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When Mikan Road Was Ours: a gripping, sincere debut novel set across four generations of a Japanese American 

320 pages Publisher Atria Books Publication date July 28, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amid a sweltering Los Angeles heat wave, Murano, a reclusive high school English teacher, is muddling through life. Reeling from his father’s sudden death as well as his own recent cancer diagnosis, he passes time hazily grading papers and appeasing disgruntled parents while counting down each day until summer vacation.

The monotony breaks when he inherits his great-uncle Benjiro’s unpublished memoir. What Murano expects to be a grim reminder of his position as the half-white son of the family’s outcast instead whisks him away to 1930s California, to a time when the Murano family was inseparable, relishing life together on their bucolic farm. As the memoir introduces him to relatives he never knew existed and unearths hidden complexities of the past, Murano is pulled close to the Japanese identity he’s dismissed all of his life. Faced with the reality of his family’s dissolution, Murano becomes determined to understand its breaking point following their incarceration in American concentration camps during World War II, no matter what hidden truths he might uncover about his ancestors or himself.

Lovingly crafted with poignant and profound attention to historical detail, When Mikan Road Was Ours is a rich meditation on belonging that seamlessly blends the intricacies of heritage, the resilience of family bonds, and the struggle to reconcile a past filled with both heartache and hope.

MY THOUGHTS

When Mikan Road was Ours really has a great depth to its writing not usually seen from a debut author.
The book is based on his family history. This is a Japanese American family, and it takes us through four generations of family members and how past generations doings are felt and have had an effect through all and up to present generations.
There is grief and struggles as the family is forced to endure things no one should. No one talks about the concentration camps anymore and time marches on and it all seems to be forgotten but it’s not. Your time here is not forgotten, and you count. Thank you to the author for an enlightening story.

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

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The Melody of Love

by Wanda E Brunstetter (Author), Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach (Author) 

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date July 1, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

A widowed mother, Amelia Miller never thought of finding love again—until she meets Christian Yoder while on a sisters’ trip to Ohio. When Christian suddenly has the opportunity to move to Indiana near Amelia, what started as a spark grows to a flame. . .but there are complications. Amelia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, doesn’t like the new man who has been coming around, and he often acts out in tantrums. Amelia’s love for her son is her priority, so romance may have to be sacrificed. Christian, though, is determined to find a connection with the boy.

Features:

  • From New York Times Bestselling Author, Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter Lorine Brunstetter VanCorbach
  • Unique story about an Amish woman who’s raising a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Story takes place in Goshen, Indiana
  • Brunstetters have strong ties to the Amish community
  • Amish fiction delivers life-changing inspiration and entertainment
  • Brunstetter’s fiction has sold more than 12 million units

MY THOUGHTS

his mother daughter team of author’s have written a fabulous book.
I read this book in one day it was just that good.
Though there have been books written about autism before there are not many written that pertain to Amish characters.
Thoroughly researched the book was very realistic I enjoyed meeting our character on the autism spectrum and seeing how compassionate his mother is giving him space when he needs it and gentle love when required.
I enjoyed seeing a second chance at love play out for our widowed characters. The pacing in this one is just right in this emotional and faither filled story that I enjoyed so much.

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

About the author

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

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The Twenty Dates Cover Reveal

Today I am delighted to share a cover reveal with you for a new to me author with a great sounding book.

The Twenty Dates
The kids have left, assuming love endures. But can yours?
Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series
Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless – smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she’d be better off alone. At least there’d be less laundry.
When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last chance: twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they’re better off together than apart.
What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming – some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she’s quietly become while she wasn’t paying attention.
As the dates tick down, Claire must decide: is the spark still there – or has their marriage simply run its course?
Pre-order Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twenty-Dates-Empty-Nesters-Book-ebook/dp/B0H5G54FXK/
https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Dates-Empty-Nesters-Book-ebook/dp/B0H5G54FXK/

Publication Date: 8th October 2026
Author Bio –
Ko Porteous lived in a tiny fishing village in the north of Scotland before moving to Edinburgh aged 10.  
Ko loves meeting people with interesting stories to tell and is constantly on the lookout for knotty story themes, particularly involving women navigating the messiness of mid-life. She has worked as a Research Chemist, Assistant Chef, Teacher and School Leader.  
As well as writing, Ko works as a Business Manager and a Funeral Celebrant.  
In her free time Ko loves to run, meditate and travel; preferably all on the same day.   
Ko has been married for 25 years, has 2 children of her own and is now navigating her own empty nest.  
The Twenty Dates is Ko’s second novel and the second book in ‘The Empty Nesters’ series.  
Social Media Links –
Instagram: @koporteousauthor
Facebook: Ko Porteous Author

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The Glass Key: The Magnificent, Epic Novel of Love, War and Secrets 

430 pages Publisher Headline Review Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 18, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

In Ireland, Maggie has grown up hearing her mother tell her the bedtime story of The Glass Key. It’s a Nordic fairytale passed down by Maggie’s grandmother Anna Swan, who mysteriously left her home one stormy night years ago, never to return. Now Maggie’s grandfather has died and going through his things, Maggie is shocked to discover a faded wartime letter, asking him to take in a baby. In that moment she realises that Anna Swan was a woman of many secrets.

Only by travelling to Norway and discovering the story of four brave young women whose lives were forever changed by the occupation of their tiny islands, can Maggie uncover the shocking truth about her family – and finally unlock the mystery of the glass key…

Wooden boat named Wanderer on stormy sea with waves and lightning near lighthouse
A small boat named ‘Wanderer’ battles waves near a lighthouse during a storm

MY THOUGHTS

This is a new to me author and it exceeded my expectations. When trying a new author, you just never know even if the book sounds interesting.
The book is just incredible. Once I started it, I became immersed in it.
The story is beautiful, it’s haunting, it has so many layers the more you read the more layers become peeled back like an onion. The characters are perfectly defined and the story well plotted. The description of Norway is stunning.
Such an emotional story, I wanted to read it quickly but yet I didn’t want it to end.
I am now going to see what else the author has out.

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

About the author

UPDATE: My third novel, THE GLASS KEY, is coming in spring 2026! I absolutely cannot WAIT to share this story with you, a tale very close to my heart and inspired by the Norwegian Arctic island my husband and I bought when we were 29. But more on that soon …

If you’re new to my work, you might like to start with THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE, inspired by a message I found scratched into the rafters of our Irish home, a two-hundred-year-old stone building perched on the edge of the Atlantic. It said: ‘When this comes down, pray for me …’ and as I held that piece of timber in my hands, I was humbled that a person’s fingerprint could transcend time and I sat down that very night to begin a story, one that I hoped would capture that feeling of discovery. THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE was a Richard & Judy book club pick and translated into 8 languages.

My second novel, THE MOON GATE, uncovers the secret behind a mysterious legacy – Towerhurst, an old house crumbling in a rainforest. It takes place across three locations: Tasmania (my home state), London (where we rented a houseboat for many years) and County Kerry, Ireland (where I now live). Each of these places is special to me and THE MOON GATE is my most sweeping and beloved book, its narratives woven together by Banjo Paterson’s poetry.

I’m also a geologist who explores the world’s remote places. I’ve worked on five continents, and spend months at a time out in the wilds. It’s an amazing job, and writing novels provides a similar sense of wonder and discovery, though the warm office, fresh food and a shower in the evening make the conditions rather more comfortable! Being an author is also the perfect excuse to regularly curl up by a fire with a great book (which I can always say is research). I treasure my reading time, and I know you do too, so thank you for taking a chance on my books.

Come over to Instagram and Twitter (@amandageard) where I share plenty of photos of the wild settings in my novels. You can also find me on Facebook (@amandageardauthor).

Thank you for stopping in.

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Can’t Wait Wednesday

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you’re continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

My choice for this week is the Golden Doves. I really enjoyed The Lilac Girls so I anticipate this will be a great read. Fall is in good time to read books that have more depth to them like this historical.

Two former female spies, bound together by their past, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II—an extraordinary novel inspired by true events from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls

American Josie Anderson and Parisian Arlette LaRue are thrilled to be working in the French resistance, stealing so many Nazi secrets that they become known as the Golden Doves, renowned across France and hunted by the Gestapo. Their courage will cost them everything. When they are finally arrested and taken to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, along with their loved ones, a reclusive Nazi doctor does unspeakable things to Josie’s mother, a celebrated Jewish singer who joined her daughter in Paris when the world seemed bright. And Arlette’s son is stolen from her, never to be seen again.

A decade later the Doves fall headlong into a dangerous dual mission: Josie is working for U.S. Army intelligence and accepts an assignment to hunt down the infamous doctor, while a mysterious man tells Arlette he may have found her son. The Golden Doves embark on a quest across Europe and ultimately to French Guiana, discovering a web of terrible secrets, and must put themselves in grave danger to finally secure justice and protect the ones they love.

Martha Hall Kelly has garnered acclaim for her stunning combination of empathy and research into the stories of women throughout history and for exploring the terrors of Ravensbrück. With The Golden Doves, she has crafted an unforgettable story about the fates of Nazi fugitives in the wake of World War II—and the unsung females spies who risked it all to bring them to justice.

528 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 18, 2023

Series Lilac Girls #4

Which upcoming book(s) are you looking forward to reading? Let me know in the comments.

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