304 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?
No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?
A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?
MY THOUGHTS
I have read many books by each of the authors, so I was excited to see a novella collection with all of these authors contributing to it. These are Christian fiction authors who wrote clean, well thought out enjoyable Christmas stories with each having a connecting theme. I loved each story equally and am grateful I had a chance to read them.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Norway, 1951: ‘I need you to know how much I love you, Amalie. I never wanted us to be parted, and I will do whatever it takes to come back to you and our baby. Please wait for me.’
London, Present day: Everything in Charlotte’s life is about to change. As she clutches a small box in her palm containing a diamond ring and a Norwegian crest, she knows she must return home to be reunited with her beloved great-grandmother Amalie and her Norwegian family.
Accepting her dream job as a head chef at Norway’s most prestigious hotel, Charlotte is welcomed by the hotel’s head designer, Harrison. For years, Charlotte sacrificed everything for her career. As she tours her new surroundings with Harrison, she soon starts to see a way of focussing on her heart too.
But when Charlotte takes the box to Amalie, everything Charlotte thought she knew about her family changes in an instant. As Amalie clutches the ring that she thought had vanished forever, she reveals a tragic love story and a precious secret that stayed buried for years.
When Charlotte discovers the huge sacrifice Amalie made to keep her family safe, will it give Charlotte the strength she needs to follow her heart? Or will she leave Norway forever?
An utterly heart-warming and gorgeous story about the importance of following your heart and never being afraid to find your new beginning. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.
MY THOUGHTS
The Lost Daughter series is one of my absolute favorite historical fiction series and I’ve read every one of them. All are a time slip which takes place in more than one time period, and it makes the book very interesting as we see the characters and events that took place with them years ago and then again, we meet them in the present time. The connecting focal point is Hope’s House for pregnant women. Every time I read a book in the series I know it’s going to break my heart, and I keep thinking if only circumstances could have been different. This one takes place in England and Oslo, and we meet Amalie at the end of her life and also get to read her heartbreaking tale of her younger days. Not all sad though we see her absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing love story of a strong powerful love that stood up to others who doubted it. In our present time we have Amalie’s daughter and great-granddaughter and how their lives are affected after they find out family secrets. A true page turner, stunning descriptions of the scenery. Magical I was caught up in the story and didn’t want it to end!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Soraya Lane graduated with a law degree before realising that law wasn’t the career for her and that her future was in writing. She is the author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction, including the #1 Kindle bestselling novels The Last Correspondent and The Secrets We Left Behind .
Soraya lives on a small farm in her native New Zealand with her husband, their two young sons and a collection of four legged friends. When she’s not writing, she loves to be outside playing make-believe with her children or snuggled up inside reading.
208 pages Sourcebooks Landmark Pub Date Oct 07 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Nantucket’s famous Christmas Stroll is always the first week of December and this year Mimi’s Place co-owners want to do something extra special for the restaurant. It will be Emma and Paul’s first Christmas together as a couple and Mandy’s first holiday as a newly divorced mother of two. Although Mandy does have a promising new relationship, she wants to take things very slow, and the holidays are for sure not the time to dive in too deep.
Their sister Jill and her new husband, Billy, are planning to spend the whole month of December on Nantucket too, juggling remote work for the executive search firm they own together in Manhattan with relaxing, spending time with family, and helping out at the restaurant too.
Gina Caruso, the awesome bar manager, is spending her first winter on Nantucket after having lived for years in Boston. It’s a bit of an adjustment―winters on Nantucket are so much quieter than the city life she was used to. She’s even more confused when someone she had a major crush on back in the city moves to Nantucket, while Jared Hawthorne, the new sous chef at Mimi’s Place makes it his mission to introduce Gina to all of Nantucket’s holiday festivities. Suddenly her boring winter is starting to look a lot more interesting.
MY THOUGHTS
This is my first read by the author and I really loved the book. I also appreciate it being a clean read a well. Three sisters inherit a restaurant and it’s their story as they run it along with other women.
The book is warm you feel a happy good feeling while reading it and surely want to recommend it to a friend. It’s a story of family and friends.
I loved seeing the support the sisters gave to each other as they all lead similar yet different lives. All have things going on, children, relationships, business but yet at Christmas time things seem a bit brighter a bit less stressful. I look forward to diving in and reading more books by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Pamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women’s fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you’d want as friends.
She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There’s also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two.
Feel free to sign up for her list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available as well as extras like early bird discounts. Just cut and paste into your browser, http://eepurl.com/IZbOH
384 pages Publisher Harper Collins Publication date September 16, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.
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As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.
Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they’re about to spend a lot more time together.
As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?
The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic, small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Enemies to lovers
Found family
Small Town
MY THOUGHTS
This is Dream Harbor book number five and it’s absolutely lovely. I’m delighted I got a chance to read it. We continue on with the same characters while adding a few new characters in to make it even better. I love having the familiarity of past characters to anchor a book. A small-town cozy spicy holiday romance.
Our two main characters have known each other for years and he’s been crushing on her this whole time, but she had no idea. They did have a bit of a romantic past that didn’t last but that hasn’t kept him from still wanting to be with her.
She’s always treated him as an annoyance and when he’s returned to town she seems to notice him, really notice him. Where have these feelings come from, she wonders, this isn’t supposed to be happening. A second chance romance that’ll have you cheering the characters to actually stay together this time. And yes, there are kittens in the book, who can resist that?
We also meet the main characters from the next book in the series, and I can’t wait to read it next Spring.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Laurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.
When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.
Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.
With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?
I’m really drawn to cute Fall covers and this one has Fall vibes on the cover and throughout the book. A nice curl up with a blanket and warm drink kind of book. An unexpected meet cute has Andi and Andrew meeting because of her adorable Husky, Pumpkin. Despite the insta attraction on both of their parts they both have partners though neither is happy in their current relationships.
Who could resist a pumpkin patch in all its Fall glory it’s really such a lovely descriptive Fall book. A spicy Autumn romance that though I enjoyed our main characters my favorite character is Pumpkin the dog, she really stole the show with her mischievous and delightful antics.
I enjoyed seeing the resilience Andi has as she sticks up for herself despite all she’s going through, and the encouragement Andrew gives her. Will a few misunderstandings derail this holiday romance, or will Andrew be just the whipped cream Andi needs on her pumpkin spiced drink? Lovely little romance I’ll be on the lookout for more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.
Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.
Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.
Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?
Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.
Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?
A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit.
For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.
Praise for the Christmas Spirit series:
‘Christmas all wrapped up!’ ‘Right from page one you are drawn into all the joys of Christmas!’ ‘A lovely story about love, friendship and hope all wrapped up in a lovely Christmas jumper!’ ‘You can taste the hot chocolate, see all the Christmas lights and feel the warmth of a Christmas hug.’
This is a new to me author which in my opinion is so fun to try especially when it’s a Christmas book. I felt happy and content while reading the book. It really has a lot of Christmas spirit within its pages. The characters kept me reading and the welcoming Sugar and Spice Cafe is sure to have you wanting to stop in. A lot of the story takes place in the cafe. The cafe is such an important part of the story as friendships and romance are formed and strengthened there. Charming small-town Christmas romance that has me wanting to read the rest in the series now.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio –
Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction and romantic comedies, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship, community – also Christmas!
Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, The Leap Year Proposal and You Can’t Hurry Love
As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.
When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.
Giveaway to Win a signed and dedicated paperback of A Taste of Christmas Spirit (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
384 pages Publisher Harper Collins Publication date March 18, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
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Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.
As a world-renowned chef, single dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.
Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when it’s suggested that Archer is looking for a live-in nanny, she almost runs in the opposite direction.
Now, Iris finds herself in a whole new world. One where her gorgeous new boss lives right across the hall and likes to cook topless… Keeping everything strictly professional should be easy, right?
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a cozy romantic mystery with a single dad and found family dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes
Found Family
Single Dad
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
MY THOUGHTS
So, when I read the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, I absolutely loved it, and I was really hoping it wouldn’t be a stand-alone and thank goodness it wasn’t. Now I have several others to read still in the series because other books reading obligations got in the way.
Now I need to read the others very soon because who wouldn’t want to continue with this amazing series. I must say the covers are beyond cute and have really drawn me to them. In this one, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House we have a man, a professional chef more comfortable whipping up a fabulous new recipe than dealing with children.
Well, that’s about to change when Archer is informed, he has a five-year-old daughter he’s known nothing about, and the mother has passed away. That’s all about to change when the best course of action is the little girl moving in with him.
Fatherhood leaves him in a frenzy, and he must hire a nanny for help, and their meeting is so disastrous that it’s hilarious. When that’s ironed out, we have grumpy meeting sunshine kind of book.
She’s never taken care of a child before becoming his child’s nanny and has some self-doubts about handling things right but as we all know children don’t come with instruction booklets.
Having children in a romance book can make or break the book but I loved the little girl here, Olive. Such a smart girl and a fun personality. The characters are realistic as is the setting.
The Dream Harbor series is really great, and I love all the characters I’ve met so far. Characters that are down to earth and you just feel like you could meet up for a cup of coffee and have a great friendly chat. Can’t wait to get started on more books in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Laurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
Hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.
283 pages Sep 21 2022 publication date Boldwood Books
ABOUT THE BOOK
Cassie Lewis, a widow for over 20 years has begun to realise there must be more to life.
In-between working at the family boatyard in picture perfect Dartmouth and raising two children, she wonders where the years have gone.
Both her children, Tom and Polly, have inherited their father’s love of sailing and currently Tom is preparing for a gruelling round the world race. When an accident forces Tom to pull out, Polly, to Cassie’s horror, insists she is capable of taking his place.
As Polly prepares for the race, Cassie unexpectedly finds herself with two keen and eligible men vying for her love.
With her BIG 5-0 birthday approaching Cassie knows she has some big decisions to make but will the worry over Polly’s safe return, cloud her judgement?
sail boat racing
MY THOUGHTS
It’s been over 20 years since her husband passed away. Cassie is running a boatyard and keeping up with her two children have given her plenty to do but she’s had a reawakening and feels like it’s time to start devoting some time to herself now that her fiftieth birthday is right around the corner.
Both of her children have inherited their father’s love of sailing and Tom is about to do one last sailing race around the world before retiring from sailing and welcoming his first child.
Before that can happen, a freak accident sidelines him and he’s unable to compete. Polly, his sister insists on taking over the racing though she’s less experienced.
We see some highs and lows in the story that can be a bit emotional at times. Fun relaxation read. I love how the author turns ordinary characters into ones you’d enjoy spending time with as they sound so relatable.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Bohnet is the international bestselling author of twenty-two novels, including ‘A French Inheritance’,’Secrets Beneath A Riviera Sky’,’A French Adventure’, ‘Summer at the Château’, ‘Villa of Sun and Secrets’ and ‘A Riviera Retreat’. Jennifer’s 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.
352 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date January 21, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.
Inga Klein’s carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America’s ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.
As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict’s determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga’s only hope of escape from the impending war.
MY THOUGHTS
One thing I love about the author’s books are the historical details given in each book, the more the better. I can so easily visualize what is happening in each of her books and it makes the stories come alive for me. From all over New York to Germany there is a lot of adventure to be had for our main characters. Oh, so many adventures some delightful some taken warily as WWI is about to happen. Twists and turns happening that had me even thinking about the book while not reading it. The most unlikely couple you could think of, an opposites attract team really, hit it off though we wouldn’t think it so at first. A high energy keep my attention book which I really loved!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
302 pages One More Chapter Publisher Publication date August 22, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
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One determined party planner + one grumpy pumpkin farmer = a fall to remember…
Given the chance to plan her bestie’s 30th birthday bash, Wren Southwick is determined to create an experience so big and so bold that the name of her party planning business spreads beyond the confines of her own small town.
The key to her plan? The Finch family’s Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm. It’s not just the perfect venue but also the perfect supply partner for the autumnal-themed bash Wren envisions. But to get what she wants – and needs – she’ll have to get gorgeous grouch August Finch on board.
The table is set, and the battle is about to begin … but who will fall first?
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MY THOUGHTS
I was really drawn in by the cute cover and the idea of a pumpkin farm. If you’re ready for a fall read giving you all the fall vibes, you want then this is it. Did I mention it includes plenty of coffee too? Can’t go wrong there.
An energetic party planner and a pumpkin farmer, doesn’t sound like it’ll work but this couple has a little Fall magic on their side. Loved the setting of the pumpkin patch and could easily picture the whole field covered with pumpkins of every shape and size.
The author wants to be inclusive as our MMC is autistic and she covers it well. There are other things dealt with, and the author does a good job of it. Nice fall read to relax with while drinking a favorite Fall drink cuddled up with your cat.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Author of the Mr and Mrs series! (Book I out on KU and Amazon now!)
Romance and Fantasy author with a desperate need for books with pining men 😉
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