Blooming with Books

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Sanctuary and Sabotage ~ Review with Giveaway

2026-10-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Blog Tour for

Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sanctuary and Sabotage
Guarded Hearts #2
By Lori DeJong

Guilt over a failed mission finds Trevor Paxton returning to his hometown of Bandry, Texas, but when an emergency finds him reconnecting with a childhood friend after sixteen years, he's more than shocked at the changes in her life. Kinsley Talbot has taken over her late father's veterinary practice, turning it into a world-class operation. She's no longer the pigtailed tomboy who tagged along with her big brother Eli, and Trevor's best friend.

When a series of suspicious incidents start occurring at Kinsley's clinic, Trevor suspects someone has nefarious intentions and is targeting Kinsey or her clinic. The question is who and why. Soon Trevor has a list of possible suspects who have motives, but can he convince Kinsey to let him help her with what he does best?

Sanctuary and Sabotage is the second book in the Guarded Hearts series and is as good as the first book, but it can be enjoyed without reading the first book. This is one book I kept reading wanting to get the end just to find out who was trying to hurt or destroy Kinsey. And then waiting for Kinsey and Trevor admit to each other what was weighing so heavily on their hearts and minds, I was like, "Just say something, it's obvious that they know you are not admitting what is really bothering you." But overall, this was a good read that I'm pleased to recommend if you are looking a new Romantic Suspense option to add to your TBR pile.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Sanctuary and Sabotage
Series: Guarded Hearts #2
Author: Lori DeJong
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them.

Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future.

When Kinsley’s clinic is sabotaged and her barn goes up in flames, Trevor’s instincts tell him she's in danger. But Kinsley refuses his help, determined to protect her family’s legacy without revealing the secret that could bring it all down.

As threats close in and old feelings rekindle, Trevor makes a quiet choice that could cost him her trust. To save Kinsley, he’ll have to expose his own subterfuge—and convince her that love sometimes means standing guard, even from the shadows.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

About the Author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Lori loves to write about love and romance with a touch of suspense, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.

Lori is an ACFW Genesis Award winner, four-time Selah Award finalist, two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, has been awarded an Angel Award, and placed second in the FHL Reader's Choice Awards. She's also a member of several organizations, including ACFW, Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers, Novel Academy, CenTex Christian Writers, among others. You can visit Lori at https://loridejongwrites.com and sign up for her newsletter for writing updates, book recommendations, a monthly giveaway, and more.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus a signed copy of both Mistletoe and Malice and Sanctuary and Sabotage!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Available to purchase from Amazon.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Cascade ~ Review

2026-10-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

Cascade

The Waterfall Mysteries #3

By Linda K. Rodante

The book opens with Sid Martin and his friend Richard climbing a Waterfall early one morning while Christa Henson feels an internal prodding to head to the same area. What follows is a double shooting and unanswered questions about who and why that Sid and Christa decide to investigate.

Now this book has two main characters with a whole lot of baggage in their pasts and of course it plays into the current day. Sid and Christa develop feelings during the course of their investigation, an investigation that brings them into even more danger. There are bears, killers, and a bunch of angry people who may or may not be involved in the initial shooting.

This was a shorter read that would appeal to readers who don't wants lots of graphic descriptions. I found the romance to be a bit rushed and had a bit more kissing than I prefer, but nothing overly descriptive, just my personal comfort reading level preferrence.

I will say that it was not surprising that the victim (not Sid's friend Richard) was shot, not that I think that is the answer to handling anything, but I could see how it happened. The guy was a jerk, and that is being kind.

There are references to past relationships that were not chaste, nothing is shown just referenced. Additional issues that are referenced include spouse loss and drinking which the MCs are dealing with and are major points in their pasts that find them in the here and now of this book.

I have not read the previous books in this series but was able to easily read Cascade as a standalone title.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A fresh start in the Tennessee mountains was supposed to bring peace.
Instead, it brought a killer.

Crista Henson fled to a quiet Tennessee town to rebuild her shattered life, trading her past for a fresh start as a vacation planner and a deeper reliance on God. She wants peace. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a deadly web of secrets with enough suspects to challenge Hercule Poirot himself. She never planned on playing amateur sleuth—and she certainly didn't plan on Sid Martin.

Sid is running from his own devastating past, swearing off the wilderness forever.
But when a friend lures him back, a desperate cry for help and a brutal attempted murder force him to confront his guilt and his fears.

As their investigation expands and danger closes in, can Crista and Sid narrow the suspects in time to prevent their own demise?

Clean Romance
Brainy Mystery
Multiple suspects
Twists and turns
Suspense
Small town
Tennessee mountains
Rock climbing
Beautiful waterfalls
Swoony hero
Strong, relatable heroine
Faith and forgiveness

Throne of the Heavens ~ Review

2026-09-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Throne of the Heavens

The King's Men #4

By Connilyn Cossette

With the release of Throne of the Heavens we finally to learn more about Shay, the longtime missing cousin who has been feared dead by some. But his cousins have held onto hope for thirteen years that he is still alive.

For thirteen years Mattaniel has been a slave, rescued from an injury that robbed him of his memories, his past, and his name. Now he must tutor the daughter of the king of Tyre in the ways of a "pirate" culture to prepare her for her role as bride to a prince/king.

Elissa knows her duty, but she cannot leave her mother or sisters for a distant land of savage pirates. But how can she prove to be an unfit bride when she is being tutored in the ways of a people she doesn't know?

This set up of course is going to prove the driving force in this whole book as Mattaniel starts having dreams or memories of his past. Why now and what does it all mean. Soon the kingdom of Tyre and the royal family are facing danger and Mattaniel and Elissa form a friendship that is forbidden. Yet this very bond is about prove pivotal in this book.

This book is excellently written and could be read as a standalone if you haven't read the previous books, but is better IF you are familiar with the first three, just saying. Mattaniel's (Shay's) story is a moving one that started thirteen years ago at the age of fifteen, now he is a man serving as a slave when he was meant to serve as a priest, a Levite. A story of doing what is best for others at one's own expense, for following God's will, not one's own.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Flashes of his past life are all Mattaniel remembers from the time before he was taken captive by Sidonian traders. When a shocking revelation forces him into the service of the king of Tyre, he finds his future and his freedom hinge on a captivating woman far beyond his reach.

As the daughter of a king, Elissa knows her duty is to secure her father's ambitions with an advantageous marriage. Yet when her brilliant and enigmatic tutor uncovers a conspiracy that drags them both into a deadly game of treachery, she begins to understand that so much more is at stake. As more fragments of Mattaniel's past come to light, enemies close in, loyalties fracture, and their forbidden bond will ignite a chain of events that could reshape the destiny of nations.

The early years of King Saul's reign come to life in bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette's compelling, biblical-inspired tale. For fans of The Chosen, House of David, ancient historical fiction, Francine Rivers, Mesu Andrews, Lynn Austin, and Jill Eileen Smith.

Lorelei and the Traveler ~ Review

2026-09-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Lorelei and the Traveler

Once by Shore #2

By Sienna Peak

Author Sienna Peak has done it again, creating a delightfully engaging story that will enchant you. Well, I hope it does.

Lorelei Baird and her father are gathering a collection of stories, oral histories in rural Prussia, when Trig Hillam and Mr. Davies happen upon them. Trig is on his grand tour of Europe before he should take on the responsibilities of life. But Lorelei and the Prussian countryside have him, for once, not eager for his next adventure. Instead, he decides to help the Bairds with their project.

I loved when the group went to Herr Muller to hear his tales. It was an unusual experience for them; a trade, if you will, for the stories he kept. I refuse to say more because it must be enjoyed as written without giving away any hints.

This book can be enjoyed over a long afternoon and be read as a standalone without having read the previous one in the series. This series is a retelling of lesser-known fairy tales and legends tied to water. I love how there is a Regency aspect to them that further ties the stories together by era rather than a set locale.

This story offers a clean, wholesome, no-spice story that is suitable, in my opinion, for younger teens and up.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Where fairy tale charm meets Regency romance

Trig Hillam has been (almost) happily avoiding his impending responsibilities, spending time exploring and scaling mountains during his Grand Tour. Everything changes when he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman seated atop a rocky cliff. For the first time in months, Trig finds a reason to stay put, finding joy in a new project and especially in his growing connection to the mysterious young woman.

Lorelei Baird has spent her life helping her father collect and preserve folktales and oral histories throughout rural Prussia. Though she enjoys her work, she longs to find her place, yet she struggles to trust again after suffering an unexpected betrayal by her father's handsome assistant.

When a dangerous threat resurfaces, will Trig and Lorelei find their true place is with one another?

Lorelei and the Traveler is part of the Once by a Shore series of Regency fairy tale retellings inspired by water-based fairy tales and legends. The stories in the series are clean and wholesome and can be enjoyed in a single afternoon. Each story is a stand-alone work and may be read in any order.

Five Fall Favorites ~ Top Books of 2026

2026-09-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 11th Annual

Five Fall Favorites

2026

The Blessings of Life

Day 6

Top Books of 2026

These are my picks (of the books I have read-to-date) for

my top reads for 2026.

1) Of Sound and Silence by Madisyn Carlin

Finn Akkand feels as if his life is over when he survives an enemy attack and is left deaf. As an orphan he was always made to feel as if he was less than anything and now, he knows it. So, when a captain pulls him out of the hospital to serve as a personal guard in the royal household, he is more than surprised. Even more surprising is the fact that the king and queen approve of his appointment to protect the princess and to find a siren who is destroying their enemies. That's a good thing, right?

Nvani Lachnen has a secret, one that she refuses to share out of fear. Fear that her family will be injured if the truth is ever discovered. Fear that she will be viewed as a monster. But she cannot refuse to use the gift she was given. A gift that allows her to protect her kingdom. And the new guard hired to keep her safe is more than a problem.

I loved how this story included elements of the Twelve Dancing Princesses but was so much more than a simple retelling. No, this story took everything one would expect and crafted and molded it into something new and unique.

And there are dragons! Yes, dragons in the castle. Cute baby dragons! The dragons alone should make you want to read/listen to this book. Add in that it is a clean romance and yes, war, but absent excessive and graphic violence.

The narrator was excellent and presented the story in an engaging manner. Well worth the time and experience.

I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the second book.

About the Book:

He's a deaf soldier.

She's a princess whose voice could destroy kingdoms.

What good is a soldier who can't hear orders? War left its mark on Finn Akkand...and his hearing. Now thrust into an unanticipated role of bodyguard, Finn thinks all he'll need to do is keep the five princesses out of trouble. But his new job proves to be far from easy when he is assigned to find a mysterious creature rumored to be causing havoc on Lachnen’s shores.

Nvani Lachnen is a princess by day and a guardian by night. Carrying a royal gift that not only allows her to protect her kingdom, but must also remain hidden, Nvani works in the shadows to keep the enemy at bay…until her efforts are branded as dangerous and a price is unknowingly put on her head. As inside forces threaten not only her kingdom, but her family’s safety, Nvani is forced to accept help from unlikely allies while facing increased attacks that threaten her life.

Finn and Nvani soon find themselves navigating mischievous siblings, miscreant dragons, and enemies masquerading as allies. As the storms rise and another war threatens to erupt, two guarded hearts must learn whom to trust before it is too late.

2) A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

Her husband is the toast of the town following the release of A Christmas Carol. But for Catherine she's lost the joy of the season, viewing it as a tedious obligation to entertain, to decorate their home, to pay more, the added workload. Where Charles sees another year of traditions to celebrate, she feels loss.

But this Christmas finds Catherine being visited by herself from Christmases past. Instead of ghosts showing her the deeds and hardness that has taken root like Scrooge, she is taken by her younger self into memories of past Christmases to rediscover the joys of the day and season in the little things. By the end of the party, she has found her heart rejoicing and celebrating along with her husband and children. She understands that the very things that she viewed as tedium are initially drew her to Charles, that the things that were done yearly were traditions of joy and family something beyond the extra work she had come to view it as.

I personally enjoyed this book in audio as I commuted to work. The narrator, Evelyn McCauley, did an excellent job bringing Catherine Dickens to life, eliciting this readers empathy as she confronted the sadness that had stolen her joy, her love.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the book:

Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens,

experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation

as she magically travels through her cherished memories

to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.

By 1851, all of London has fallen in love with A Christmas Carol, heralding Charles Dickens as “the man who invented Christmas.” But for his wife, Catherine, Christmas is less of a reason for celebration and more of a burden. Between hosting lavish parties, decorating her home, and caring for her eight children—with one more on the way—she feels more like Scrooge than herself this year.

But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.

Armed with a magical sprig of holly, Kate embarks on three transformative journeys into her past, hoping to reconnect with the love she once felt for the holiday—and with herself. But can these memories be enough to reignite her Christmas spirit? Or are such miraculous transformations only meant for the characters in her husband’s beloved tales?

Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving.

3) The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White

This was such a fun read as the surprising number of books ordered for Christmas nearly overwhelms a small publishing company. With a coming together the staff manages to fulfill every order that comes pouring in. While at the same time a young woman - Tatiana Eliasdottir, who is secretly a writer, connects with Anders Johannsson - a fellow writer (and her editor - she knows who he is, but he's in the dark) over her young niece and the scurry of making Iceland's readers happy with a book-filled Christmas during the trying days under the threat of war (WW2 - 1944).

In this story, the publisher Tatiana and Anders work for is a small, self-contained community of co-workers who pull together to ensure no reader is disappointed during the Christmas season. Along the way new friendships are forged and the seeds for romance are planted, sprout, and bloom.

About the Book:

In this charming World War II historical romance novella

inspired by Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood,

an author falls in love with a man who

doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

4) The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti

Okay, I totally love The Christmas Cabin series by Danielle Grandinetti, which is set in 1930s Wisconsin. Of note, you do not have to read the books in order to enjoy them, but it is fun to do so, as there are references to previous Christmases and characters who found their way to love there.

This time we are introduced to Evangeline (Eva) Whitaker, whose older brother needs to be away over Christmas. Now Eva is known for her kind heart, and Evan doesn't trust her not to get in trouble because of this compassionate quality. So he has their old family friend escort her to another home, to strangers, to spend the holiday in their company.

Evangeline doesn't mind that Gideon Lundgren will be escorting her. Nope, she secretly had a childhood crush on him. But it's been years since they have seen one another. Of course, in the few minutes between Evan's train leaving and Gideon's arriving, Eva does exactly what Evan feared she would do. She helps out a stranger and finds herself tangled up in a robbery!

Now with a winter storm threatening their travel, Gideon outside of his deputy jurisdiction, and the robber desperate to retrieve the money he stole, Evangeline is about to have a Christmas unlike any she has ever experienced. And maybe she'll get the Christmas gift she is wishing for.

Yes, this was a sweet historical romantic mystery. Perfect for readers who want their romance and mystery closer to a G rating than an R. If you want romance that doesn't cross any lines and mysteries that don't rely on profane language or graphic violence, you will want to experience this newest addition to the Christmas Cabin series. Highly recommended and appropriate for the youngest romance reader.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Christmas … a time of reunions and unexpected surprises.

A simple favor, a best friend's promise, and the end of the line.

Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend's sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. He thinks he's merely escorting the girl he once knew, but she's grown into a charming beauty.

Evangeline Whitaker's older brother always warned that her kind heart would be the death of her. It might at that. First, when she's an unwitting accomplice to a robber. Second, when her childhood crush becomes her bodyguard.

With a robber on their trail and a tangle of emotions between them, Evangeline and Gideon detour to his boss's cabin to wait out the ensuing manhunt. However, Evangeline's Christmas spirit might be the death of them both.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery

This page-turning novella offers a slow-burn romance mixed with cozy suspense. Set during a December 1931 manhunt, it unfolds against the backdrop of a secluded Wisconsin cabin. Perfect for fans of Laura Frantz and Rhys Bowen looking for an inspirational read.

Christmas … a time of reunions and unexpected surprises.

5) Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon

Okay full disclosure here, when I'm not reading books for enjoyment or to post my opinion about them or writing them, I work in a library and have for many years. So, I had to read Bookmarked for Love when given the opportunity, because Hello? Library! Publisher! Wanna-be-published Writers! I am so in.

This is not my normal genre; I'm not against it or anything, but it was such a cute idea that it caught my attention. It also kept shouting, "Read me, read me!" I liked the idea of a publishing heir who needs help making the children's imprint viable and a children's librarian on a mission to save the library's children's department working together to help one another out. Well, as this book is a Rom-Com you know what's going to happen in the end or have a really good chance of having a rough idea. But it's the getting of here to there that will have you turning the pages.

But it isn't all fun as the stress of trying to get his dad to slow down and step back starts to get to Julien King. It's up to Martha Aldridge to help Julien see stress and fear are turning him into someone he doesn't want to be. But how to get him to listen is the issue with time a major factor in Julien succeeding and for Martha to get the money the library so desperately needs.

Delightful blend of humor, levity, honesty, and romance and perfect for your Fall TBR.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can a jeopardized children's library program

spark a partnership that saves their careers

but costs them their hearts?

When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again.

Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. So when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a bestselling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.

In her charming rom-com style, Sarah Monzon delivers a bookish novel brimming with forced proximity, workplace romance, a curvy and plus-size heroine, the silver fox trope, and middle-age romance. For fans of Pepper Basham, Courtney Walsh, and Becky Wade.

Be sure to visit all of the

Team Mouse sites

Meagan @ Blooming With Books (you are here)

and the FFF hosts for daily freebies

and

5) Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards, and A.L. Sowards

Be sure to enter the giveaway and visit all the sites daily for bonus entries when you comment.

Comments must be made under or signed off with the same name people use to enter the giveaway; otherwise bonus entries are null & void because they cannot be matched to a giveaway entry.

Giveaway runs September 21 to 26, 2026 (11:59 pm est)

The winners will be selected using a random name picker;

Katja and Kate will reach out by email to each after the party.

The prizes:

One international and one U.S. prize.

The U.S. prize is a copy of A Dream of Flight by Kate Willis (paperback for the continuous U.S. only) and either a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).

The international prize is a copy of A Noble Comfort by Katja H. Labonté (paperback for a Canadian address, ebook otherwise) and a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).

Five Fall Favorites 2026 ~ Family

2026-09-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 11th Annual

Five Fall Favorites

2026

The Blessings of Life

Day 5

Family

These are my picks for books that

best represent Family.

1) Darkwater Descent by Paige Edwards

This is the second book in the Roxburgh Scions but the fourth book in the Roxburgh story world (Roxburgh Heirs). This time we are introduced to the estates heir Roddy Henderson who has been living the last few years as business owner and diver master in the Cayman Islands. So may have labeled him as a shirker and a well-to-do-bored-rich-guy but Roddy had his reasons for living away from the estate that would one day be entrusted to his care. He never expected to connect with anyone from Scotland, much less an auditor who captures his attention. But Everly manage to do just that in the midst of her investigation for MI6. Things do not go well. Nope not a bit and she doesn't even get the opportunity to explain what happened to Roddy before she's on her way back home.

But when Roddy's gift for examining eyes puts him in the crosshairs of a crime boss, who has no qualms about killing anyone and everyone around them just to keep his identity a secret, Roddy has no choice but to leave the life he has come to love behind. He just wishes he had a chance to say goodbye to Everly Pattinson before he was forced to return to Scotland. But danger follows him and soon the estate and the people he loves and is responsible for are in danger.

This is an intense and engaging read. I love that we are finally able to get Roddy's story and to see how he and his sisters (and their significant others) all come together to protect their home, family, and friends. While navigating this whole "my life and estate are in danger" thing Roddy gets a surprising chance to reconnect with Everly. Of course there is the whole MI6 thing to deal with and his feeling adrift with the sudden responsibility that is unexpectedly and way too soon dropped on him. So yeah, this was a good read with the right balance of danger, suspense, clean romance, and family drama. I personally hope that their will be future books featuring this family but if not, this had a good ending.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The wrong discovery.
The right woman.
Deadly consequences.

While exploring a shipwreck in the Cayman Islands, Scottish dive master Roddy Henderson discovers a hidden underwater listening device and unwittingly places himself in the crosshairs of a ruthless Albanian crime boss–an elusive master of disguise who has evaded capture for decades. Now Roddy may be the only person who can identify him.

MI6 auditor Everly Pattinson’s mother is dying of ALS, and though Everly longs to spend every possible moment with her, the medical expenses require Everly to accept an overseas project assessing suspicious bank activity in the Caymans. Following a hunch, she takes an unauthorized risk and is caught and expelled from the island without a chance to say goodbye to Roddy, the handsome dive instructor she has fallen for. Eager to reestablish her tarnished reputation with MI6, Everly poses as a plus-one for a high-ranking British Intelligence official.

After narrowly surviving an attempt on his life, Roddy retreats to his native Scotland. There, at a glittering social event, he unexpectedly runs into Everly, on the arm of someone else–someone Roddy knows. Before she can explain, the Albanian crime boss walks through the door.

Convinced Everly deceived him from the beginning, Roddy wants nothing more to do with her. When the killer threatens the people he loves, Roddy must team up with Everly and MI6. Hunting a master of deception forces him to confront not only a deadly enemy, but also the painful past that drove him from Scotland–and the possibility that trusting Everly could either heal his deepest wounds or destroy him for good.

2) Of Sound and Silence by Madisyn Carlin

About the Book:

He's a deaf soldier.

She's a princess whose voice could destroy kingdoms.

3) The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley

Emmeline Laurent has spent most of her life dancing and hiding. Her parents were victims of a betrayal during the French Revolution, and since then she and her guardian have been hiding her identity, never staying anywhere if danger came near. And Emmeline dances, her skill unmatched, though she stays in the shadows, never a lead dancer. She shares her love of dance with the petite ballerinas as their instructor. But when the future of the Danforth Theatre is in doubt, she begs the new owner not to sell it to a man of pure evil.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, did not know that he had inherited a theatre following his father's death. No, he was surprised that this, along with his father's debts, was draining the entire estate, threatening not only the estate's future financial security but also his sister's education and dowries. He sees no way forward but to sell the theatre until a plea of desperation prompts him to look more closely at the situation, to look beneath the facade.

But how can he choose between his family and the young dancers of the theatre? Could Miss Laurent be telling him the truth when she promises that the Danforth will become profitable? And just how will she do so?

This book examines the dangers these young women/girls faced who undertook such a life and why they did so. And the disrespect they faced from society's elite. The term gentleman for some of these men was merely a title to allow despotic behavior with little to no consequences.

What I did like was Grant's determination to not be one of those gentlemen, to be someone who treated people for who they were, not because they had a title or wealth. And Emmeline's story was tragic, and when the full truth was revealed... let's just say this is one that has to be read to fully understand just how great a tragedy it was. And before you start worrying, this book does have a satisfying ending that points to better days and a HEA.

This is a Historical Regency Romance that delves into a world of contrasts while staying true to one's faith and conscience in the face of resistance, fear, and both societal and familial expectations. I'm interested in where this series goes with book two - those involved in the theatre or Grant's younger siblings?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A burdened earl.

A determined ballerina.

Saving the theatre was part of their bargain.
Losing their hearts wasn't.

London, 1815

Emmeline Laurent has survived by grace and grit. After her parents' execution in France, she has learned to live unseen as a humble ballerina instructing young pupils in a small London theatre. When whispers spread that the Danforth Theatre may be sold to an unscrupulous buyer, Emmeline fears not only for her livelihood but for the safety of her impressionable students. With no time and no options, she does the only thing she knows to do: leap into a moving carriage and bargain with the new lord who holds their fate.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has inherited the crushing weight of duty along with a failing theatre, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters to usher into society, and a mountain of his father's secrets. Selling the Danforth is the only way to save his family from ruin. The last thing he needs is a beautiful, infuriatingly determined ballerina turning his careful plans upside down.

But when Emmeline's hidden past begins surfacing and the danger circling the theatre proves far deadlier than either of them realized, Grant must choose between the life he planned and the one God may have been preparing all along.

For fans of Roseanna M. White and Jen Turano — a sweeping Regency romance about the grace found in surrender, the courage it takes to trust, and the God who makes a way when every door seems closed.

4) Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White

This is an enjoyable and delightful retelling of The Nutcracker. The key elements of the story are there but they are woven into the story so artfully that if you are not aware of it beforehand you may not notice it.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves her home at Plumford Manor, especially at Christmas time when she helps transform it into Sugar Plum Manor. Unfortunately as the stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, she'll never inherit her beloved home. No it will be passing to distant relative of the earl's, Cyril Lightbourne.

Cyril was a close friend of Mariah after a delightful holiday while both were still children. But time and a misunderstood conversation have reshaped what everyone expected to have happened. Years have passed Cyril and Mariah finally get a chance to rediscover their bonds of childhood friendship.

This is a lovely story that retells a Christmas Classic without resorting to magic or oversized rodents. My favorite scene involves the Christmas display and all the wonders one could conceive of. And when Mariah plans a surprise with the village children, she changes this holiday into one no one will ever forget. And with a special helping hand, she creates something that also draws her family closer together. Highly recommended if you want a quiet, clean read for the Christmas season.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once upon a time, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more—but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruel-hearted Lady Pearl. Now, Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly returns in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family's distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he’d rather forget. Then more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas…and to disgrace Cyril in the process.

Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.

First off, let me just say -"You have to read this book!" The story from start to finish is excellent.

Eighty years ago, the Lang family lost everything to the Nazis when Austria came under their control. The three Lang children managed to survive the violence that came to their home, but it forever separated them in a world being torn apart by war.

Fast forward to today, and we are introduced to the descendants of the Lang children and the descendant of the man responsible for forever altering their lives and their world. Now, these cousins have never met one another, nor were they aware of each other's existence. But somehow they are all finding their way to the truths of their grandparents' (or great-grandparents') pasts. Anna and Cole have been searching with little to no success, while Tess and Lars had no idea of their family's past.

But someone is determined to keep the truth hidden and prevent the Lang children from claiming what is theirs by birth. And if necessary, murder is an option that could be employed to silence them forever. And these heirs have no idea of the danger they are in.

I really enjoyed this book - it was one of those can't put it down books. When you have four authors create a book, one would expect some weak spots where their work comes together, but this book was excellent and seamless throughout the story and during scene/character transitions. This is the first book in two series: one historical romance and the other contemporary romantic suspense. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion if you want to read it as a standalone title, but I love that we get more from the Lang children after their escape from the Nazis, and that the story continues with the cousins in the present.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In the early days of World War II, the Lang family lost everything.

Eighty years later, it's time to take it back.

The Nazis have taken control of Austria, and wealthy widower Leopold Lang faces a difficult decision: join the ranks of the foreign power that has taken over his homeland or flee with his children to safety. Leopold makes his choice--but too late. His family is ripped apart, never to be reunited. But decades later, fate brings together the descendants of this broken dynasty in the place where it all began — Falcon Point.

Anna, Cole, and Tess have never met, each relying on fractured pieces of information to understand their Austrian heritage. But when unforeseen opportunities draw these Lang cousins to Falcon Point, they soon discover they are not alone in their quest to claim the coveted property and the fabled treasure hidden within. Unfortunately, another claimant, one with a much darker heritage, is determined to eliminate the Lang family once and for all.

Bonus books:

6) A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin (in Waking Courage)

I absolutely loved A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin. This story was a retelling of The Princess and the Pea and it is in the same world as her A Noble Protector. But you don't need to read the previous story to enjoy this one to the fullest.

This was truly delightful as the ever-helpful noble ladies of court (aka meddlers) have decided that the kingdoms unwed princes need to get married, and a royal ball is the only way to introduce said princes to all the eligible ladies of the land (aka title hunting mothers and daughters).

Prince Ewan Landreth is the youngest and when an accident on the road leads him to rescue one of the seamstresses summoned to design the royal family's ball finery, well things get messy. Like mud messy and it always him to reconnect with Samara Perrson, who is not of the nobility, but she is on Ewan's mind -- a lot. Between scheming brothers and meddling, but well-intentioned noble women one of the Landreth princes just might get a chance at a HEA. Or just really muddy (read the book - you'll get it).
Now I need more stories from this world featuring the rest of the Landreth princes.

About the Book:
Beyond the Bookery invites you to step into a collection of heartwarming, thrilling, and romantic fantasy fairy tale retellings.

A Stitch of Love by Madisyn Carlin
What happens when you combine a matchmaking shenanigans, an ornery dog, and a ball no one wants to attend? When seamstress Samara Perrson agreed to assist with the royal ball, she never expected to find herself unintentionally included in matchmaking shenanigans. She also never expected to fall for Prince Ewan Landreth. Can a troublemaking dog, scheming siblings, and a stitch of love bring these two together?

Princess of Mine by Samantha Seidel
Betrayed by her lady in waiting, Princess Analise Lockhart of Wilkenshire is forced into servitude in the highland empire of the Aurelian Cliffs. As the royal Goose Girl, she learns about the kingdom’s sudden misfortunes and their desperation for the union to succeed. Will she reclaim her title and save Aurel before the crown prince marries the wrong woman, or remain the peasant goose girl of a dying empire?

Be sure to check out all 14 titles in Beyond the Bookery's Fairy Tale Frenzy collection.

Available at Amazon.

7) Water's Gift by Meagan Myhren-Bennett (in Of Hope and Honor)

Full disclosure here Water's Gift is my story, but it so fits the family theme.

I totally fell in love with Aveline and Arthyr's story, which is a fairytale retelling mashup of two fairytales both entitled The Water of Life. Both of the original fairytales had three brothers who went in search of the healing water of life. But the reasoning behind the quests differed and I included these differences in my story while weaving them together into something that showcased a deep love of and loyalty to family with my main characters Aveline and Arthyr, who were given the chance at a happily ever after following their mission to find and rescue their older, missing brothers.

About the Book:

Rémy and the Rats by M.K. Minnick
A town beset by a plague of rats. A young man, struggling to make his way in the world. A surprising inheritance that might offer the solution to both. But when Rémy is double-crossed by Saint-Thaddée’s treacherous mayor, he will have to choose between forgiveness and vengeance—either giving up on his dreams, or reaching out to take them by force. Will he take matters into his own hands, or rest in a Hope worth trusting?

Water's Gift by Meagan Myhren-Bennett (me)
When Princess Aveline’s brothers are lost seeking the legendary Water of Life, she joins forces with Prince Arthyr, who seeks the healing water for his father. United by shared loss and guided by their faith, they brave a perilous path into the Alundras Mountains, where obedience means survival and trust is imperative. To save their families, they must trust the Master to guide their steps as their shared quest draws them together.

Beneath Sand and Stars by Kelsie Engen
Princess Coral, fourth in line to Tepor’s throne, refuses to be claimed as a prize in a royal marriage race and flees into the desert, knowing capture means death. Disguised as a servant in a northern palace, she finds hard-won freedom, purpose, and an unexpected connection with a kind prince. But when a Fae-ordained test and a deadly plague threaten to expose her, Coral must choose between hiding in safety—or facing the truth.

Be sure to check out all 14 titles in Beyond the Bookery's Fairy Tale Frenzy collection.

Available at Amazon.

Be sure to visit all of the

Team Mouse sites

Meagan @ Blooming With Books (you are here)

and the FFF hosts for daily freebies

and

Be sure to enter the giveaway and visit all the sites daily for bonus entries when you comment.

Comments must be made under or signed off with the same name people use to enter the giveaway; otherwise bonus entries are null & void because they cannot be matched to a giveaway entry.

Giveaway runs September 21 to 26, 2026 (11:59 pm est)

The winners will be selected using a random name picker;

Katja and Kate will reach out by email to each after the party.

The prizes:

One international and one U.S. prize.

The U.S. prize is a copy of A Dream of Flight by Kate Willis (paperback for the continuous U.S. only) and either a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).

Sabotage Games ~ Review with Giveaway

2026-09-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for

Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sabotage Games
Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #3
By Danielle Grandinetti

First off can I just say, I love the cover of this book. Oh wait, I just did. But it is super cute and works so well with the main character's love of sports. Emma Hancock loves sports, especially baseball, and she is super excited that she will be reporting from the third Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. As a female sports journalist, she's thrilled with the opportunity.

But soon she is putting her investigative skills to a much bigger task when various athletes are forced out of their competitions. Conveniently timed illnesses seem too suspicious in Emma's journalistic mind.

So, what's girl to do?

Investigate, of course.

If you loved girl sleuths of the past, think Nancy Drew, Donna Parker, Trixie Belden, and Brenda Starr (used bookstore junky here), you will love Emma Hancock, the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, and their journalists.

But there is more to this book than Emma Hancock and the investigative nature it delved into. We are introduced to the Callahan family, Ryan who is competing as a speed skater and Meg who is demonstrating the same sport in the hopes it will become an official Olympic sport in the next Olympic Games. The Callahan family opened their home to Emma and her fellow journalist, Lena Carney, so that they would have a safe place to stay during their time away from Chicago.

As Ryan and Emma begin working together they discover an unexpected connection that could lead to something more. But both have plans for their future and live in different areas of the country. But as a friend points out to Ryan, he's an athlete hoping to compete in the Summer Games in Los Angeles later that year and Emma is a sports journalist. I have say it was strange thinking of Olympic taking place in the same year, I mean I know it used to be that way, but not for awhile.

I found the mystery aspect of this story interesting and was a tad shocked when a climactic moment occurred - let's just say I never saw it coming. Overall, I give this book a resounding Must Read to Reread vote. A want to reread is the ultimate like of a book in my opinion.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Sabotage Games
Series: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #3
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

Who will pay the ultimate price for Olympic Gold?

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock is determined to claim her place in the press box, despite the male colleagues who slam the door in her face. But when a mysterious illness begins systematically sidelining athletes, Emma’s gift for spotting patterns reveals a plot far more sinister than mere competition.

With the Games in his own backyard, Olympic sprinter Ryan Callahan laces up his speed skates to compete in his first winter games. He has no time for distractions—especially not the inconvenience of the beautiful female journalist staying as a guest in his family’s crowded home.

But when the pattern of sabotage deepens, Emma and Ryan must work together to follow the threads before they become the next targets to fall.

La Verità con Integrità.

Truth with Integrity.

The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery This page-turning novel offers a sweet, slow-burn romance mixed with cozy suspense. Set during the historic III Olympic Winter Games—the first year women’s speed skating was featured—it unfolds against the snow-covered, high-stakes press boxes of Lake Placid, New York, in 1932. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and J’nell Ciesielski looking for an inspirational read.

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Undercover Wish & Eyewitness Sketch!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 29, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Five Fall Favorites 2026 ~ Arts

2026-09-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 11th Annual

Five Fall Favorites

2026

The Blessings of Life

Day 4

Arts

These are my picks for books that

best represent the arts.

1) All for Love by Jen Geigle Johnson

I admit it, I love historical fiction. And when it is based on the life of a real person, all the better. Sarah Siddons's life is a story worth reading about. I loved how important family was to her. She was born a Kemble and began performing with her family at the age of four. She learned to face her fears, and no matter how the audience reacted to a performance, to do her best.

But acting took its toll; she would become one with her character, blending with it to become someone new for each new play. I loved how she is shown playing Lady MacBeth and the reactions of both the audience and her internal ones to the character. Her talents unfortunately draw unwanted attention and force her into a short time away from the stage.

Sarah's life was a series of ups and downs, but through it all - triumphs and tragedies, gains and losses she stayed true to her calling. She was an actress, but to her, family was everything.

All for Love is a moving story of one woman's determination in the face of numerous trials and what she did and overcame for those she loved.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Sarah Siddons gave her heart to her family and her life to the stage.
History remembers her brilliance;
this is the story of what it cost her.

When her London theater burns to the ground, her friends think Sarah Siddons has lost everything. But the great theater's destruction is only the latest loss in a life spent fighting for the one thing that mattered most: her family. At fifteen, Sarah captivated audiences across England with her family's traveling theater company. That life—performing alongside those she loved—the stage and home intertwined, was all she ever wanted. But when her rising fame attracted dangerous attention, her parents sent her away to become "respectable," tearing apart the only dream she'd ever had. Marrying William Siddons was supposed to bring it all back: the stage, family, belonging. Instead, it brought grinding poverty and impossible choices. With babies to feed and a husband who couldn't provide, Sarah became the sole breadwinner, performing through pregnancy, through grief, through exhaustion. Her every act was not a quest for glory, but for survival. Based on the true story of Sarah Siddons, the most celebrated actress of the Georgian era, All for Love is a powerful portrait of a woman who sacrificed everything—her dreams, her happiness, her very self—to keep her family alive.

2) The Art of Love and Lies by Rebecca Anderson

Rosanna Hawkins and her sisters have been afforded a most unusual upbringing - their parents have allowed them to pursue their passions. Rosanna's has made her a most accomplished artist, though not under her own name. Rather she recreates the masterpieces so those in England can enjoy "parlor versions" in their own homes. At least that's what her employer has told her.

With the art exhibition being held in Manchester, Rosanna has daily access to some of the world's greatest pieces— including Michaelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna. And she also enjoys a harmless bit of flirting with Inspector Martin Harrison, who is head of the exhibition's security.

When it becomes clear that someone is switching Rosanna's "parlor versions" for the real pieces she finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Now the true dangers of allowing young ladies to be independent have come to light. Her all too trusting nature have made her easy prey as she wasn't under her parents' watchful eye. But Rosanna isn't about to allow herself to be a victim and is more than willing to help Martin capture the true criminal and restore the priceless treasures to their rightful owners. But can he ever trust her, much less love her?

This was a delightful read and one in which the author thoroughly engaged my attention. The characters had depth and the settings were described so that I felt I was moving amongst it and the fellow exhibit visitors. I would love to revisit these characters in a future book. If love sweet romance, a touch of intrigue, and fun banter look no further for your next read - you've found it in The Art of Love and Lies.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A free-spirited artist teams up with a no-nonsense detective to capture a thief who has stolen a priceless Michelangelo painting.

Manchester, England, 1857

Rosanna Hawkins is one of Manchester’s finest artists, even though no one knows her name. She reproduces “parlor versions” of classic masterpieces with near-perfect precision, which her employer then sells to the emerging upper-middle-class families.

When the largest art exhibition ever to be held in England opens in Manchester, Rosanna is excited to visit. She meets the handsome Inspector Martin Harrison, who is head of security, and is immediately intrigued by his charm, confidence, and portrait-worthy good looks. The two spend many a flirtatious afternoon exploring the exhibition hall, discussing art, and sharing their secret hopes. Rosanna dreams of painting something original and meaningful, and Martin hopes to one day shed the shadow of his father’s notorious past.

, but so will their chance to paint their own happily-ever-after

But when they discover the theft of some of the paintings—and all the evidence points to Rosanna—she must convince Inspector Harrison she is innocent and proposes a plan to capture the real art thief.

It is a daring race to catch the criminal before he disappears with the most priceless piece in the collection—Michelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna. If Rosanna and Inspector Harrison fail, not only will the painting be lost forever, but so will their chance to paint their own happily-ever-after.

3) Another Day Another Dali by Sandra Orchard

Serena Jones is back with another case, and thanks to a favor to her grandmother, she also has an "unofficial" case that she is working on. With both cases involving forgeries of well-known works of art, Serena has a forger to track down. The only question is: did the forger switch out the missing original artwork, or was someone else responsible for the theft?

When Serena helps out Tanner with a little after-hours surveillance, her life gets a whole lot more complicated. And unfortunately for her, someone notices and assumes they are a couple. If only she can keep her cousin from talking and her mother from planning a wedding!

The deeper Serena gets into her investigation the more secrets she uncovers - and someone wants to keep their secrets private, even if it means stopping Serena's investigation forever.

Adding to the fun that Serena calls her life is Aunt Martha and her own investigative endeavors. And then there is Nate, her building supervisor, who is still a little creepy, though maybe a little less than in book 1 (A Fool and His Monet). There is something about Nate that I don't totally trust, and the fact that Aunt Martha sees him as Serena's only chance at a happily-ever-after makes me roll my eyes.

Another Day Another Dali is a fun read. Serena finds herself in some truly interesting situations that just have to bring a smile out. This is a book that is light reading and pure enjoyment, perfect for getting away from the everyday. I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Serena Jones Mystery series as much as the first book if not more. As a side note, Serena should never be named Maid of Honor for any wedding.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The world of art theft can be a deadly game--one that Serena Jones understands all too well.

When FBI Special Agent Serena Jones takes on the case of a forged Dali painting as a favor to her grandmother, she assumes it will be a typical investigation. Hopefully collaring the thief will also mean finally measuring up in her grandmother's eyes. But the deeper she delves into the forgery and the suspects surrounding it, the less typical it becomes.

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the possibility of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena's investigation--no matter the cost.

Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones--and readers--a new high-stakes case to crack. You won't want to miss a single brushstroke!

4) The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo

Fabiola Bennett can't take a restful few days without being drawn into an art-related mystery. But when you are a well-known art historian and a priceless Ferdinand Bol piece is stolen, along with the owner being attacked, what can you do? You investigate.

With the help of her friends, Pippa and Cary, and a new acquaintance. Fabiola soon finds herself diving into a centuries-old mystery while trying to recover the stolen masterpiece.

This was an engaging read that was split into two timelines. One followed the people involved in the painting of this masterpiece in 1641: Ferdinand Bol, Rembrandt van Rijn, and their model. Fabiola's timeline is set in 1973.

I loved how one learns about art, and it is presented as a mystery that unfolds throughout the book. The cover with the windmill is gorgeous, and it perfectly suits the book. The book wraps up the story, so there is no cliffhanger, but it ends in a way that leaves me anticipating book five whenever it comes out. The author has thoroughly hooked me with this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.

Amsterdam, 1973. It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city.

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities.

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.

Amsterdam, 1641

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist.

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.

5) The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Green

The Foxhole Victory Tour's cover is gorgeous, and one would suppose from both the cover and the title that this is a book about entertaining the troops. And you would be partially correct. The vast majority of the story revolves around a group of entertainers who are doing just this.

But there is so much more to the story. We are first introduced to Maggie McCleod and Catherine Duquette, who couldn't be more different from one another. Other than the fact that they are both performing with an all-girl wartime orchestra. When an opportunity arises, both leave what they know behind for a chance to be part of the USO. Maggie's reasoning is that her unbridled tongue has again gotten her into trouble. Catherine's is to leave the demands of her parents behind and to learn what happened to the man she had been writing to.

But Maggie and Catherine are just a portion of the group they are performing with. Each carries a secret pain that taking part in this tour might alleviate in some small way. Some pains are more obvious than others but each has been shaped by it.

Though they are there for entertaining the troops, they are in a war zone and in as much danger as those serving in the army.

I have never read a book before that centered around the USO and the role they played during WW2, or any war. I found it fascinating. One so often hears about them and what they did, but never the day-to-day danger they found themselves in. Probably the opening of the classic movie White Christmas (think Bing Crosby) is the closest I've come to anything touching on the dangers they faced.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Based on true World War II stories of life in the USO variety shows, worlds collide when performers from around the United States come together to tour North Africa.

Vibrant and scrappy Maggie McCleod tried not to get fired from her wartime orchestra, but her sharp tongue landed her in trouble, so an overseas adventure with the USO's camp show promises a chance at a fresh start. Wealthy and elegant Catherine Duquette signs with the USO to leave behind her restrictive life of privilege and to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the handsome pilot whose letters mysteriously stopped arriving.

The two women are joined by an eclectic group of performers--a scheming blues singer, a veteran tap dancer, and a brooding magician--but the harmony among their troupe is short-lived when their tour manager announces he will soon recommend one of them for a coveted job in the Hollywood spotlight. Each of the five members has a reason to want the contract, and they'll do whatever is necessary to claim it. As their troupe travels closer to the dangerous battlefront in Tunisia, personal crises and wartime dangers only intensify, putting not only their careers but also their lives on the line.

Be sure to visit all of the

Team Mouse sites

Meagan @ Blooming With Books (you are here)

Tales of Wonder and Delight (short story collection)

Today I'm offering the following free books via Amazon

and

Gossamers and Wisps (a poetry collection)

Check out the FFF hosts for more daily freebies

and

1)The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

Be sure to enter the giveaway and visit all the sites daily for bonus entries when you comment.

Comments must be made under or signed off with the same name people use to enter the giveaway; otherwise bonus entries are null & void because they cannot be matched to a giveaway entry.

Giveaway runs September 21 to 26, 2026 (11:59 pm est)

The winners will be selected using a random name picker;

Katja and Kate will reach out by email to each after the party.

The prizes:

One international and one U.S. prize.

The U.S. prize is a copy of A Dream of Flight by Kate Willis (paperback for the continuous U.S. only) and either a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).

Watched ~ Review

2026-09-23T17:30:00.000-05:00

Watched

The Windy City Westons #3

By Jerusha Agen

"Some things are worth risking everything for." I loved this quote when I came across it while reading Watched. In this book, we focus on big brother Robert Weston, who finds himself facing a malpractice lawsuit after a tragic incident involving one of his patients. While dealing with this situation, Robert begins experiencing some troubling memory issues, issues that he fears may be signs of something life-altering and debilitating.

Monty Montgomery is ready to dislike Robert Weston; after all, it was his testimony that destroyed her client's life and practice. She is more than a little surprised that he seems like a genuinely nice guy. But when he

But something more is happening, something that could get Robert, his attorney, and his siblings killed. Can Robert, Monty, and the rest of the Westons discover who is behind these attacks and stop whoever it is before it is too late?

I love that this time the main non-Weston character has such a great family behind her. That being said, I hope the Montgomery family of lawyers is back in the spotlight. I loved the dynamics between them as they worked together, lived really close together, and, unlike the Westons, shared an extra bond because of their beliefs as Christians.

I have to say the Weston family gets themselves into some real doozies of a mess, and Wasted is no exception. I'm looking forward to the next Windy City Westons release as we are down to Hank and Tereese.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

His mind is a steel trap. He didn’t know it could trap him.

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

Watched is Book Three in the thrilling Windy City Westons Christian romantic suspense series that features five siblings who encounter danger, love, and God in the city of Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

If you enjoy psychological twists, enemies-to-lovers romance, and faith-infused reads that bring you closer to God, then you’ll love Jerusha Agen’s spine-tingling suspense novel.

Five Fall Favorites 2026 ~ Nature

2026-09-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 11th Annual

Five Fall Favorites

2026

The Blessings of Life

Day 3

Nature

These are my picks for books that

best represent Nature.

Take a step back in time to 1927 and embrace the peace that Margie Lane has come to experience at Mount Rainier National Park. Ford Brayden as Chief Ranger has been tasked with showing Margie around. Ford would rather be out doing anything rather than be stuck with a pampered senator's daughter who probably can't tell the difference between a skunk and a raccoon.

But soon Margie and Ford find themselves having to work together in an effort to save the natural beauty and wilderness of the mountain from the man Margie had thought was her friend, the man she thought she would marry. And this fight is one that could cost them everything if they lose.

I really enjoyed The Road to Paradise as it explored the beauty and wilderness and the hand of God in all that she saw. I also appreciated the ingenious way that Margie and her father dealt with the threat that they were facing. I have to be honest I really wished I could step into the pages of this book and explore the beauty that was brought to life as the story unfolded. Those who enjoy early 20th Century American history will want to check-out this book, which is the first of a series that explores the National Parks.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

An ideal sanctuary and a dream come true–that’s what Margaret Lane feels as she takes in God’s gorgeous handiwork in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s 1927 and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow.

But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.

When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?

Karen Barnett’s vintage national parks novels bring to vivid life President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for protected lands, when he wrote in Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter: "There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred."

2)The Naturalist's Daughter by Tea Cooper

Two women divided by time but united by a fascination of platypus and a search to understand this unusual animal. The book shifts between Rose Winton in 1808 and Tamsin Alleyn in 1908. Rose is determined to see her father, Charles Winton's work recognized while Tamsin searches for this long-lost research.

This was and is an intriguing read. I experienced it as both a written book and an audiobook. No matter how you decide to enjoy you will be drawn into it. There is danger. There is intrigue. There is romance. And all play together into a fascinating blend of historical fact and fiction. I was surprised about some of the information in regards to platypus, especially the dangerous aspects concerning them (let's just say I found it shocking when presented as it was).

I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction, split-time fiction, or those who just want a book that is out of their ordinary reading fare.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Two fearless women—living a century apart—find themselves entangled in the mystery surrounding the biggest scientific controversy of the nineteenth century: the classification of the platypus.

1808 Agnes Banks, NSW

Rose Winton wants nothing more than to work with her father, eminent naturalist Charles Winton, on his groundbreaking study of the platypus. Not only does she love him with all her heart but the discoveries they have made could turn the scientific world on its head. When Charles is unable to make the long sea journey to present his findings to the prestigious Royal Society in England, Rose must venture forth in his stead. What she discovers will forever alter the course of scientific history.

1908 Sydney, NSW

Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: travel to the Hunter Valley and retrieve an old sketchbook of debatable value, gifted to the Public Library by a recluse. But when she gets there, she finds there is more to the book than meets the eye, and more than one interested party. Shaw Everdene, a young antiquarian bookseller and lawyer, seems to have his own agenda when it comes to the book. Determined to uncover the book's true origin, Tamsin agrees to join forces with him.

The deeper they delve, the more intricate the mystery of the book's authorship becomes. As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries emerge from the past with far-reaching consequences in this riveting tale of courage and discovery.

3)Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

Tansy Calhoun doesn't know if love will ever come her way, not after heart was broken when the man, she had feelings for, left the mountains she calls home far behind. But at present Tansy has a purpose and she can't let those who depend on her down. She is the book lady of her community, traveling by packhorse as a librarian in the rugged mountains of Kentucky. It is a harsh world and when the faraway influences of New York hurt the local economy with something dealing with banks shutting down - a Depression, her pa takes off in search of work. Tansy and her brother Josh are entrusted with keeping the family looked after.

When Caleb Barton returns to the mountain, he expected to find Tansy wed and with a houseful of little ones about her. After all, he left before she could break his heart. Could he get a second chance to marry the girl, the woman, of his heart? He sure hopes so, he just needs her to see him as a suitor for her and not as a disappointed suitor of her sister. But can a man of the mountain appeal to a woman who dreams of the world beyond that she has only ever seen through words on a page?

Along a Storied Trail is a lovely piece of historical fiction. Actually, this book had moments that reminded me of Catherine Marshall's Julie and Christie. More so of Christie just because of the rural mountainous location. Julie because of a flood that the community has to face. Overall, I think this an enjoyable book and anyone who enjoys American Historical Fiction set during the Great Depression will find much that is appealing in this offering from Ann H. Gabhart.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

Saddle up for a heartfelt story of love--love of family, love of place, and the love of a lifetime--from bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart.

4)The Girl From the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder

She doesn't remember her life before the forest. But she remembers her nightmares and the beast that haunts them. Eliza Ellis calls the forest home, which is isolated with just her dog Merrylad and Captain, her father. She knows and loves her home. She dreams about the worlds that live within her books, never thinking she would ever see them.

But when Felton Northwood steals her away from all she's known, her world is shattered. He tells her that the life she's known is a lie. For 14 years her life has been a lie. But Felton knows that Eliza is the key to clearing his family's name of the murder of Lady Gillingham. If only she can remember the truth he knows the Northwood name will be restored. But Eliza's return awakens danger - someone is determined to keep her memories hidden away, even if it means ending her life.

Anyone who loves fiction with a Gothic feel will LOVE this book. This has forbidden romance, a displaced character, unwanted attraction, family secrets, and a beast. This book has emotional swings as Eliza tries to adjust to everything while longing for what she had. The forest and its simple, uncomplicated living calls to her.

This book does an excellent job of concealing the true villain, and there were several likely suspects. The way the story comes together is perfect. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an excuse to stay up all night reading. This is a can't put it down book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.

That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.

When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?

5) A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter

Elnora Comstock has a deep-rooted love of the Limberlost Swamp where she has spent her life. She knows the trees as if they were her dearest friends, and in a way, they were. All her life her mother resented her, blaming her for her father's death because she was born the night he died. A victim to the dangers of the very land that Elnora loves. Elnora is in those years of transition moving from girlhood to womanhood, entering high school. And she uses her knowledge of the natural wonders around her to help with the costs involved with her life.

Eventually, her mother is forced to face the truth of that night and comes to regret her treatment and resentment of her daughter. Elnora is more than a little surprised, but she forgives her mother and welcomes the change in their relationship. The Limberlost also introduces Elnora to the man she eventually falls in love with.

This book and its companion Freckles were my first true introduction to the natural world and its delicate balance, fragile, yet hazardous if not properly respected. Another book my grandma introduced me to. There is a timeless charm in it, and I loved Elnora's solution for gifts to her classmates and friends when she wanted to give them something for their class graduation. This book harkens back to simpler times, but life as one can easily see has never been easy.

The book my grandma gave was a 2-in-1 edition that included Laddie with The Girl of the Limberlost. Laddie was also set in the Limberlost and was a family-centric story that had a much happier dynamic. Most everything was seen through the eyes of Laddie's little sister, whose name we never learn, if I'm remembering the story correctly.

About the Book:

A Girl of the Limberlost, a novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter, was published in August, 1909. It is considered a classic of Indiana literature. It is the sequel to her earlier novel Freckles. The story takes place in Indiana, in and around the famous Limberlost Swamp. Even at the time, this impressive wetland region was being reduced by heavy logging, natural oil extraction and drainage for agriculture. Katharine blames Elnora for his death, because her husband died while she gave birth to their daughter and could not come to his rescue.

Be sure to visit all of the

Team Mouse sites

Meagan @ Blooming With Books (you are here)

and the FFF hosts for daily freebies

and

Be sure to enter the giveaway and visit all the sites daily for bonus entries when you comment.

Comments must be made under or signed off with the same name people use to enter the giveaway; otherwise bonus entries are null & void because they cannot be matched to a giveaway entry.

Giveaway runs September 21 to 26, 2026 (11:59 pm est)

The winners will be selected using a random name picker;

Katja and Kate will reach out by email to each after the party.

The prizes:

One international and one U.S. prize.

The U.S. prize is a copy of A Dream of Flight by Kate Willis (paperback for the continuous U.S. only) and either a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).

Five Fall Favorites 2026 ~ Traditions

2026-09-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 11th Annual

Five Fall Favorites

2026

The Blessings of Life

Day 2

Traditions

These are my picks for books that

best represent Traditions

1) Recipe for a Princess by Hannah Currie

This is the second book in the Heirs of Peverell and this one focuses on Princess Isabella and her attempts to matchmaker for her friends. But along the way Isabella loses her way in trying to be the perfect princess and uphold the standards that she feels a princess should present. Isabella and her childhood friends are known as the Castle Kids because they all grew up playing and visiting the castle. The Castle Kids have a tradition of one dinner a month just for them, one that Isabella started when the kids started drifting away as they grew up just to stay connected. And then there is a tea that she helps put on for the children in the children's hospital department.

But along the way Isabella makes mistakes and learns the value of admitting the truth and asking for forgiveness. But her journey isn't easy because when she makes a mistake, she needs to address it, to admit it to a kingdom not just a handful of people.

Traditions, faith, and links to the past are important in Peverell and that makes this book a perfect addition to today's theme of Traditions. And asking for forgiveness and accepting mercy? Yes, her grandfather had to do the same thing tears ago.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book: Princess Isabella of Peverell couldn’t be more thrilled for her brother’s new romance. Nothing could make her happier, not even a perfectly baked dark chocolate cheesecake drizzled with fudge sauce and topped with strawberries cut into roses. With a few curls of toasted coconut tossed around for that extra flair. Because baking is all about the presentation.

But life? Life is all about the romance. You can’t force it. At least for oneself. For others? Absolutely. Why wouldn’t the rest of her friends want to be as blissfully happy as her brother? If she can take a few ingredients and turn them into the most beautiful high tea, surely she can find perfect matches for her friends. She’s the princess, after all, and what better legacy to leave as a royal than one of love and care for her people? If she just happens to find a man to love her along the way, even better. Only life doesn’t follow a recipe, and as decisions and their consequences start piling up around her, Isabella finds herself in over her head. And the one man who’s always been there for her just walked away.

2) Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell

For nearly one hundred years the lost queen of Lethersby's disappearance has been a mystery to not only her country but the world. For most of her life Ellie Sawyer has been intrigued by the story of Queen Alma, in fact her whole life is dedicated to solving this mystery. When she applies to become the resident scholar in an attempt to find an overlooked clue that will make her doctoral dissertation standout, she never foresaw that she would be given just weeks to conduct her research. Instead of a semester, Ellie is offered the weeks of the Christmas holidays to prove her theories about Alma's disappearance.

Traveling to Lethersby, a country rich in tradition, Ellie discovers that accessing the materials she needs will be much more complicated than she anticipated. When she happens upon Mark, a castle staff member who shares her passion about history, she discovers that he is a treasure trove of information about Lethersby, its traditions, and Queen Alma. But there is one secret he doesn't share, one that casts doubt upon her stay at the castle.

This is the first book of the In the Castle Library series which includes three books which feature the search for the truth about Lethersby's Lost Queen. Reading in order is a must! I recently enjoyed this book as an audiobook - the narration was excellent.

About the Book: Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she's a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday.

Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen's story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.

3) Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

This book (and series) is one of my favorites, and for years it was my summer vacation kick-off read. Now I work, and summer vacation is a long-ago memory or dream. But I again revisited Emily Byrd Star this summer via audiobooks that I borrowed from my local library. And yes, I still have my paperback copies lovingly worn from years of reading. So not only is this book filled with family traditions, it has been an important part of my own.

Upon her father's death, Emily finds herself living with her late mother's family, the Murrays of New Moon. Here she learns a whole new way of living, many of which are steeped in the Murray tradition - candles to light the house, sanding the wood floors, aprons to school (which Emily finds ridiculous), and more.

This is the first book in a trilogy, and it follows Emily's journey from a young, grieving girl to a young woman with hopes, dreams, and disappointments. This series was my introduction to Lucy Maud Montgomery and remains one of my favorites by this author, along with her Pat of Silver Bush/Mistress Pat duology.

About the Book:

Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely—until her beloved father died. Now Emily's an orphan, and her mother's snobbish relatives are taking her to live with them at New Moon Farm. She's sure she won't be happy. Emily deals with stiff, stern Aunt Elizabeth and her malicious classmates by holding her head high and using her quick wit. Things begin to change when she makes friends: with Teddy, who does marvelous drawings; with Perry, who's sailed all over the world with his father yet has never been to school; and above all, with Ilse, a tomboy with a blazing temper. Amazingly, Emily finds New Moon beautiful and fascinating. With new friends and adventures, Emily might someday think of herself as Emily of New Moon.

4) A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the book:

Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation as she magically travels through her cherished memories to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.

But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.

Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving.

5) An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott

In this short story a family emergency involving an ill grandparent finds the Basset children home alone on Thanksgiving after their parents rush off to what could be a last moment with a loved one. Left to their own devices the children rally together to do their chores and to prepare the Thanksgiving feast. When their parents return home late in the day, it is with good news and another sleigh filled with family to celebrate the day.

Written in 1868, this story is beautiful and humorous way to capture the timeless spirit and traditions of Thanksgiving. With a few mishaps that may have a less than pleasing outcome on certain dishes, I love how the children work together to ensure that the Thanksgiving meal still happened. Add in that the delivered message was more dire than the actual situation made the evening meal one of celebration and thankfulness, even if some dishes were inedible.

This story can be read in a very short span of time and can become, if you so desire, a regular part of your own Fall or Thanksgiving traditions with a yearly reading.

About the Book:

A heartwarming, homey tale of the Basset family, who were "poor in money, but rich in love."

Be sure to visit all of the

Team Mouse sites

Meagan @ Blooming With Books (you are here)

and the FFF hosts for daily freebies

and

Be sure to enter the giveaway and visit all the sites daily for bonus entries when you comment.

Comments must be made under or signed off with the same name people use to enter the giveaway; otherwise bonus entries are null & void because they cannot be matched to a giveaway entry.

Giveaway runs September 21 to 26, 2026 (11:59 pm est)

The winners will be selected using a random name picker;

Katja and Kate will reach out by email to each after the party.

The prizes:

One international and one U.S. prize.

The U.S. prize is a copy of A Dream of Flight by Kate Willis (paperback for the continuous U.S. only) and either a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).

Five Fall Favorites 2026 ~ Community/Neighborhood

2026-09-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 11th Annual

Five Fall Favorites

2026

The Blessings of Life

Day 1

Community/Neighborhood

These are my picks for books that

best represent Community/Neighborhood.

1) Murder at the Courthouse by A.H. Gabhart

This is the first book in the Hidden Springs Mystery series. Small town life has a unique charm and Hidden Springs is no different. How they react to the shattered illusion of their perceived safety and tranquility is about to redefine them. This is a town where everyone knows everything about everyone and what they don't know they make up and embellish. I like how Hidden Springs has a weekly local paper where the news is old news by the time it comes out. Living in a small town myself I know how true this is - the big news events always happen the day after the paper comes out.

I really enjoyed my visit to Hidden Springs and am looking forward to a future visit - which is hinted at in the back of the book. Though it has a contemporary setting Murder at the Courthouse doesn't read like a contemporary fiction. The mystery element is strong throughout and should please clean mystery fans (though there is a bit of blood sullying things up a bit).

About the Book:

After a few years as a police officer in Chicago, Michael Keane has no trouble relaxing into the far less stressful job of deputy sheriff in his small hometown. After all, nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky. Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. Everyone in town is a little uneasy. Still, no one is terribly worried--after all the man was a stranger--until one of their own is murdered right on Main Street.

As Michael works to solve the case it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

2) The White Robin by Miss Read

This is the fourteenth book in the Fairacre series, but it was the first book I read in the series when my grandma shared it with me when I once again was without a new book to read. This book and series are centered around the community of Fairacre, the village school, and village schoolteacher Miss Read. I will admit this is one of her heavier reads as the story features a violent, troubled child from a dysfunctional family, but that being said this book is most definitely centered on the community of Fairacre. This book and series harken back to the simplicity of the 1950s and village life in England.

About the Book:

When a white robin comes to the quiet village of Fairacre, it becomes the focus of nationwide attention.

Nicknamed 'Snowboy’, 'Snowball’, 'Snowflake', the villagers adopt him as their own. But their pride is short-lived and their hopes brutally dashed to the ground when tragedy strikes. However, bitterness does not last in the hearts of those at Fairacre, and it is not too long before their patience and their faith are rewarded.

3) The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

This is a standalone title that is set during WW2 and it centers around the town library and the book club that was created to save it during a time when anything considered frivolity was deemed expendable. Avis Montgomery has never been a recreational reader, her reading has always leaned toward the educational - magazines that help her be the perfect housewife. But a promise made to her brother when he went to war finds her in charge of the library in his stead.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

4) Emma by Jane Austen

Most everybody is familiar with Jane Austen's matchmaking meddler, Miss Emma Woodhouse, who is determined to help all her friends and acquaintances find love. Most of her attempts are mishap laden disasters that try the patience of her oldest friend Mr. Knightly, who as Emma is fond of saying "likes to find fault with her." Emma is an exploration of community as Emma pops in and out of the lives of her friends and neighbors in Highbury.

Emma has been spoiled by those nearest her but not to the point that she is past the place of redemption. The book is vastly superior to any theatrical presentation you may have come across. Emma is a study of a life and its effect on those around it and theirs upon hers.

About the Book:

Emma Woodhouse is one of Austen's most captivating and vivid characters. Beautiful, spoilt, vain and irrepressibly witty, Emma organizes the lives of the inhabitants of her sleepy little village and plays matchmaker with devastating effect.

5) The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White

About the Book:

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Be sure to visit all of the

Team Mouse sites for more

book recomendations

Meagan @ Blooming With Books (you are here)

and the FFF hosts for daily freebies

and

Be sure to enter the giveaway and visit all the sites daily for bonus entries when you comment.

Comments must be made under or signed off with the same name people use to enter the giveaway; otherwise bonus entries are null & void because they cannot be matched to a giveaway entry.

Giveaway runs September 21 to 26, 2026 (11:59 pm est)

The winners will be selected using a random name picker;

Katja and Kate will reach out by email to each after the party.

The prizes:

One international and one U.S. prize.

The U.S. prize is a copy of A Dream of Flight by Kate Willis (paperback for the continuous U.S. only) and either a $15 USD cash prize via PayPal or an Amazon gift card (winner’s choice).

The Christmas Book Flood ~ Audiobook Review

2026-09-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Book Flood
By Roseanna M. White

Narrated by Talon David

This was such a fun read/listen as a surprising number of books ordered for Christmas nearly overwhelms a small publishing company. With a coming together, the staff manages to fulfill every order that comes pouring in. While at the same time a young woman - Tatiana Eliasdottir, who is secretly a writer, connects with Anders Johannsson - a fellow writer (and her editor - she knows who he is, but he's in the dark) over her young niece and the scurry of making Iceland's readers happy with a book-filled Christmas during the trying days under the threat of war (WW2 - 1944).

About the Book:

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

High Exposure ~ Review

2026-09-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

High Exposure

Jagged Edges #1

By Kelly Borjas

Julia Stevens is running from the past and its pain as a travel blogger. She promised to return home after two years; her assignment in Silverberg, Colorado, will be her last. But when she discovers a body, she finds herself determined to learn more about the man and how he died. She owes it to him and her late sister. But Cade Haskins, Julia's guide for the duration of her stay, seems determined to thwart her attempts, but Julia is not about to let him keep her from doing what she feels she needs to do.

Cade Haskins's life is overwhelming. He feels like he failed everyone on his last mission with the DEA. His dad has cancer, so he's filling in for him at the Silverberg Hotel, and now he is stuck showing a travel blogger all the places to explore and experience in Silverberg. What he didn't expect was her determination to become a journalist, leading her into a potential meth ring, or his feelings for her (something he does not have time for).

But dangerous situations keep popping up wherever Julia is. Is it just coincidence, or has someone targeted her? Cade is convinced that it is the meth lab operation she unknowingly stumbled upon. And he can't warn her about the potential danger she's in because of his past and current associations with the DEA. But how do you keep someone safe without revealing the truth about what they have stumbled upon? That is the newest worry keeping Cade awake way too late and waking him way too early.

There are tons of twists, so it is really hard to determine who is the villain in this book. Seriously, there were so many possibilities that the reveal was legitimately good, in a bad sort of way, because you know killer.

This is an intriguing debut novel that has intrigued me enough that I want to see what happens in book two, for which there was a teaser.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

This riveting start to an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from a debut author

Determined travel blogger Julia Stevens is on her final assignment in snowy Silverberg, Colorado. She's running from her past—and God—but the charm of small-town life brings little comfort when she's face-to-face with the winter sport that killed her sister: skiing. Upon her arrival in town, she discovers a dead body and is quickly compelled to research the situation, give justice to the man's story, and kick off her new career in journalism.

Cade Haskins is back home after a failed mission and his subsequent retirement from the DEA. His father's declining health has pushed Cade to prioritize family, and he helps at the historic Silverberg Hotel on his dad's behalf. When Julia shows up at the hotel, Cade becomes her local contact. He quickly realizes she has a knack for sniffing around where she shouldn't, and he attaches himself to her side.

With the local death connected to a meth ring, Julia's investigation has unknowingly put a target on her back. As the danger increases and she begins to learn more about Cade and his family, she finds herself trusting the God she was running from. And Cade? He doesn't want to get dragged back into DEA work, but it seems like he may not have a choice if he wants to protect Julia . . . and his growing attraction to her.

Connect with the author at her website.

Son of Embers ~ Review

2026-09-14T14:45:00.000-05:00

Son of Embers

Blood of Kings: Legends #6

By Jill Williamson and Niki Florica

Okay, first off, you have to read the previous books in the Blood of Kings: Legends series. Okay, okay, you don't have to, but you should so you understand the various references to past events. And because it is a series that builds on the story that came before. And they are all really good.

In this book, we have three main characters who couldn't be more different. There is Mezaedo Chevyah, who has spent much of his life as a slavey to a whole plethora of masters and he isn't that old. Then we have Erro Coble, the named heir of a man who was evil and who may or may not be an enemy of the Kingsguard. And last, but by no means least, is Lady Halona Pitney, who is trying to find out the truth about her grandmother's death. And she wears slippers that come equipped with poison, and she's not afraid to use them.

These three need to get out of Har Sha'ar because they may or may not have bounties on their heads, or, at least Mezaedo does, and it may be tied to something from his past. A past that Erro may know something about. But when betrayal comes calling, Mezaedo and Halona are on their own trying to get out of a land that is filled with people hunting them. Never a pleasant thing.

This was such a good book, both tragic and triumphant at the same time. This book is hard to describe in a way that does it justice without giving too much away. But whatever you do, do not jump to the end. This is a story that must unfold chapter-by-chapter to experience and appreciate it fully. And the ending - WOW!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

He's the slave a dozen masters threw away.

She's the lady no one in Er'Rets knows what to do with.

Now, they're both wanted by a town full of traitors… and one another's best chance of escape.

Born to serve, slave-turned-squire Mezaedo Chevyah was sent to Har Sha'ar with a simple plan: investigate a noblewoman's disappearance, and prove to the Kingsguard that he's worth keeping. Instead, he finds a bounty on his head, the voice of a dead villain stirring in the back of his mind, and two unlikely allies — one, a traitor, the other a lady as strange as her poison-toed slippers.

Lady Halona Pitney — anomaly, herbalist, and self-proclaimed harbinger of chaos — came back to Har Sha'ar to find her missing grandmother and confront her childhood friend, Erro Coble. But Erro has changed, and the secrets he's keeping are the kind that get people killed. So when he asks her to help him smuggle a wounded squire out of the village — alive — how can she refuse?

Forced into an alliance no one wants, Mezaedo, Halona, and Erro have one chance to escape Har Sha'ar alive before every bounty hunter in the mountains closes in. But the wilderness beyond the walls hides a darkness worse than any of them imagined. Loyalties will fracture. Secrets will surface. And what's growing between the squire and the lady may cost more than they know how to pay.

To survive what waits, Mezaedo and Halona will have to trust each other — and the God who carried them this far — before the dark swallows everyone they came to save.

Two unlikely hearts.

Enemies on every side.

A faith that may be the only thing left standing.

From the bestselling fantasy author of the Blood of Kings and Kinsman Chronicles, Son of Embers is a stand-alone, faith-forward romantasy set in Jill Williamson's beloved Er'Rets — perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance wrapped in quirky characters, courageous faith, and prose that crackles like a hearth in a winter storm.

Blood of Kings: Legends

Book 1: Squire of Truth

Book 2: Lord of Winter

Book 3: Lady of Shadows

Book:4: Heir of Light

Book 5: Queen of Reckoning

Book 6: Son of Embers

Book 7: Guardian of Hope (Coming Nov 2026)

Book 8: Shield of Honor (Coming Feb 2027)

About the Authors:

Jill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written
over two dozen books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of
Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA
magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films
with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at
jillwilliamson.com.

Niki Florica is a full-time story addict and advocate for all things epic. She
believes Latin is immortal, dreams of being in a musical number (or a K-
drama—whichever comes first), and writes to stir the part of our hearts that God
has stamped with eternity. Catch her between writing sessions or overseas
adventures and she’s probably in the clouds; the glassy stare will give her away.
Find Niki on YouTube at Niki Florica. For more information, visit her at
nikiflorica.com.

The Ballerina's Bargain ~ Review with Giveaway

2026-09-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for

The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Ballerina's Bargain
Danforth Theatre #1
By Lorri Dudley

Emmeline Laurent has spent most of her life dancing and hiding. Her parents were victims of a betrayal during the French Revolution, and since then she and her guardian have been hiding her identity, never staying anywhere if danger came near. And Emmeline dances, her skill unmatched, though she stays in the shadows, never a lead dancer. She shares her love of dance with the petite ballerinas as their instructor. But when the future of the Danforth Theatre is in doubt, she begs the new owner not to sell it to a man of pure evil.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, did not know that he had inherited a theatre following his father's death. No, he was surprised that this, along with his father's debts, was draining the entire estate, threatening not only the estate's future financial security but also his sister's education and dowries. He sees no way forward but to sell the theatre until a plea of desperation prompts him to look more closely at the situation, to look beneath the facade.

But how can he choose between his family and the young dancers of the theatre? Could Miss Laurent be telling him the truth when she promises that the Danforth will become profitable? And just how will she do so?

This book examines the dangers these young women/girls faced who undertook such a life and why they did so. And the disrespect they faced from society's elite. The term gentleman for some of these men was merely a title to allow despotic behavior with little to no consequences.

What I did like was Grant's determination to not be one of those gentlemen, to be someone who treated people for who they were, not because they had a title or wealth. And Emmeline's story was tragic, and when the full truth was revealed... let's just say this is one that has to be read to fully understand just how great a tragedy it was. And before you start worrying, this book does have a satisfying ending that points to better days and a HEA.

This is a Historical Regency Romance that delves into a world of contrasts while staying true to one's faith and conscience in the face of resistance, fear, and both societal and familial expectations. I'm interested in where this series goes with book two - those involved in the theatre or Grant's younger siblings?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
About the Book

Title: The Ballerina's Bargain
Series: Danforth Theatre #1
Author: Lorri Dudley
Publisher: Wild Heart Books
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Historical Regency Romance

A burdened earl. A determined ballerina. Saving the theatre was part of their bargain. Losing their hearts wasn't.

London, 1815

Also Available

About the Author

Lorri Dudley is the bestselling author of The Leeward Island Series and The Agents of Espionage Series. She has a master’s degree in psychology and lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

Connect with Lorri by visiting lorridudley.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a prize bundle with reading blanket, socks, and candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 8, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

The Fairall Romance Legacy

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Recipe for a Princess ~ Review

2026-09-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Recipe for a Princess

Heirs of Peverell #2

By Hannah Currie

Princess Isabella is sure she can help all her friends find love, help Zaria rise above the stigma of being the woman her brother didn't marry, and handle the fund raiser of the century (or whatever they want to call it). She thrilled with how she helped Bailey and Cameron find their love and get engaged. And when it comes to tasty treats she whips up, she's a kitchen wiz. So how hard could it be to take on raising funds for the children's hospital in Peverell? And she knows exactly which of her friends is perfect for who, if only they'll be a bit more receptive to her assistance.

But when things go wrong, they go very wrong. And Isabella makes one wrong decision on top of the other. And too late she realizes that she may have driven away the very man she didn't realize that she loves. Worse everyone in Peverell knows exactly what she did.

Isabella discovers being a princess is more than wearing a crown, ordering people around, and taking credit when things go right. Sometimes it is accepting responsibility for you do wrong, humbling yourself, asking for help, and always seeking God's guidance in all things.

This is a story of forgiveness, of admitting the truth, and accepting God's gift of mercy.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Princess Isabella of Peverell couldn’t be more thrilled for her brother’s new romance. Nothing could make her happier, not even a perfectly baked dark chocolate cheesecake drizzled with fudge sauce and topped with strawberries cut into roses. With a few curls of toasted coconut tossed around for that extra flair. Because baking is all about the presentation. But life? Life is all about the romance.

Not that Izzy’s ever experienced romance herself. She knows enough about love to know one can’t force it. At least for oneself. For others? Absolutely. Why wouldn’t the rest of her friends want to be as blissfully happy as her brother? If she can take a few ingredients and turn them into the most beautiful high tea, surely she can find perfect matches for her friends. She’s the princess, after all, and what better legacy to leave as a royal than one of love and care for her people? If she just happens to find a man to love her along the way, even better. Only life doesn’t follow a recipe, and as decisions and their consequences start piling up around her, Isabella finds herself in over her head. And the one man who’s always been there for her just walked away.

Of Sound and Silence ~ Review

2026-09-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

Of Sound and Silence

Crowns of Corrend #1

By Madisyn Carlin

Narrator Gillian Wiggin

Nvani Lachnen has a secret, one that she refuses to share out of fear. Fear that her family will be injured if the truth is ever discovered. Fear that she will be viewed as a monster. But she cannot refuse to use the gift she was given. A gift that allows her to protect her kingdom. And the new guard hired to keep her safe is more than a problem.

I loved how this story included elements of the Twelve Dancing Princesses but was so much more than a simple retelling. No, this story took everything one would expect and crafted and molded it into something new and unique.

And there are dragons! Yes, dragons in the castle. Cute baby dragons! The dragons alone should make you want to read/listen to this book. Add in that it is a clean romance and yes, war, but absent excessive and graphic violence.

The narrator was excellent and presented the story in an engaging manner. Well worth the time and experience.

I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the second book.

About the Book:

He's a deaf soldier. She's a princess whose voice could destroy kingdoms.

What good is a soldier who can't hear orders? War left its mark on Finn Akkand...and his hearing. Now thrust into an unanticipated role of bodyguard, Finn thinks all he'll need to do is keep the five princesses out of trouble. But his new job proves to be far from easy when he is assigned to find a mysterious creature rumored to be causing havoc on Lachnen’s shores.

Nvani Lachnen is a princess by day and a guardian by night. Carrying a royal gift that not only allows her to protect her kingdom, but must also remain hidden, Nvani works in the shadows to keep the enemy at bay…until her efforts are branded as dangerous and a price is unknowingly put on her head. As inside forces threaten not only her kingdom, but her family’s safety, Nvani is forced to accept help from unlikely allies while facing increased attacks that threaten her life.

Finn and Nvani soon find themselves navigating mischievous siblings, miscreant dragons, and enemies masquerading as allies. As the storms rise and another war threatens to erupt, two guarded hearts must learn whom to trust before it is too late.

Of Sound and Silence is a Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Featured tropes include found family, deaf rep, opposites attract, and royalty x commoner. There are also dragons.

An Irish Hope ~ Review

2026-09-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

An Irish Hope

Fairall Romance Legacy #2

By Carolyn Miller

Aisling Fairall is hoping for a story like her sister Rory and her brother Colin one that is directly related to the Fairall Legacy. A legacy that allows them to instantly recognize their one true love. The problem is making sure that their true recognizes them.

But right now Aisling is the sister of the groom in a wedding that shut down the hotel that is their family home. Well, except for two guests. One of whom is there celebrating (or mourning) the honeymoon that did not happen one year ago. Not that he minded getting dumped by the woman he thought he'd spend the rest of his life with. Or that her choice was his former friend and teammate. Nope nothing like that going on, but he is not going to let his heart or romance or anything else lead him down the path of romance anytime soon.

But an expected and untimely run-in with a redhead soon has him having trouble sticking to his promise to himself. But Andrew Scott's been down the path of love before and he is going to resist following it again, but there is something about Aisling.

Aisling was madder than a cat that had gone swimming when she and Andy ran into one another at her brother's wedding. Of course, that was before the family legacy let her on a little secret. But how do you convince a man who wants to avoid romance that he is destined to be your true love?

An Irish Hope is a Contemporary Christian Romance that features karaoke, too-helpful friends, a family legacy, clean romance, and trusting God. There are ups and downs and some definite bumps along the way as Aisling tries to determine what life and God have in store for her. This was a cute story that offers some depth and one that I would recommend.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Aisling Fairall has a big personality and a big heart. But lately she's been feeling a little lost and wondering what to do with her life. Until a mysterious uninvited guest at a family wedding helps her see that maybe she's not quite on her own, after all.

Andrew Scott is used to crushed dreams, which is why he's here at a fancy hotel in west Ireland on the anniversary of what should've been his honeymoon. He's trying to pick up the pieces of his life when an unexpected encounter with a sassy redhead makes his heart beat faster again.

Can these two overcome complications galore and find hope and a future again?

Join Ash and Andy as they discover God may just have good plans beyond what they'd imagined, in this sweet romance filled with banter, Irish pop music references, and a lively Irish family and their gorgeous castle by the sea.

Get all the books featuring the Fairall siblings.

The Lost Daughter's Irishman features Colin Fairall.

featuring the Fairall sisters

Aurora, Aisling, and Fiona.

The Art of Writing 2026

2026-09-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the

Art of Writing 2026, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Conference

The Art of Writing conference will be held on November 6 in Nashville at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel, Tennessee. This focused, four-session conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing professionals, curated by Thomas Nelson Fiction's Laura Wheeler.

Session One: State of the Industry: What's Changing, What's Selling, and What You Can Do About It

The Christian fiction marketplace is shifting—and the authors who thrive will be the ones who understand why. This panel of publishing professionals opens with a data-driven look at the current state of Christian publishing, drawing on the latest market research to map what's actually moving books today. From there, the conversation gets practical: how platform sales really work, what authors can do to actively support their books, and why audio is the format no one can afford to ignore. Whether you're traditionally published or exploring indie paths, you'll leave with a clearer picture of the industry landscape and concrete next steps for your own author education.

Panel moderated by Laura Wheeler, and featuring Kelsey Bowen, Stephanie Broene, Nick Gilbert, Becky Monds, and Kerri Potts.

Session Two: AI and the Christian Author: Ethics, Opportunity, and a Rapidly Changing Landscape

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape faster than anyone predicted—and for many authors, it's raising as many questions as it eyebrows. This panel brings together diverse industry voices to cut through the noise with clarity and hard-won wisdom. What can AI legitimately help you do? Where are the ethical lines—and why do they keep moving? What do you need to know to protect yourself legally and act with integrity as a creative? This session is about being informed, staying anchored in your values, and navigating a fast-changing landscape with wisdom.

Panel moderated by Jeff Crosby, and featuring Chad Harrington, Hannah Johnson, and Joshua Tallent.

Session Three: Soul of the Writer, Heart of the Story: Writing Fiction That Reaches Every Reader

The metrics are loud. The algorithms are relentless. And somewhere in the middle of it all, there's a writer trying to create something that actually matters. This session begins with the writer and asks what it takes to stay spiritually and creatively whole in an industry that never stops measuring. From that foundation, the conversation moves into craft: how do you write fiction that carries deep conviction without losing readers who don't share your faith? What's the difference between a story that illuminates and one that lectures? How do you make those choices at the level of character, scene, and structure? This is a session for authors who believe their stories are for something—and want to write them in a way that proves it.

Panel moderated by Amanda Cox, and featuring Amanda Dykes, T.I. Lowe, Johanna Vann, and Roseanna M. White.

Session Four: Fix That Manuscript: Inside the Author-Editor Relationship

What actually happens when an editor gets their hands on your manuscript—and how do the best author-editor partnerships improve the work without making it smaller? This Q&A session pulls back the curtain on the editorial process with real manuscript pages, real edits, and a real conversation between an author and editor who have done this work together. You'll learn the difference between different levels of editing and walk away with a clearer understanding of what to expect—and how to get the most—from your editorial relationships.

Panel featuring Laura Wheeler, Vanessa Miller, and Marybeth Whalen.

Learn More about Art of Writing 2026

New: Beyond the Books

Add-On: Get to Know the Finalist Authors during this special morning gathering of authors and readers.

Meet and hear the hearts of the 2026 finalist authors in this intimate time of connection between authors and their readers, hosted by Amanda Dykes and ECPA President Jeff Crosby. Available to anyone registering for a single event or the bundle. Featured finalist authors will be posted on The Christy Award website after the Finalists Reveal webinar.

Learn More about Beyond the Books

The Christy Award Finalists Reveal

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in nine categories live on September 11 at 10 a.m. CST, featuring Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

“With each passing year, I am more aware of the power that stories have to communicate goodness, truth, beauty and hope in our world,” states ECPA president Jeff Crosby. “And because of that, I am honored to be associated with the annual Christy Gala, which honors excellence in Christian fiction, and the Art of Writing conference that nurtures the work of writers of faith and contributes tools as they refine their craft.” The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award events

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 11, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Darkwater Descent ~ Review

2026-08-31T08:15:00.000-05:00

Darkwater Descent

Roxburgh Scions #2

By Paige Edwards

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Darkwater Descent is releasing September 15, 2026.

About the Book:

The wrong discovery.
The right woman.
Deadly consequences.

Start at the beginning with the Roxbury Heirs

and continue with the Roxburgh Scions

Taken Without a Trace ~ Review with Giveaway

2026-08-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Blog Tour for

Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Taken Without a Trace
By Hope Welborn

When GBI Special Agent Cash Brenner literally runs into the "ex from his past that he's regretted ever since," it isn't a happy reunion. Nope not even close. But Cash's cold case and Maya Reid's missing sister just might be linked. Can you say "Danger!"? Because both Cash and Maya fear what might be next when someone decides they need to be eliminated.

Taken Without a Trace definitely kept me guessing as to who the criminal mastermind was. And can we just say there were times I was like, "Don't do it!" But did the characters listen to me, nope.

But overall, it was a fairly good read with just the right amount of suspense.

Did it keep me reading too late? Um, yeah. But this was a fairly quick read. This was a book of second chances (if they can get past their pasts) and family. It is a Love Inspired Suspense offering so the romance tends more towards sweet, and the violence is kept in the non-graphic category.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Taken Without a Trace
Author: Hope Welborn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: August 25, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

A missing person case…

or a deadly cover-up?

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Also Available

About the Author

Award-winning author Hope Welborn writes spine- tingling suspense, sprinkled with romance, and saturated with faith. By day, she masquerades as a digital content marketing technology specialist, and by night, she stays up too late putting words on the page. Hope is also co-owner and design/technology manager for Spark Flash Fiction and a member of the Suspense Squad. She has two indie published works, and her next novel will release from Love Inspired Suspense in August 2026. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
Connect with Hope by visiting hopewelborn.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Taken Without a Trace, a copy of both Hidden and Trail of Danger (also by Hope Welborn), and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.