauraineSnelling.com.

Kiersti Giron writes stories and collaborates on historical fiction series with bestselling author Lauraine Snelling. When she’s not writing, Kiersti loves drinking tea, adventuring with her family, and teaching writing and literature. Learn more at KierstiGiron.com.

Step up your dreams because you’re worth it.

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A Very Furry Christmas: Holiday Cat Tales 

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68 pages Publication date November 20, 2015

ABOUT THE BOOK

Finalist in the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Award Competition. (Florida Writers Association)

Dear Reader: Please be aware that this is not a children’s book.

Slipper’s Last Breath

For most people Christmas is a time for reflection, a time to share and celebrate with family and friends, but for some it is a time of sadness and quiet desperation. What if your soul mate, best friend and lover is no longer around to share in the season of joy and you are about to lose the last remaining link to a life you once knew and loved. Would you find the strength to survive?
Slipper’s Last Breath is a story about love, companionship and triumph over tragedy.

Some might call it a Christmas miracle, but I call it the power of unconditional love.

The Unwrapped Gift

Sometimes the best gifts are the unexpected ones. After enduring the heartbreak of a bad marriage, Beth is in no mood to celebrate the Christmas season. It’s sad enough spending the holidays alone, but watching Spice, her five-year-old Labrador retriever, mope around the house was more than she could bear. A visit to Miller’s tree farm to cheer up her canine companion leads to an unexpected find and the possibility of a new found relationship.

When she least expects it, Beth rediscovers love and the magic of Christmas.

A Charcoal Christmas

She was born under the loading dock behind Johnson’s Market and lost her mother when she was only five weeks old. One of a litter of six, she and her siblings had to learn to fend for themselves at a young age. The life expectancy of a feral cat is short, but thanks to the generosity of a compassionate store owner, the kittens were well fed and enjoying their lives. Then one day a stranger appears and takes her away from the safety of her kin. Confused and frightened, she is forced to endure an uncaring human and ultimately the forces of nature, in hopes of returning to the ones she loves.

A Charcoal Christmas is a bittersweet tale of survival, hope and loving companionship.

Christmas Mourning

A troubled priest struggling with doubts about his faith and vocation has an unexpected encounter with a stray, weather-beaten black cat. When Father Pedro decides to provide warmth and shelter for the lost creature, he has no idea how this simple act of kindness will impact his life forever.

A fluffy gray cat sitting on a snowy wooden dock during a golden sunset.
A long-haired gray cat finds a cozy spot on a snowy dock as the golden sun sets over a winter harbor.

Grab a copy here

MY THOUGHTS

I get review requests, actually multiple review requests daily. With how many I have I haven’t replied to all of them, but when the author approached me about this one I couldn’t resist. Why? Maybe it was the appealing cover, the fact it is about animals, mainly cats or that these take place around Christmas time. Whatever the reasoning behind it I am glad I took the chance on it.
These are novella length stories taking place during the Christmas/wintertime season.
In each of these there is a human that is going through grief/troubles. We all do at some point, and a cat gives these people the boost they need to see they can have a better/brighter future. I love the bond/connection we as humans have with our pets. They really are in tune with us and comfort us just when we need them to. I loved these uplifting stories and recommend them. Now I would love to read other books by the author.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

John D. Ottini was born in Northern Italy, raised and educated in Canada, and currently resides in Central Florida USA with his wife and mischievous kitty named Bella.

You can learn more about John and his writing by visiting his website – jdonovels.wordpress.com

Thank you for stopping in. Have a beautiful day.

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Easter Basket Murder: A cozy Easter holiday mystery anthology

329 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date January 23, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Put on your springtime best and grab a basket, because Easter egg hunting is to dye for in this delightful new collection of Easter-themed capers set in coastal Maine and featuring fan-favorite sleuths from the long-running, bestselling cozy mystery series by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross!

EASTER BASKET MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
Tinker’s Cove businesses are clashing over a new Easter Basket-themed promotion to boost sales, with tensions boiling over the grand prize—a mysterious golden egg crafted by a reclusive Maine artist. When the one-of-a-kind art piece is stolen, it’s up to part-time reporter Lucy Stone to investigate what turns into a deadly case . . .

DEATH BY EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS
As Bar Harbor’s annual egg hunt approaches, Food & Cocktails columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell is thrilled to introduce her grandson, Eli, to local springtime traditions—which does not include the death of the Easter bunny! With a clear-as-cellophane case of murder on her hands, it’s up to Hayley to crack the clues and scramble deadly plans before it’s too late . . .

HOPPED ALONG by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s Easter Sunday at Windsholme, a sprawling mansion tucked away on a remote Maine island, looks like it’s been borrowed from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. But when a dead body is discovered in the garden, Julia must find out if April Fool’s Day came early or if she’s caught in a killer’s twisted game . . .

MY THOUGHTS

Easter Basket Murder by
Leslie Meier; Lee Hollis; Barbara Ross is a collection of novella length mystery stories revolving around Easter and Spring and all take place in Maine.
I’ve read cozy mysteries by all of the authors and have enjoyed them all to various degrees with very different stories.
With the busyness of the Easter holiday, I hadn’t time to read it beforehand but read it all on Easter day. I have a few books by these authors I need to catch up on soon as well. Enjoyable reads.

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

Have a wonderful day!

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Amish fiction: Letters of Wisdom: Friendship Letters #3 

322 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date March 1, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.
 
Letters and Prayers Between Friends Become a Balm for Healing
 
Irma Miller thought having a family of her own would bring her joy and a sense of accomplishment, but she struggles with memories of the abuse she suffered as a child at the hand of her stepfather. When she becomes physically and emotionally abusive to her own children, she reaches out to her friend Doretta for prayer and wisdom. But Irma may find herself at an even darker emotional place before she will admit she needs professional help to heal the past traumas. Will Doretta’s letters of wisdom help Irma and her family, or will too much be broken to ever be repaired?
 
Find out in the third book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

MY THOUGHTS

Letters of Wisdom is the third and final book in the Friendship Letters series.
I just love Wanda Brunstetter’s books and I’m so glad I’m having a chance to catch up with them.
Though Doretta Schwartz no longer lives close to her friends she has started writing letters of encouragement to her friends in their times of need.
Irma Miller is a young mother, under thirty with three children and a husband often absent for days at a time with his work commitments.
She’s pretty overwhelmed. The book deals with a subject that’s pretty hard to talk about but needs talked about and gotten out into the open for healing to start. As a child she was abused by her stepfather and now she’s abusive to her children.
Wit the encouragement of those around her including her husband and friend through letters healing starts and forgiveness is given. Open and honest conversations can be hard to do but they help. An emotional story but very good.

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

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Amish Matchmakers (Amish Inn)

336 pages Publisher Zondervan Publication date October 17, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

This Amish matchmaker is an expert at finding love for others, but will she find it for herself?

Widowed sisters Esther and Lizzie are the town innkeepers—and the town matchmakers. But when a new tenant moves into a guest cottage at their Peony Inn, the sisters are shocked to discover that maybe this time, one of them might finally find a match of her own. Retired dentist Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus has signed a six-month lease at the cottage—and gentle Esther and spirited Lizzie are in a surprising competition for the kind doctor’s affections. Dr. Stoltzfus doesn’t appear to be Amish, but his last name and his mysterious background have the sisters guessing—and open to the possibility of finding love again.

Things really heat up when Benjamin’s granddaughter, Mindy, comes to visit. Escaping her big-city life in Texas, Mindy has moved to Amish country to be closer to her grandfather and to embrace the simpler life she has longed for. But she’s unprepared for what happens when an attractive young Amish man, who spends time at the inn helping out the widows, runs his lawnmower right into her little red sports car. Sure, Gabriel is cute and funny and nice—but can a romance between an Englisch girl and an Amish boy end well?

As Mindy and Gabriel find themselves thrown together time after time, they forge a friendship and start making matchmaking plans of their own. Which sister would be better for Mindy’s grandfather—Esther or Lizzie? And as the two young people put their energy into playing Cupid, it looks like love and the life they’ve both dreamed of might also be finding them.

  • Charming Amish romance featuring a later-in-life love triangle
  • Stand-alone novel, but returning to the world of The Amish Inn series
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs

MY THOUGHTS

The Amish Inn series have been such adventurous reads and it’s fun to catch up with the characters in it with the addition of new characters.
Elderly widowed sisters Esther and Lizzie run the Peony Inn, and they are the town’s matchmakers.
These sisters are fun; they bicker and are quirky as all get out. I love the sisters, they are great.
They’ve taken on a new renter in one of the cottages, a retired dentist. Though not Amish he has an Amish last name and has a few secrets he’s not ready to reveal. With a six-month lease on the cottage maybe the sisters will find out a thing or two about him.
The sisters both have been charmed by this gentle older man and appear to be in a bit of a competition over his affections.
Escaping the big city, Mindy the dentist’s granddaughter arrives for a visit to get to know her grandfather but promptly falls for an Amish man. With the possibility of young love and mature love I enjoyed reading the differences with it. The book was one adventure after another, and I’d love to see these characters in future books.

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

About the author

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.

As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth’s characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob’s Ladder. Book #1—Her Brother’s Keeper—recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.

Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bethwiseman.

Have A Wondaful day and thank you for stopping in.

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Snowed Inn: A Novel (Honeycrisp Orchard Romance, 2)

304 pages Publisher Avon a Publication date September 29, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

For fans of the Lovelight series and The Christmas Tree Farm, this cozy Christmas romance follows an overworked publicist who is snowed in at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn with her nemesis, a sexy brewery owner, for the holidays. The festive spirit, hot chocolate, and six feet of sparkling snowdrifts conspire to turn these enemies into lovers.

Maria never expected to spend Christmas in a small, snow-covered town—but a visit to her best friend Ellie’s Honeycrisp Orchard Inn turns into an unplanned holiday stay when a snowstorm leaves her stranded. The inn feels like stepping into a holiday fairy tale, with twinkling lights, crackling fires, and garlands everywhere, yet Maria can’t help missing her big, loud Italian family. Adding to her frustrations? Jesse, the ruggedly handsome, annoyingly charming brewery owner, who seems to delight in pushing her buttons.

Jesse has enough on his plate managing his bar and helping the inn stay merry for the holidays, but he can’t seem to resist Maria’s city-girl sass. As snow continues to fall and their paths keep crossing, Maria finds herself drawn into the inn’s festive magic and Jesse himself, as he shows her the charm of slowing down and being present in the moment.

With stolen glances under mistletoe and sparks flying by the fireplace, the line between a holiday fling and something deeper blurs.

But when the snow clears, will Maria follow her heart? Perfect for anyone craving snow-kissed romance, holiday warmth, and happily-ever-after magic.

Tropes:

• Enemies to lovers

• Forced proximity

• City girl x country boy

• Quirky locals

• Small-town romance

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Honeycrisp Orchard series, and it pretty much picks up where the other left off, but you get plenty of backstory if this is your first read in the series.
PR girl, Maria from LA never expected to not be able to leave Honeycrisp Orchard Inn when she went to visit best friend Ellie, owner. Lots of beautiful sparkling snow says otherwise and she’s snowed in and stuck at the inn.
It only goes from bad to worse when she sees hot bartender Jesse, who she desperately has tried to avoid this time around. Her last visit didn’t go so well, and they had words with each other.
Sledding and snowball fights along with delicious homemade cookies and hot chocolate and something she can’t resist.
When the mistletoe starts her thinking and Jesse is conveniently there, well you just never know what’ll happen.

She’s a fancy city girl he’s a flannel wearing country boy. Can they find anything in common?
Warm, fuzzy, totally charming holiday book that I absolutely loved.
Hope there’s more in the series.

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

Valerie Bowman is an award-winning romance author. Her debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.

Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her two rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.

Visit Valerie on the web at ValerieBowmanBooks

Instagram: @ValerieGBowman

Facebook: ValerieBowmanAuthor

Thank you for stopping in.

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Just for December: A festive and heart-warming enemies-to-lovers romance to curl up with

ABOUT THE BOOK

Evie Bird is a romance writer whose latest bestseller is being made into a Christmas movie.
Duke Carlisle is a world-famous actor who has landed the role of leading man.

When Evie and Duke meet on set, it’s a frosty encounter – even icier than the cobbled Bavarian streets they’re filming on.

But after images of them arguing leak to the press and put the movie in jeopardy, they are left with no choice but to fake date until the cameras stop rolling.

As the pair start to put their differences aside, their feelings gradually begin to thaw… But can sparks ever really fly in a snowstorm?

Laura Jane Williams is BACK with the most romantic read of the festive season. If you love Christmas movies like The Holiday and The Christmas Prince, this is the read to warm your heart with this December.

MY THOUGHTS

A bestselling romance author’s latest bestseller is being made into a Christmas movie.
A world-famous actor is playing the part of the leading man. It all starts going downhill when the two have a frosty meeting and can’t seem to stand each other. Bring on the fake dating so this movie is a hit. The fake dating is always a genre I enjoy reading about but in this case, it seemed well…….. fake until it wasn’t. They sure didn’t hit it off right away. I guess even the frostiest of smiles can become genuine eventually. Not sure if I’ve read any other books by the author or not.
I did enjoy seeing the main character come to an important realization about something in his life.

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

About the author

Laura Jane Williams (she/her) is known as the queen of the meet-cute. She is the author of six rom-coms, as well as the forthcoming Lovestruck (June 2023). She is also the author of three works of non-fiction.

The rights to Laura’s international bestseller Our Stop have been sold for television, and her books have been translated into languages all over the world. She loves romance, being a parent, and lifting very heavy weights.

Find out more about Laura on http://www.laurajaneauthor.com.

Thank you for stopping in.

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An Amish Cinderella (The Amish of Apple Creek) 

256 pages Publisher Kensington Publication date September 26, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

Now that her friends are all marrying or moving away, Heart Beachy has started feeling lonely. Worse, everyone keeps asking when she’s going to find a man of her own. Don’t they realize Heart has her hands full at home with her widowed dad, too many chores, and a menagerie of needy, small animals? Besides, she doesn’t understand the fuss about marriage. It’s enough to make her consider finally becoming a pet-sitter, or moving to an English community, where she won’t be an oddity . . .

Newcomer Clayton Glick is utterly charmed by Heart—and completely confounded. He can’t figure out why this beautiful woman is as awkward as a teenager whenever he’s around, which is often now that he’s an apprentice to her blacksmith father. So Clayton starts assisting with Heart’s never-ending tasks, even helping her corral her unruly pets. How else can he court an adorably flustered woman who doesn’t know the first thing about courtship? Because courting is exactly what he intends . . .

Heart doesn’t know why her pulse hammers every time she sees Clayton. She only knows yielding to such emotions will mean trouble. . . But maybe with a little faith—and the trying on of a shoe—Clayton can convince her to join him on the road to happily ever after.

MY THOUGHTS

Heart Beachy has taken over the household chores her Mama used to do before her mother’s death including doing the meals and housework. Her widowed father often grumbles about waiting for dinner though the time it’s served hasn’t changed. She’s lonely and everyone keeps asking her when she will have her own someone special. Don’t they realize with her being the only one to do the household chores and taking care of the animals there’s really no time for that.
When her father hires an apprentice in his blacksmithing shop they become friends. Clayton Glick seems to know her better than anyone and can anticipate her needs. Will a romance soon bloom from this? I enjoyed all of the characters and even the character who seemed a bit clueless comes around to seeing things the right way. Forgiveness, compassion, understanding and a few surprises here and there thrown in are all themes I enjoyed reading about in this book.
This is another author that I really enjoy her books.

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

MEET 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.

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