Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Can't Wait Wednesday! Rescued Dreams

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.

Excited to finish this series. The last book in the series releases October 14th.

About the book: Rescued Dreams

She must confront her haunting past to protect her future—and the man she loves.

Truck Lieutenant Amelia Patterson hasn’t told anyone about her past in Benson, or the fact her vindictive ex never gave her the necessary paperwork for her rank.

Rescue Squad firefighter Ridge Foster, recently promoted to Lieutenant, is eager to leave Eastside Fire House and his unspoken feelings for Amelia behind.

When Amelia’s secret comes to light and she is forced to step down, Ridge takes her spot as the leader on truck until she can produce the paperwork. But with an old enemy sabotaging her professional and private life in search of hidden payouts from her father, Amelia’s past threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.

Determined to keep her firehouse family safe, Amelia must decide whether to trust them with the truth or face her demons alone. As the danger escalates, Amelia and Ridge are forced to confront their feelings for each other while racing against time to uncover the truth…and protect their future.

Rescued Dreams is a thrilling romantic suspense that explores the power of trust, the strength of family, and the courage to face the past in order to secure a brighter future.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Playing for Keeps

Playing for Keeps by Andrea Michelle Wood
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Playing for keeps started with a great first meeting which was fun and showed the chemistry between Piper and Titus, but soon after they turned into enemies.

It was fun to see the true heart of Piper and Titus through their fighting. Both wanted the best for the students, the one academically and the one on the football field and to find a midway point caused for a lot of tension and fun fighting scenes.

Through the challenges and battles to where each one tries to stand on his or her point and get the advantage, they learn to see the best in the other and even learn to support each other in their goals.

There were a lot of great scenes I enjoyed in this book, between Piper and Titus, between Piper and her Christian roommates who slowly guided her to find her trust in God, between Titus and Nathan who also played a big role in Titus' quest for his new path. But the scenes I enjoyed the most were between Piper and Titus and the kids they really impacted.

Another great book in this series.

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

1. Review: You're the Reason

2. Review: Here with Me

3. Review: Christmas With You

View all my reviews

About the book:

Substitute Teacher Piper Caveneau is all about making sure her students succeed—even if she has to bench the entire Heritage Football team. And of course she’ll stand up to the school’s new football coach. Even if he, inconveniently, happens to be the charming man who rescued her on her first night in town.

But being a teacher is her calling—and a fulltime position in Heritage is her dream and she’ll do whatever it takes to finally call this small town home.

Former NFL player Titus Ford can’t believe he’s back in the tiny, cramped town of Heritage, Michigan—but a guy has to do something while he’s trying to recover, so sure, he’ll coach his former high school team. Titus doesn’t have time for distractions—especially not the fiery new English teacher who’s derailed his season by failing his players.

When Piper suggests tutoring for his kids, he’s willing to give it a chance. He has no idea that one yes might lead to the life he never thought he wanted. And Piper just might find the home she longs for.

But when a prestigious coaching job comes calling…and Piper’s dreams go up in smoke, maybe Heritage wasn’t their happy ending after all.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Review: Behind Enemy Bylines

Behind Enemy Bylines by Kathleen Fuller
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Behind Enemy Bylines was fun, entertaining, but also held depth.

Jade and Sebastian's chemistry was tangible on the page. But like any real life person, Jade allowed her past, her fears and her insecurities to become between them. There was the forgiveness and reconciliation part of Jade’s story which allowed her to fully release her past.

Sebastian was one of those heroes who came across as a solid leader, but he was drowning in expectation he placed on himself. Only after he was able to be honest with himself, others and ask for help were he able to fully grow his potential.

Other characters who played secondary but very vital roles were Sebastian’s sister - I loved her photo of the day at the office, Viv who played such a big role in the character growth of Kalista, which was one of my favourite parts of the story.

If you are looking for a sweet lighter romance but one which includes depth and character growth, this one should be on your TBR.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

It's the mid-2000s, and the newspaper industry is undergoing a seismic shift when two journalists who work for rival papers are forced to play nice with each other, discovering that opposites definitely do attract.

Sebastian Percival Hudson might have a lofty name but he's as down to earth as it gets, making his living traveling around the deep South and writing slice-of-life articles for the dying newspaper in his picturesque small town. Over the years he's had run-ins with Jade Smith, a type-A former reporter turned marketing executive with the Gardenville Gazette, a mid-sized city newspaper that's just been bought by a media conglomerate and has its sights set on Sebastian's paper. As Sebastian turns to Jade to help him stop the takeover, they must overcome their own quirks, foibles, and competitive natures to discover what really matters most.

About the author:

Best-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Playing for Keeps

I enjoyed the series so far. Looking forward to this one releasing September 23.

About the book: Playing for Keeps

What are you waiting on this week?

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Can't Wait Wednesday! Behind Enemy Bylines

This cover promises a cute rom-com. This one releases September 16th.

About the book: Behind Enemy Bylines

What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Review: Mary

Mary by Shannon McNear
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Mary was not an easy read. The author even warned readers of that fact at the start. It was about a time where two nations and cultures had to learn to live together, teach each other about their beliefs and ways without forcing it on each other and to stand strong together in times of danger and life-threatening situations.

I loved the Christian thread. I loved how the main female character refused to turn to the God of the English just because others were doing it and had her own struggle and journey to a relationship with God. Georgie was an amazing sold male lead with such an high sense integrity and centered in God, even though he made mistakes and suffered big loss.

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

View all my reviews

Review: Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke

About the book:

Worlds Collide Along the Shores of the Outer Banks

Immerse yourself in the “what if” questions related to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. What if an English boy and a native girl met in the wilderness? The push-and-pull between two very different worlds begins as one seeks simple friendship and the other struggles to trust. And can it—dare they—allow it to be more?

Sparks fly between Mushaniq, free-spirited daughter of Manteo, and Georgie Howe, whose father was brutally murdered by undiscovered native warriors before they’d been on Roanoac Island a full week. As Georgie struggles to make sense of his life and to accept that not all they call “savage” are guilty of his father’s death, Mushaniq grapples with her own questions about who Manteo has become. As tentative friendship becomes more, forged in the fire of calamity and attack upon their community, both must decide whether the One True God is indeed who He claims to be and whether He is worthy of their trust.

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity.

About the author:

Shannon has been writing one thing or another since third grade and finished her first novel at age fifteen—

but waited more than thirty years for her first book contract. In the meantime, she graduated from high school, attended college, met and married her husband, birthed nine children, lost one, taught five to drive, revised that first story innumerable times, and completed six others.

Her first published novella, Defending Truth, in A Pioneer Christmas Collection (Barbour, 2013 & 2015), was a 2014 RITA® nominee, and her most recent one, The Wise Guy and the Star in Love's Pure Light was a 2021 SELAH winner. She writes regularly for Colonial Quills, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith-Hope-Love Christian Writers, and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, she loves losing herself in local history. When this homeschooling mom isn't cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

Review: Canyon of Deceit

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills
My rating: 💛💛💛

Canyon of deceit started out suspenseful and engaging, with the kidnapped daughter and possible Russian terrorist plot.

The characters were thrown into one dangerous situation to the next, which should have added to a very thrilling read. For me the author lost me in the writing. It was just not as smooth as I like my suspense and I did guess a major plot reveal very early on.

The Christian thread was strong and I enjoyed how the characters made talking and asking God for protection just a natural part of their day.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

About the author:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed:

Stay Connected with at:
Her website: https://diannmills.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/

Review: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage by Christen Krumm
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

What a warm ending to a series which was filled with second chances and happy endings.

Bronte pulled on my heartstrings with her sad outlook on life, which is ‘what she knows’. I love how Jonah pulled her out of her bubble to experience life joyfully.

This was a story filled with sweet moments which will put a smile on a reader’s face. And also again a reminder that assumptions can withhold you from living life to the fullest.

I loved Jonah’s family interactions at the end and how they just had open arms to ‘strangers’.

*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

Review: Meet Me at Sunset Cove

About the book:

"If you enjoy a clean read with close proximity, Christmas vibes, the characters watching Christmas movies, and the characters being bookish, Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage is a must read." Reviewer—Goodreads

She just wants a nice, quiet holiday getaway. Too bad her new—and way too handsome—accidental roommate comes with an annoying dose of holiday cheer.

Successful, but writer’s blocked author Bronte Parker just needs some holiday peace and quiet to jumpstart her brutal writer’s block. Hence her rental at a quaint cottage on quiet and remote Jonathon Island. So what’s the deal with the double booking? And worse…the sudden Santa can’t leave—not with a record breaking blizzard overtaking the island. Suddenly her world is all about eggnog, Christmas movies and decking the halls with all type of distractions.

He's a soldier who needs a merry Christmas…

After two years away, Army surgeon Jonah White is thrilled to be going home for the holidays. Too bad his parents have escaped the island for a tropical Christmas cruise, renting out their place—his home!—to a seriously uptight author. And thanks to a blizzard, he can’t even escape.

But when he discovers the author has writer’s block, well, the doctor is in. He’ll help her fix it by showing her a real Christmas—something foster kid Bronte has never had. And maybe it’s working because as surprise Santa sweeps her up in the magical Jonathon Island Christmas festivities, a new story starts to come alive inside…one where maybe a happily-ever-after could actually exist.

But is this just a holiday romance? And what happens when the blizzard ends, the air clears, and duty calls. Is the magic over?

Enjoy this enchanting Jonathon Island Christmas story about being snowed in with an unexpected hero…and taking a chance on the happy ending you never saw coming.

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

Friday, September 5, 2025

Review: Steinbeck

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

Steinbeck’s story was long awaited, since we first met him in the first book, Jack.

This book was all it was promised to be - suspenseful, depth, chemistry between him and Phoenix, and some comebacks of some favourite authors we have met in prior series.

I enjoyed the scenes we saw between Jack and Steinbeck. It was a great solid brother relationship who supported each other and challenged each other to be better.

Phoenix’s back story grabbed at my heart. It explained a bit more about who this strong independent lady is who rather works alone. To fully open up she had to realise she belongs.

I enjoyed how all the comeback characters worked together to help Steinbeck and Phoenix stop a terrorist attack and how the whole family came together and protected their own. Oh boy, Jack, I just wanted to shake him awake and was happy to see how his family did this for me at the end.

A great conclusion to the series, but I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters and want more of them in the future.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

There's Trouble Up North...
The greatest heist of all…

A thief behind bars, a soldier seeking redemption. Together, they embark on a daring quest to infiltrate a Russian stronghold, retrieve the plans, and dismantle the cyberman prototype. Failure is not an option.

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.

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Cover reveal! WELCOME TO REDEMPTION, ALASKA

Sunrise Publishing Cover Reveal
WELCOME TO REDEMPTION, ALASKA
Heidi McCahan

Welcome to Redemption, Alaska

Genre: Small town inspira1onal contemporary romance

Book 1: The Other Side of Goodbye (releasing January 20, 2026)

Book 2: The Long Way Back to You (releasing March 10, 2026)

Book 3: The Last Mile Between Us (releasing May 5, 2026)

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $4.99 each (ebook)

Retail price aTer release: $7.99 each (ebook)

These titles will be available in ebook, print, and audiobook

Pre-order here:

Sunrise Shop: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/welcome-to-redemption-alaska

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH97HTG5

Book 1: The Other Side of Goodbye

Sometimes the greatest love stories begin with the deepest losses.

When widow Tisha Binford arrives in Redemption, Alaska with her seven-year-old daughter Sadie, she's carrying more than just their belongings—she's carrying the weight of her late husband's memory and the hope of giving Sadie a connection to the father she barely knew.

Working at her in-laws' café and perfecting her pie recipes, Tisha believes she's building a quiet, safe life in this small coastal town.

But Redemption has other plans.

Ethan McGuire, a recently retired Coast Guard pilot, has returned home with his own heavy burden—raising his eight-year-old son Brody alone after losing his wife to cancer. Determined to be the father Brody needs, Ethan thinks he has his future mapped out: help with the family resort, support his struggling son, and keep his heart carefully guarded.

When a school conflict brings their children together as unlikely friends, Tisha and Ethan find themselves drawn into each other's orbits. But moving forward means confronting painful questions: Can you honor the past while embracing the future? How do you teach children to love again when your own heart is still learning?

As Redemption faces an unexpected natural disaster, both families must discover that sometimes the other side of goodbye isn't an ending—it's the beginning of something beautiful, messy, and worth fighting for.

A heartwarming story about second chances, blended families, and the courage to love again, set against the stunning backdrop of small-town Alaska.

Book 2: The Long Way Back to You

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 goal: 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 choice: 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.

Book 3: The Last Mile Between Us

Some hearts are worth the risk of breaking twice.

Caroline McGuire returns to Redemption, Alaska to prove herself as the town's new physician assistant. Haunted by a teenage mistake, she's determined to rebuild her reputation and keep her heart safely guarded.

Then Jude Mercer shows up injured at her family's resort.

Six months ago in Colorado, they shared an incredible night—and a kiss that made Caroline believe in possibilities. Then he ghosted her without explanation. Now the suspended biathlete needs her medical expertise, and Caroline must treat the man who already broke her trust once.

Jude came to Redemption to rehabilitate his scandal-wrecked career and avoid emotional complications. But facing Caroline again forces him to confront his pattern of running when things get real. This time, the stakes are higher—her professional reputation hangs in the balance, and his athletic future is slipping away.

When a medical crisis threatens everything they've both worked for, Caroline and Jude must decide: Is protecting yourself worth losing the person who could heal all your wounds?

A story about second chances, professional redemption, and finding the courage to trust again.

________________________________________

Perfect for readers who love:

• Second-chance romance with emotional depth

• Medical drama and small-town Alaska settings

• Heroes and heroines overcoming past mistakes

• High-stakes romance where everything is on the line

• Stories about forgiveness and professional redemption

About the Author:

Heidi McCahan writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She is the bestselling author of sixteen books, including Her Alaskan Family and A Baby in Alaska. A perfect day for Heidi includes a 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 enjoys connecting with writers and readers, so please visit her website at HeidiMcCahan.com.