Can't Wait Wednesday! Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

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 was a great series about second chances and new beginnings. I am looking forward to the final book in the series, releasing September 9th.

About the book: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

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

When a cynical novelist and charming military doctor become accidental roommates over Christmas, 'tis the season for unexpected romance!

Bronte Parker is a successful very-much-non-romance writer who gave up on her own happily-ever-after long ago. With a looming deadline and a bad case of writer's block, Bronte decides to rent a quaint cottage on Jonathon Island for some holiday peace and quiet. But her plans for solitude are completely sleighed when the cottage owner's brother, Jonah, shows up unexpectedly. Now Bronte is stuck sharing eggnog, Christmas movies, and way too much time with her new accidental roommate—and the last thing she needs is a distraction.

After two years away, Army surgeon Jonah White is finally going to be home for the holidays. And he’s got a big decision to make about his future—something he needs to talk through with his parents. Except, much to his surprise, he arrives to find his family gone on a tropical Christmas cruise and a seriously uptight author in their place. And thanks to a blizzard, he can’t even escape.

Determined to make the best of it, Jonah pushes Bronte out of her comfort zone and tries to help her overcome her writer’s block by showing her a real Christmas—something foster kid Bronte has never had. And as the unexpected pair are swept up in the magical Jonathon Island Christmas festivities, they start to envision a different kind of life for themselves…one where maybe a happily-ever-after could actually exist.

But with a looming book deadline and their temporary living situation nearing an end, can they be brave enough to rewrite their expectations about love and family?

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

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: The French Kitchen

The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

“War was not for lovers, nor courage for fools.”

With a breath holding first chapter which ends on a cliffhanger and then being taken back in time to wonder what happened, then jumping forward 10 years to show readers glimpses of the gaps this dual-time war mystery had enough intrigue and suspense to keep me from my sleep.

Add the fact that we just went to Paris over summer so all the Paris and French references held fond memories, this was another great story by the author.

I found myself turning pages to find out what happened, hoping for certain developments for specific characters, finding that one love revelation scene was one of the best I have read and being thrown by an ending I did not foresee, I was thoroughly entertained and kept captivated by this story.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

As Paris rebuilds in the aftermath of World War II, one ex-pat uses the skills she learned in French kitchens during the war to bring long-held secrets to light.

Paris, 1952 -- An ex-pat wife living in Paris signs up for a cookery class taught by an American chef with an indomitable wit and decidedly French airs--an instructor by name of Julia Child. Amongst classes of the L'Ecole des Trois Gourmandes, with pots and pans and prim Paris wives learning to sauté in the French way, Kat Fontaine learns much more than she bargained for.

Still haunted by the years she spent serving in the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, Kat soon finds a simple cookery class unearths the tangle of gut-wrenching memories of war and questions about the high-ranking society husband whose past is as murky as her own. But when the puzzle pieces start to come together--and her carefully crafted Paris world begins to fall apart--Kat must confront her own secrets against the mounting suspicions of the husband she thought she knew . . .

Rue, 1943 -- Deep in the heart of Nazi-controlled northern France, Manon Altier shifts between working for the enemy by day--as a French chef at the famous Château du Broutel, where names like Himmler, Rommel, and Goebbels frequent the guest list--and running with underground networks against the Vichy regime at night. Working undercover to filter information to agents within the burgeoning OSS, Manon digs deep into the glitz and glamour of a Nazi stronghold that has her teetering on the edge of being discovered at any turn. But when an intriguing stranger appears at the chateau claiming to work with the French Resistance, Manon must lean on her instincts to judge whether to run and hide or stand firm--even as a terrifying discovery tests her resolve to continue the fight.

From the heights of culinary cuisine in 1950s Paris society to the underbelly of a WWII spy network embedded deep within Nazi-controlled Vichy France--and the spy backstory of the world's most famous would-be French chef, Julia Child--The French Kitchen turns up the heat on the pasts of women whose worlds collide, and forces each to question what she thought she'd planned for a perfect future.

About the author:

KRISTY CAMBRON is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing from the space where art, history, and faith

intersect. She’s a Christy Award-winning author of historical fiction, including the bestselling novels, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN and THE PARIS DRESSMAKER, and nonfiction, including the Verse Mapping series. She also serves as a literary agent with Gardner Literary.

Her work has been named to: Cosmopolitan Best Historical Fiction Novels of 2021, Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, INSPY Award nominations, a Carol Award final, and received a 2020 Christy Award for her novel, THE PAINTED CASTLE. She's also been featured at: Cosmopolitan, Publishers Weekly, Once Upon a Book Club Box, Frolic, Book Club Girl, BookBub, Country Woman Magazine, Jesus Calling, FaithGateway, CBN, Lifeway Women, MICI Magazine, Faithwire, (in)Courage, and BibleGateway.

A self-proclaimed history nerd, Kristy loves to chase all things research, going behind the scenes at a Ringling Bros. Sarasota mansion, touring a former TB sanitarium, making bee friends at a working honey farm, or embarking on a back-roads jaunt across Ireland being a few. She holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing and spent 15 yrs in education and leadership development for a Fortune 100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling.

Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three basketball-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

To connect with Kristy, visit: kristycambron.com

Review: Meant for Me

Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

From book one, everyone knew Linc and Zoey were meant to end up together, except for Linc and Zoey.

This was one of those married for convenience stories which could either end in disaster or lead to happily ever after - plus we do not see a lot of these marriages in modern times.

Linc and Zoey always had a wonderful supporting friendship where they pushed each other to be their best and had some of the best banter. But lacking kn communicating how they feel. Ad in a moody teenager and you have a lot of emotional moments.

This was fun and heartwarming but also included deep bonding moments as characters had to struggle with the past, insecurities and learning they are allowed to hope, dream and risk for love.

A great ending to the series.

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

View all my reviews

Magnolia Bay
Book 1: Where I Found You
Book 2: No Place Like Home
Book 3: Meant for Me

About the book:

He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience?

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and the company of approximately three people. Zoey Lakewood has been at the top of that short list for years, the only bit of sunshine he ever allows to part his comfortably cloudy sky. But when Linc’s steady, quiet world is rocked by the unexpected guardianship of a teen girl, his friendship with Zoey becomes even more crucial. He needs help, bad...but maybe not as bad as Zoey.

Zoey’s never had a problem manifesting joy. But having just lost her home and her beignet business to an uninsured fire, for once she struggles to find the silver lining. She and Linc arrange to help each other out—as just friends, of course. She’ll provide teen-parenting assistance while he provides a place for her to get back on her feet. But one thing her friendship with Linc has never had to navigate is close proximity.

Tension—and chemistry—mount as they attempt to manage this sudden insta-family. But Zoey just lost everything, and she can’t risk losing her best friend, too. Will her friendship with Linc go up in flames like her beignet shop? Or will Linc and Zoey finally realize they were meant for each other?

About the author:

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over fifteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. She resides

in north Louisiana with her hubby, two total opposite young daughters, a collection of coffee mugs, and one fur-toddler in the form of a mini-Schnauzer. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored in Christ. When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a cold brew with vanilla cold foam. She blogs frequently at www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. Visit her at http://www.betsystamant.com also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant

Review: Meet Me at Sunset Cove

Meet Me at Sunset Cove by Sarah May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was such an adorable story.

I enjoyed the banter and the fun way in which the author showed the readers the development of the relationship between Daisy and Hunter through the cute youtube videos. I found that the author was very talented and creative in her method with the youtube chapters.

Daisy was a ray of sunshine and her personality broke the broody barriers of Hunter.

Though there was a lot of fun and cute moments in the story, there was also depth though the inner turmoil the characters struggled with.

I would love a series about Hunter’s brothers!

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

View all my reviews

Review: Meet Me at The Grand: A Jonathon Island Novel

Review: Meet Me on Lilac Lane

Review: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

Review: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill

About the book:

**What an awesome read involving a designer and a contractor who share a history, a fake engagement, misunderstandings, and second chances.** Reviewer—Goodreads

She needs a stunning comeback--not a reunion with the man got away...

Daisy Decker didn't plan to lose her hit home renovation show to her conniving co-host, but never mind…she has a plan to reboot her career. Step one, find herself a cute little house on the world's most adorable island. Step two, film herself giving the house a total "Decker" remodel and use it to restart her YouTube channel.

What she never factored in? That Hunter Barrett--the man who stole her heart and then ghosted her--would be standing between her and her dream project.
But it seems Hunter may be desperate to keep his treasured family home off the market. And Daisy's willing to make a deal.

Hunter won't sacrifice his heart for a house. Or will he?

Local contractor Hunter Barrett is not letting his family's home on Sunset Cove go without a fight, and he's especially not going to sell it to Daisy Decker, the woman who broke his heart years ago. But the family trust states that the house will hit the market the moment he turns 31, and there's nothing he can do to stop it.

He's out of options and out of time when Daisy approaches him with a wild proposal--a fake engagement that could solve both their problems. It's the last thing he wants, but with his family legacy on the line, can he really afford to say no?

But falling back in love is definitely not part of the plan…

Grab this charming Jonathon Island DIY story about second chances, a fake engagement, and discovering that sometimes the strongest foundations are built on the ruins of broken hearts.

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

Review: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill

Meet Me on Blueberry Hill by Lisa Jordan
My rating:💛💛💛💛

This was one of my favourite books in the series.

There was so much I can highlight, but to not reveal spoilers I will just say I enjoyed every interaction between the main characters.

Sadie and Asher both had to move on from great loss. Their healing process felt realistic and honest throughout the story.

Would love to see more from these two!

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

View all my reviews

Review: Meet Me at The Grand: A Jonathon Island Novel

Review: Meet Me on Lilac Lane

Review: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

About the book:

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

The last thing Sadie Hudson expected to find on her grandmother’s doorstep was a second chance at love—or another chance at heartbreak.

Copywriter-by-day Sadie Hudson used to dream of songwriting. But that all changed when her sister died in a senseless tragedy five years ago. Now, Sadie returns to Jonathon Island to help her beloved grandma Henrietta recover from surgery. Because Sadie will do anything for family—even if it means returning to the one place her memories haunt her most.

But just as she begins to find peace in the island's tranquility, a fallen tree damages her grandmother's home, forcing her to accept help from Gran’s gruff, mysterious neighbor. Despite the way he cares for Gran, Sadie can't shake the feeling that Asher is keeping secrets, and after her last relationship ended in lies and betrayal, she's determined not to be fooled by another man. But the more time she spends with Asher, the more she’s drawn to him.

Asher Quinn has his own reasons for seeking solitude on Jonathon Island. Behind his hard work and generous spirit lies a past he longs to forget—one that could destroy any chance at the new life he's carefully constructed…especially when he discovers that he’s the reason Sadie lost her sister.

Can two wounded souls find the courage to be honest with each other, or will the weight of their pasts destroy their chance at love before it truly begins?

Review: Burning Justice

Burning Justice by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Oh what a thrilling ending to a very captivating series.

Spies, heroes who are supposed to be dead, betrayal, a search for a kidnapped father and all to ensure a terrorist act will not occur.

Since we first met them, it was clear to readers there was more to Sanchez and Kane’s story than just what we see. Apart from the clear chemistry between these two, there is also some history which added to the protectiveness of the hotshots towards Sanchez.

With a plot where there is the feeling of Alias, Fire County and Seal Team, the ending to this series will keep readers invested right till the very last word.

I was left satisfied with the conclusion of this series, but also with a feeling of wanting to not be done with these characters and have more stories about them!

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

Review: Burning Hearts

Review: Burning Rivals  

Review: Burning Escape

Review: Burning Secrets

Review: Burning Truth

View all my reviews

About the book:

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

She's been searching for her father for fifteen years...

Maria Sanchez has spent her entire career as a CIA operative searching for her father, and she’s not going to let some tough, arrogant former-soldier-turned-hotshot stand in her way.

His life was upended on a single fateful mission...

After being betrayed, branded a traitor, and declared dead, Kane Foster has a lot prove—and he’s not going to let his team—or his country—down. Even if he has to douse the sparks between him and his feisty teammate. Because some things are more important than love.

Now someone tell that to his heart…

As the smoke clears on this pulse-pounding series, buried truths will be uncovered and loyalties tested in this sizzling finale to the Chasing Alaska romantic suspense series.

About the Author:

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span

Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Review: Burning Truth

Burning Truth by Kelly Underwood
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

This book in the series started out on a suspenseful and heartbreaking note and did not end with the suspense right till the end.

I enjoyed seeing into the big heart of Grizz and enjoyed how Dani tried to get him to reveal his first name, which was definitely unexpected and did not fit this Grizzly man!

The faith and hope intertwined within this story and struggles of the characters were naturally written into the story and I enjoyed every part of the story.

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

View all my reviews

Review: Burning Hearts

Review: Burning Rivals  

Review: Burning Escape

Review: Burning Secrets

About the book:

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

She’s on a mission to revive her career...

Dani Barlow, disgraced journalist, has been given one last chance to redeem herself—follow a tip about a secret militia compound in the Alaskan wilderness and get the scoop that will put her back on top. But when her investigation takes a dangerous turn, she finds herself running for her life. Dani's only hope is the rugged hotshot firefighter who comes to her rescue. As danger closes in, she'll have to trust this mountain man with her life...

He'd risk everything to protect his home…

Grizz has one fight fires and protect the Alaskan forests he calls home. But when a reckless, albeit beautiful, reporter trespasses on his territory, he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist plot bent on destroying everything he’s got left to care for. It seems he’ll have to do the very thing he swore he’d never do trust.

Brace yourself for a blazing tale of suspense, courage, and redemption in the untamed Alaskan wild.

About the author:

Kelly Underwood’s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. Her debut novel with Sunrise Publishing gave Kelly the incredible opportunity to work with Lynette Eason as her mentor and lead author. Defending Honor, part of the Elite Guardians series, was published in October 2022 and earned third place in the Selah Awards and was a finalist in the Carol Awards. Since then, Kelly has continued to captivate readers with multiple romantic suspense novels.

Beyond writing, Kelly shares her love of reading through her blog, Best in Suspense. She also served as the 2024 and 2025 president for the Central Florida chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not plotting twists and turns for her next novel, you’ll find her out and about with her therapy dog—a feisty golden retriever named Maizie—bringing joy to everyone from children to senior citizens. She also loves traveling and has recently fallen in love with Ireland and Scotland—maybe you’ll see these settings as the backdrop to one of her future novels.

Kelly is a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you must read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably on her back patio with Maizie, a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other

Review: Burning Secrets

Burning Secrets by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

“Another tip from Dad. Persevere. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

Ever since I have met Crew in book one, I knew there was more to his story with the possibility of him being an undercover agent, which I was happy to confirm.

Crew did not have an easy start and the scenes we as readers could see which involved his father made me even care more for him. I loved how he’s father chose to use a bad situation to spend time with Crew and minister in his life.

The story is not yet finished. I am expecting an explosive ending to come with hopefully all of the strong heroes we have met playing a role.

“I belong to truth and hope and right.”

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

Review: Burning Hearts

Review: Burning Rivals  

View all my reviews

About the book:

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

Wrong place, wrong time…

Wildlife biologist JoJo Butcher isn’t just a smokejumper for the Midnight Sun crew—she’s also in Alaska to finish up her wolf research…until, oops, she finds herself face-to-face with a wolf with nowhere to go…
And then she’s rescued by a hero from the woods. Who exactly is he, and what secrets is he hiding?

He's living a double life...

Undercover FBI informant Michael Crew Sterling hates his life. Buried deep inside a domestic terrorist group, he’s in over his head, trying to discover their lethal plans. And then he saves the life of JoJo Butcher, and suddenly she is sunshine to his dark soul…

Until she accidentally walks into nightmare.

Now Crew must keep her alive by proving that she’s his girlfriend. And she has to play along, or they’ll both be killed. And when they discover what the group is really doing, Crew will have to make a choice that could cost him everything he’s sacrificed to save the woman he’s falling for.

Book four in the epic Chasing Alaska series is an edge-of-your seat tale of danger, loyalty, and the power of hope in the darkest night.

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: Final Approach

Final Approach by Lynette Eason
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rating 4.5

Wow, this one was action packed and suspenseful with a lof of unexpected twists and turns.

With a bad guy where you only see narcissistic character as the story is revealed, as a reader you feel empathy for the characters and disbelief right along with them as the main characters had to survive attacks and truth revelations.

I enjoyed that all the characters of the series played roles in the story and that the two main characters have a past friendship due to the big group of friends but that there is a clear chemistry connection they would like to explore but events kept them from delaying this connection.

Sad to see the series end.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity.

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there's more to this story than meets the eye--and more to love and admire about each other. They'll have to put their skills to the test--and their hearts on the line--to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with another edge-of-your-seat thrill ride as she brings her popular Lake City Heroes series to a shocking and satisfying close.

About the author:

Also see Author Discovery: Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."