Review: Apollo

Apollo by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Apollo was a bit different for me than Ronie Kendig’s other military action.

Instead of the main hero being part of a special ops team, he came in as someone from the outside who also felt like he came up short. I missed the banter you always get with being part of the inside of the team, but Owen’s drive to protect Leighton still provided readers with that intense, broody character.

The story kept me interested since you had this feeling something is planned and is going to happen but you never know what or when. The wildlife dangers added to the suspense level.

I am eager to read the final book in the series to see why the Scions are not fans of the Omen team and what Dillon is up to.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Review book 1: Atlas

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About the book:

When Love Becomes the Ultimate Mission

From award-winning author Ronie Kendig comes a heart-stopping romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

HE WAS TRAINED TO SAVE LIVES. SHE WAS BORN TO LIVE A LIE.

Owen Metcalfe thought his military career was over—two failed attempts at becoming an elite operator leave him questioning everything he believes about himself. When a desperate mercenary seeks help to rescue his daughter—a kidnapped princess—from the most dangerous royal family in the world, Owen discovers his true calling isn't about earning a beret or proving his worth to the Army.

It's about saving her.

Leighton Kingslake has spent her entire life guarding a deadly secret far from the Saudi princess who gave birth to her and the brutal king they fled. She’s lived in the shadows, knowing one wrong move could end not just her life, but her mother's as well. When she's violently torn from her safe world and imprisoned halfway around the globe, survival becomes her only goal.

Until a blue-eyed warrior crashes into her world and threatens everything.

This isn't just a rescue mission—it's a collision of two hearts that will either save them both or destroy them completely.

When Owen infiltrates the palace as Leighton's bodyguard sparks fly! She doesn’t want him ruining her plan, and he holds fast to his promise to bring her safely home. But with a vengeful king, murderous princes, and a deadly enemy closing in, they’re forced to set differences aside. Soon, begrudging respect breeds something far more powerful that becomes both their greatest strength and their most dangerous weakness.

"A MASTERPIECE OF ROMANTIC SUSPENSE!"
- Susan May Warren, USA today best-selling author

From the sunbaked dungeons of Saudi Arabia to the breathtaking savannas of Kenya, APOLLO
✦ Pulse-pounding action that will leave you breathless
✦ Sizzling chemistry between two unforgettable characters
✦ Heart-stopping suspense with twists you'll never see coming
✦ Exotic locations that leap off the page
✦ Faith-filled hope in the darkest circumstances

APOLLO is book two in the explosive DISCARDED SCIONS series, but can be read as a standalone. Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, DiAnn Mills, and Susan May Warren.

Get ready for elephant stampedes, palace intrigue, African safaris, royal weddings, and a love story that will restore your faith in happy endings.

Discarded Scions
Book 1: Atlas
Book 2: Apollo
Book 3: Achilles

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After thirty years of

marriage, she and her hunky hero are adventuring on the East coast, a short train ride from NYC with their retired military working dog and their Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of raw, broken characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

Review: Find Me in the Blooms

Find Me in the Blooms by Alyssa Schwarz
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Reading this story gave me that first spring day feeling after a long cold winter - hope and an expectation of good things to come.

Kate and Lincoln had a complicated history and I appreciated that this story did not over complicate their reconnection. Sometimes I find romance stories too predictable and with the same misunderstanding type plot that keeps characters apart. But not with this story or this series. Yes there are issues which make the romance journey a bit more complicated, but the characters deal with these in a timely and mature fashion.

In this story, Kate and Lincoln also grew stronger individually, learning from their struggles and allowing it to shape them and take them on a journey to forgiveness.

I loved Ollie and Dani’s support in this story and Lincoln’s fear of spiders also added for a few LOL moments.

A sweet story of reconciliation among the fragrance of blooms.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


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About the book:

He ran the night before their wedding. She's been running ever since.

Wedding photographer Kate Sullivan has spent five years proving she's fine. Fine with the panic attacks. Fine being the overachieving sister everyone counts on. Fine that Lincoln St. James called off their wedding and disappeared.

She's not fine. But nobody needs to know that.

When her doctor orders a mandatory break, Kate retreats to charming Jonathon Island to help her family with the spring flower festival. Sun. Blossoms. No stress.

Then Lincoln walks back into her life.

The florist hired for the festival is the man who shattered her heart—and he's more gorgeous than ever. Worse? He's looking at her like he still loves her. Like he never stopped.

Lincoln knows he doesn't deserve a second chance. He panicked and ran, terrified of becoming his absent father. But Kate Sullivan was the best thing that ever happened to him, and he's spent five years regretting the night he let fear win.

Now, working side by side among blooming orchards and island magic, the feelings they buried come rushing back. But trust doesn't rebuild overnight—and some wounds run deeper than either of them knew.

Can a runaway groom prove he's finally ready to stay?

Find Me in the Blooms is a sweet Christian romance about second chances, forgiveness, and discovering that God's timing blooms exactly when it should. Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, and Hallmark spring movies.

About the author:

"I can't wait to read more of the Prescott Family Romance series. [Dear Beth] is highly recommended for fans of inspirational contemporary romance, especially for readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, and Susan May Warren." -Goodreads Reviewer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connect with Alyssa via:

Her email newsletter (which includes giveaway alerts and book news - and a free short story):

Her web site: https://www.authoralyssaschwarz.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralyssaschwarz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846420.Alyssa_Schwarz

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/

Alyssa is a Colorado native who attended the Colorado School of Mines, got her masters in Geological Engineering, and promptly became a watercolor artist and author (as one does). She loves writing heartfelt romances with happy endings, a bit of mystery, faith, humor, and second chances.

Prescott Family Romance Series:

Dear Beth (novella)

The Glass Cottage

The Glass Road

Fields of Glass

Review: Find Me in the Story

Find Me in the Story by Lisa Jordan
My rating: 💛💛💛💛
Find me in the story is a fitting title for two characters who love books and are somewhat involved in getting the book in readers hands.

I love getting back to Jonathan Island and meeting up with some of the great characters we have met in season 1 and meeting new awesome characters to love.

Both Eliza and Oliver’s passion for the industry came through in this story, along with their connection and chemistry, but also their fears and past history which are holding them back. There was a misunderstanding which is sort of expected in this type of story but I loved that the characters were able to resolve it quickly.

I don’t think you really need to read season one to follow along, but you will have a deeper understanding and love for Jonathan Island if you do.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

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About the book:

PW bestselling author Lisa Jordan returns readers to the beloved island community in Find Me in the Story, the first book in a new Jonathon Island season, Find Me on Jonathon Island.

Review: Renegade

Renegade by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Renegade is the start of a new series, but it features the Trouble boys we have met in a previous series. Hammer was always silent in the background, but now this broody-not-dead military hero had a lot to say.

Sierra was independent, but not by choice. She had to learn to stand strong and move forward when she was the one left behind.

I enjoyed seeing them reconnect, having to forgive and move forward. Hunter was just adorable.

The suspense plot was engaging, with enough action, twists and turns and some periods of allowing readers to breathe.

I look forward to this series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


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About the book:

★ He was supposed to be dead. She was supposed to move on. Some loves won't stay buried. ★

The last person Sierra Blackwood expects to see is the man whose memorial service she attended three years ago.

For ten years, she's raised their son alone, told him his father died a hero, and built a life from the ashes of broken promises. Now Rowan "Hammer" Wallace is back—no explanation, no apology, just those devastating blue eyes and a presence that fills every empty space she's tried to heal.

He doesn't know about the boy. And she doesn't know if she can survive losing him again.
But there's no time for second chances when a killer has you in their crosshairs.

Someone wants Sierra's ranch—and they're willing to burn down everything she loves to get it. Poisoned livestock. Mysterious fires. And when armed men kidnap Sierra and her ten-year-old son, Rowan must confront the violent stepfather who drove him away to save the family he never knew existed.

In the mountains of Colorado, the past never stays buried. And some men never stop fighting for what's theirs.

Perfect for fans Second-chance romance with heartChristian romantic suspenseCowboy heroes with dangerous pastsSmall-town settings with big secretsMilitary romance/Wounded warrior storiesFamily drama and redemption arcs

Faith Forgiveness Fatherhood Justice Homecoming Secrets & Lies Redemption Small-Town Community Ranch Life Overcoming the Past

Start the Heroes of Renegade series today and discover why readers can't get enough of this pulse-pounding romantic suspense!

Book 1 in Heroes of Renegade series. Complete story with HEA, but the series continues!

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: Some Like It Scot

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was another fun, witty romcom from Pepper Basham with a dash of Scottish charm.

I received a review copy from the publisher, but I also listened to the audiobook. With the charming Scottish accents this is a story you would enjoy listening to.

The author delivered a story filled with interesting characters with a lot of backstory. In between delivering fun banter and cute moments the characters also went through deep growth.

The Scottish environment was described in such a wonderful way that readers would want to get their passports ready and plan their visit.

A book everyone should read if you want a lighter, cute story but which also includes depth.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


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About the book:

An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?

About the author:

Pepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she works with kids who have special needs, searches for unique hats, and plots new ways to annoy her wonderful friends at her writing blog, The Writer’s Alley.

Review: The Long Way Back to You

The Long Way Back to You by Heidi McCahan
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3.5

This was a sweet story of two people who were caught in a plan for their future, either determined by choices made by loved ones or events which threw them in a direction they would not have chosen for themselves.

I enjoyed seeing how Emma when she was away from all the third party influences were able to find her true self again. I was shocked at some revelations with past events and it felt a bit open-ended at the end though I did love the long awaited scene between her and her father.

Luke was a passionate character and it came through in his emotions towards Emma and his family’s business. I felt like I missed a bit of details between the last chapters and the epilogue wrt the business, but I guess we will see in future books how the lodge will survive.

This was a sweet, heartwarming story which brought tears to my eyes and a satisfied smile at the end.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Review book 1: The other side of good-bye

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About the book:

Where broken hearts come to heal.

"Why are you here, Emma?"

"Because my mom hasn't paid her property taxes, so I want to make that right. And because I want closure."

"Closure so you can move on and marry Nathan?"

"He's my fiancé. He's what I want."

"If you say so."

Sometimes the life you're meant to live is the one you left behind.

Emma Carlisle built the perfect life in Boston—successful career, surgeon fiancé, everything mapped out. But when unpaid property taxes force her back to Redemption, Alaska, she has one sell the family house, settle the debt, and escape before the past can destroy her again.

She didn't count on Luke McGuire.

Luke never stopped loving the woman who vanished without explanation fifteen years ago. Now he's desperately fighting to save his family's failing resort while watching Emma prepare to disappear again. The stakes couldn't be higher—his family's legacy hangs in the balance, and losing Emma a second time will destroy him.

But Redemption holds devastating secrets about Emma's criminal father and the family shame that drove her away. When shocking revelations about her past surface and her perfect Boston life begins to crumble, Emma faces an impossible return to the safe life that's slowly killing her spirit, or risk everything for the messy truth of where her heart belongs.
With Luke's unwavering love and her own buried dreams calling her home, Emma must decide if she has the courage to embrace the life she was always meant to live.

A story about second chances, buried secrets, and the courage to come home.
________________________________________
Perfect for readers who
• Second-chance romance
• Small-town Alaska settings
• Family secrets and hidden pasts
• Strong heroines choosing authenticity over security
• Emotional stories about finding where you belong

Welcome to Redemption, Alaska
Book 1: The Other Side of Goodbye
Book 2: The Long Way Back to You
Book 3: The Last Mile Between Us
Book 4: The Hidden Light of Her

About the author:

Heidi McCahan writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She is a bestselling author of several books, including Her Alaskan Family and A Baby in Alaska. A perfect day for Heidi includes a huge cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, and reading stories with happy endings. She makes her home in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world’s greatest Goldendoodle. Heidi is represented by Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency. A Winter of Sweet Secrets, Heidi’s next novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, releases on September 30, 2025.

Review: When Justice Comes

When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was a great conclusion to the series. The author’s combined voices grew as the series grew and in the final book the two voices flowed well into one new collaborative voice.

This final book was filled with near drownings, custody battles with well explained and descriptive legal procedures, and a crime family out for revenge.

There were twists and turns which will keep readers guessing and being thrown as things were not expected from characters we have gotten to know.

I enjoyed this series and hope the authors will join talents for future stories.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are expressed are my own.*

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About the book:

USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker deliver the final book in their beloved Tupelo Grove Hez and Savannah Webster have survived storms that would bury others without a love as strong as theirs--but can they withstand the final battle in the deadly Legare-Willard feud that threatens to sweep away everything they've fought for?

Hezekiah "Hez" Webster and his fiancé, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they're getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody--both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.

Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it's hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah's quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.

With the clock ticking, Hez and Savannah must confront the ghosts of their past and their deepest fears to secure a future for Simon. But with every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they've always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever?

The Tupelo Grove series reaches its breathtaking conclusion as an enemy's agenda for revenge runs darker than swamp water and justice remains as precarious as quicksand in this heart-pounding narrative that underscores the power of redemption and forgiveness.