Monthly Recap: May 2025

 

 I first saw this monthly reflections idea on: Christian bookshelf reviews

May was another busy month with getting ready to move to our newly purchased house. 

 

What I've read:

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Kindle:

Audio:

Paperback:

Still in progress

What I would like to read in June:

Read:

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

There is quite a few I would love to still read!

Did I buy any new books?

Bought: None

Freebies: None

Did I read everything I wanted too?

The following I had to carry over

January:

March:

April:

ARC/Netgalley update:

ARC/Netgalley books downloaded this month:

Heavy this month with the ARCs:

ARC/Netgalley books read and reviewed:

Send feedback on the following

How was your month?

Review: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

Meet Me at the Fudge Shop by Lindsay Harrel
My rating: 💛💛💛

With a Romeo and Juliet family rivalry, but this time involving a fudge shop, there was a lot of tension and chemistry between the main characters.

I enjoyed Lily’s creativity which sometimes led her into difficult situations. I have a family member like that, and though sometimes it can be frustrating, the ability to focus on being creative versus keeping up with time and commitments, makes your life colourful.

The story was a bit predictable with things that were going wrong and how it all ended, but I still enjoyed the journey and the conclusion.

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


View all my reviews

About the book:

"Loved this sweet story. Meet Me at the Fudge Shop has it all—bitter family feud, former high school sweethearts now rivals, close proximity, and a competition over a fudge shop." Reviewer—Goodreads

Their families are enemies, and he broke her heart, so of course she’ll have to work with him if she wants to save her fudge shop. Except, he wants the shop too…

Oh no. Someone is going to get hurt.

****

There’s no way her rival—and that man who broke her heart—is going to steal her future. Not again.

Fudge maker Lily Hart is back on Jonathon Island, and this time, she’s not going to fail. She’s learned her lesson after failing out of business school, and losing her dream apprenticeship. But her family’s 74-year-old Fudge Shop belongs to her and she’s going to reopen it and join in the revival of Jonathon Island. Even if she has to wrest it out of the greedy hands of her ex-sweetheart, arrogant Declan Kelley.

The woman he can’t forget just might cost him everything…

Business executive Declan isn’t a fudge-maker, but apparently the only way to save his ancestral home is to return to Jonathon Island and reignite the Kelley fudge business. And the Fudge Wars between the Harts and the Kelleys, because feisty Lily Hart is back too. Oh no. Because he’s never forgotten his mistakes, or his regrets that drove him from the island.

But the space can belong to only one family—which means a contest. Whoever sells the most fudge in one month gets the shop. Forced to share the space, sparks—and old feelings—begin to fly. Lily’s creative flair and Declan’s business acumen might just be the perfect recipe for success…if they can stop fighting long enough to realize it.

On the other hand, they might just reignite the town feud…

Sweet, swoony, and full of heart, dive into this romance between reunited rivals who hope to discover that on Jonathon Island, love might be the sweetest thing of all.

If you like secret love, family rivalries, delicious banter, and second chances, you’ll love this Hatfields and McCoys, sweet and clean small town romance!

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.


Rivals
Enemies to romance
Coworkers
Second chance at love
Small town shenanigans

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

About the author:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

Award-winning author Rachel D. Russell writes contemporary inspirational romance focused on

forgiveness, redemption, and grace. She's a country girl living in the suburbs, whose resume includes presenting live-animal reptile programs, being a park ranger, a reserve police officer, and a stint in federal prison (where she worked, not lived).

She makes wild attempts to balance writing under publisher deadlines with her full-time career with the federal government. When Rachel’s not cantering her horse down the Oregon beaches, she’s probably interrogating her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent enjoying her active family, including two college-age sons and three keyboard-hogging cats.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Burning Escape

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Loving this adventure and suspenseful series. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series.

About the book: Burning Escape

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She was born to fight fires...

When Tori Mitchell said goodbye to the handsome stranger after their heart-stopping dance on her last night of freedom, she never expected him to wind up on the same Midnight Sun elite smokejumper team. Now the two rookies are on the run through the Alaska backcountry, chased by militia men intent on stopping the wildlands firefighters. Forced to rely on each other, Tori has to ignore the sparks between them if they're going to stay alive. Otherwise that spark will turn into a flame neither of them can put out.

He's got something to prove...

Born into a family legacy of firefighting, Orion Price is determined to prove his worth up in Alaska. One explosive evening on the dance floor with Tori threatens the only shot he has to step out of the shadow of his mistakes. He's going to take this shot to show his family—and himself—that he can be the man they believe he is. Orion won't risk his heart, even if survival in an isolated community means faking a relationship with Tori.

Brace yourself for a high-octane, heart-pounding, inspirational thrill ride filled with real-life heroism, searing romantic suspense, and the restorative power of unrelenting grace.

Chasing Alaska
Book 1: Burning Hearts
Book 2: Burning Rivals
Book 3: Burning Escape
Book 4: Burning Secrets
Book 5: Burning Truth
Book 6: Burning Justice

Chasing Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproof

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

If you are looking for something light, fun, where you find yourself laughing out loud, where you have to try and explain to the people around you why you are laughing, but also something with some depth, please pick up this book!

I enjoyed every moment I spent with Rosie. She was a fun character, and within her struggles to find her way back to the love of her dream, she managed to influence others, especially one serious brooding man of wisdom, with her bubbliness and lightness.

I just loved Booker. He was able to meet Rosie where she was at, moved on her speed, but pushed her to think deeper and reach for her dreams.

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


View all my reviews

About the book:

Sometimes what you think you want and what you actually want turn out to be different things . . .

Rosie Waterman has one to become a working actor. But lately, that hasn't been working out. When she loses her apartment and her job on the same day, she does what she always does--puts herself out there, ready to find the next big thing. But a trip home makes her realize that while she's been struggling to make this dream come true, all her friends have become real adults with careers and weddings and babies on the way. Rosie's been at this for years, and she has nothing to show for it. But how does she simply let go of her dream?

When she's offered a job as the director of a regional theatre's production of Cinderella, she jumps at the chance--even though she's only directed in college and the job is in Door County, Wisconsin, and not in New York. She has no other offers, and at least she'll be getting paid to do something theatrical. But when she arrives, she quickly realizes that the "regional theatre" is actually in a retirement community, and the "actors" are actually senior citizens with no acting experience whatsoever.

Working on the show presents new challenges, forcing Rosie to learn how to step up and be the leader this fledgling theatre troupe needs. The more time she spends with her new cast, the more she begins to rethink what it means to dream big, especially when that big dream hasn't turned out to be at all what she thought it would be. It's not at all what she expected, but could it be exactly what she needs?

About the author:

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women's

fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. Her novel, Just Let Go, won the Carol Award in 2019 and Just One Kiss was a 2020 Christy Award Finalist.

A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.

Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com. 

Review: Burning Rivals

Burning Rivals by Voni Harris
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was a well written action packed romantic suspense which kept me engaged and made me flipping pages as fast as possible to see what will happen next.

The writing was done in such a way that I felt what the characters were feeling. There was one fishy scene which was so well described that I felt that I was right there with the characters, smelling the smells and being slapped in the face.

The theme of grief was well executed. Readers were be able to connect with the characters but also learn and realise (or be reminded) that everyone griefs in their own way and on their own time. And God meets everyone at the time they are ready to welcome His healing.

I love both main characters and all the side characters and I am glad to have book three ready to go!

“Fact was, God had created her with a sense of adventure, and that sometimes meant leaping the roadside ditch and landing in stu—in thorny bushes.”

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

View all my reviews

Review: Burning Hearts

About the book:

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

He lost the one person who meant the most to him—and she let it happen.

Vince hasn’t forgiven Cadee for abandoning his father in the fire that took his life, but he’s going to find out why. When he discovers the Feds have a warrant out for his arrest, he knows he’s being framed for crimes he didn’t commit. And Cadee might be the only one he can rely on to clear his name. Vince will have to confront his bitter past and put his unwavering trust in the woman who once shattered his heart.

And Cadee…well, she knows better than to open up her heart—and trust—to the man who hates her. But she needs him if she hopes to stay alive, so…

Oh, it’s going to be a long, hot summer.

Grab this sizzling but clean romantic adventure through the fiery forest of Alaska in this latest installment of the Chasing Alaska series.

Chasing Alaska
Book 1: Burning Hearts
Book 2: Burning Rivals
Book 3: Burning Escape
Book 4: Burning Secrets
Book 5: Burning Truth
Book 6: Burning Justice

Chasing Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproof

Can't Wait Wednesday! Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This looks cute and romancy.

About the book: Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Sometimes what you think you want and what you actually want turn out to be different things . . .

Rosie Waterman has one to become a working actor. But lately, that hasn't been working out. When she loses her apartment and her job on the same day, she does what she always does--puts herself out there, ready to find the next big thing. But a trip home makes her realize that while she's been struggling to make this dream come true, all her friends have become real adults with careers and weddings and babies on the way. Rosie's been at this for years, and she has nothing to show for it. But how does she simply let go of her dream?

When she's offered a job as the director of a regional theatre's production of Cinderella, she jumps at the chance--even though she's only directed in college and the job is in Door County, Wisconsin, and not in New York. She has no other offers, and at least she'll be getting paid to do something theatrical. But when she arrives, she quickly realizes that the "regional theatre" is actually in a retirement community, and the "actors" are actually senior citizens with no acting experience whatsoever.

Working on the show presents new challenges, forcing Rosie to learn how to step up and be the leader this fledgling theatre troupe needs. The more time she spends with her new cast, the more she begins to rethink what it means to dream big, especially when that big dream hasn't turned out to be at all what she thought it would be. It's not at all what she expected, but could it be exactly what she needs?

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Where Secrets Lie

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Where Secrets Lie was a true to Colleen Coble action packed, suspenseful story with characters you hope can work through their baggage and trust issues to get to their happily ever after. But then there is not only the troubles the characters created for themselves, but those third parties throw into their paths.

This is a series to be read in order, since book two takes off where book one ended and you will need the full picture from book one to understand everything which is happening now.

Jessica was a character where I really hoped better decisions would be made. I loved her relationship with Savannah and how this impacted a lot of mysteries to be hidden.

There was a very sad ending to one character's story with the results on others beautifully and realistically written.

The cliffhanger at the end wants book three in my hands now.

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

Review book 1: What We Hide


View all my reviews

About the book:

College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he's finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez's old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they've built begins to crumble. And it's not just their relationship that hanging in the balance--the survival of the university Savannah's family poured their lives into is also under threat.

Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.

The twists continue until the final page as a dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complex dynamics of legacy and family.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's Where Secrets Lie is gripping suspense with closed-door, second-chance romance. They've "forged a seamless partnership with a singular voice" (Charles Martin), "where secrets simmer and unexpected twists leave you guessing until the shocking finale" (Kate Angelo).

About the Authors:

USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of

dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print.

Rick Acker writes novels during his commute to and from his "real job" as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice. His unit prosecutes corporate fraud lawsuits of the type described in the #1 bestseller, WHEN THE DEVIL WHISTLES, which award-winning author Colleen Coble describes as "a legal thriller you won't want to miss!"

Rick has led investigations and lawsuits that made headlines in and out of California. Most recently, he and his team won a string record-breaking judgments and settlements against the Wall Street players who created the toxic mortgage securities that triggered the Great Recession. Before joining DOJ, Rick was a senior litigator at Bingham McCutchen, where he worked on high stakes litigation, including a fight between two owners of the San Francisco Forty-Niners and a multibilllion dollar international fraud case. Rick has law degrees from the University of Oslo and the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with honors. In addition to his novels, he is a contributing author on two legal treatises published by the American Bar Association.

When Rick isn't writing or lawyering, you can usually find him with his wife, Anette, and their four children. They'll be exploring in the hills east of San Francisco, watching a good movie together, or, of course, reading. You can visit him on the web at www.rickacker.com