Review: Under the Mistletoe

Under the Mistletoe by Tari Faris
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Under the Mistletoe was a lovely ending to the series.

I enjoyed that I could read a fantasy book inside the contemporary storyline. For me it was a nice way to break from the contemporary storyline conflict between Devin and Logan, it fit since it was Logan’s heart on paper. He had so many thoughts and emotions we were not privileged to see otherwise.

Devin’s childhood years shaped her tendency to attack task lists on her own and not realise there were people around her willing to help. Sometimes we also tend to try to sort things out on our own, without asking others, or more importantly, God for assistance.

I enjoyed the ending and how all the siblings invaded Logan’s hideout to give him a gentle push.

Though Devin and Logan’s story was beautifully resolved, I feel like there were open ended threads with Jaime and Greyson and Jess. I would love stories with these three in the future.

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


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About the book:

Sometimes the best Christmas gifts come wrapped in second chances…

Social worker Devin Hendrickson pours her heart into running Heritage's foster care support program, organizing magical Christmas events for families while trying to ignore her own abandoned heart. When her program faces shutdown, she'll need a Christmas miracle - and maybe the help of the one man who once broke her heart.

Logan Kingsley, the bestselling author behind the pseudonym Victor Holt, hides away in his cabin fighting writer's block and his forbidden feelings for Devin. But when three foster siblings capture his heart, he realizes he might be ready for more than just writing happy endings.

As Devin races to save her program and Logan struggles to finish his book, they discover they need each other—at least for the season. With three children's futures hanging in the balance, they must decide if they're brave enough to risk their hearts again. If they fail, it's not just Logan's career or Devin's program at stake - it's the chance at the family they never knew they wanted.

Can a Christmas-loving community coordinator and a reclusive author learn to trust in love again? Or will past hurts and present fears keep them from building the family they both desperately want?

"Mistletoe" delivers all the cozy small-town Christmas romance feels with a heart-warming story about chosen family, second chances, and the courage to fight for love. Fans of foster family dynamics, secret identity reveals, and Christmas community events will fall in love with Heritage and its enchanting cast of characters.

This sweet contemporary Christmas romance features childhood crushes, secret bestselling authors, Christmas charity events, found family dynamics, and enough holiday magic to make you believe in second chances. Content suitable for all readers.

Home to Heritage
Book 1: You're the Reason
Book 2: Here With Me
Book 3: Christmas With You
Book 4: Playing for Keeps
Book 5: Under the Mistletoe

About the author:

I have been writing fiction for more than twelve years. It has been an exciting journey for this math-loving-

dyslexic girl. I had read less than a handful of novels by the time I graduated from college and I thought I would end up in the field of science or math. But God had other plans and I wouldn't trade this journey for anything. As someone told me once, God's plans may not be easy, and they may not always make sense but they are never boring.


In addition to my writing, I also work for My Book Therapy as a special project project manager and write for LearnHowToWriteAnNovel.com and you can find me blogging over there on occasion.

​When I am not writing or working, I spend time with my amazing husband. We have been married for fifteen wonderful years and have three sweet children. In my free time, I love coffee, rock hounding with my husband and kids, and distracting myself from housework.

Review: New Leash on Life

New Leash on Life by Kathleen Y'Barbo
My rating: 💛💛💛

A New Leash on Life was an interesting cozy mystery.

At first I was very frustrated that Nora stuck it out so long with Lane and kept giving him chances. But as the story unfolded and we got to see more of Lane’s thoughts and struggles, I had more understanding but still felt frustrated with the lack of communication.

The mystery around the missing working dog and who he belongs to will keep readers interested to, together with Nora, find the answers.

At the end all questions were answered and all frustrations sorted out with many happy endings.

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


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About the book:

How Is a Missing Military Working Dog Related to Two Local Fires?

Snuggle with your trusty hound and settle into a small-town mystery in book 6 of the Gone to the Dogs series.

Air Force veteran Dr. Lane Bishop and Nora Hernandez’s romance has cooled. He is busy working as a researcher at the vet school, and she’s busy with her restaurant and opening an antique shop. What Lane hasn’t told her is his PTSD, which manifests mostly with nightmares, makes him believe he’s damaged goods. But that is about to change when he meets a stray pup that acts a lot like a military working dog.

When a tornado hits Brenham, there is damage in the downtown area and a fire is ignited in Nora’s new store. A Belgian Malinois dog is seen at the fire and later Lane sees him at a wedding venue where an explosion occurs. Not long after, a second explosion rocks Brenham and sends Nora and Lane on a hunt for the person responsible. Will the pair find the guilty party before more damage is done to the city’s landmarks? And will Lane find the words to tell Nora how much he loves her before it’s too late?

Gone to the Dogs series:
Book 1 - Off the Chain by Janice Thompson
Book 2 - Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Book 3 - Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Janice Thompson
Book 4 - The Bark of Zorro by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Book 5 - Every Dog Has His Day by Janice Thompson
Book 6 - New Leash on Life by Kathleen Y’Barbo

About the author:

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than one hundred novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad.

A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.

To connect with her through social media, check out the links on her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

Review: In Spotlight and Shadow

In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Usually when I read a dual-time, one of the two timelines draws me in more. This time I was totally engaged in both timelines.

In the past story line, Sophie with her desire to be the leading lady, was caught in the middle of a jewelry mystery. Then add the conflict of her ex-fiance popping back into her life, who she for unknown reasons left at the altar, there were enough questions to answer to keep you wanting to go back to follow Sophie in her search for the truth.

Elise was fun and the opening scene had me all in smiles and was a great way to introduce her quirky personality. Her quest to find out more about the mysterious necklace sent her on interesting adventures to find answers to questions she did not know she had. The chemistry between her and Piersan also had me in tension to see how it all would end.

The author just grows in her talent and her stories keep getting better.

The audiobook was also well narrated and entertaining.

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


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About the book:

A Gem of a Mystery Takes Center Stage

​Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she’d be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she’d take over the family’s auction company. But mostly she’s disappointed herself. What’s the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop. Her instincts tell her there’s more to the paste necklace than meets the eye. Whether a good idea or not, she accepts help from a childhood friend, who happens to be country music megastar—Pierson Brooks. Pierson and Elise share a history; one she doesn’t care to repeat. The more involved they become in the mystery, the more things get tangled, including her heart.
 
A century earlier…
Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe.


Don’t miss other great books in the Doors to the Past series:
The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman
Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham
Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse
Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels
High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt
Love's Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik
A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma
Laura's Shadow by Allison Pittman
Passages of Hope by Terri Haynes
In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel
The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson

About the author:

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance with heart, mystery, and humor. When she’s not dreaming up swoony heroes or happily-ever-afters, you can find her chasing adventures in Ohio with her husband, two amazing kids, and an endless supply of chocolate. Rachel loves hiking trails almost as much as plot twists and is always on the hunt for the next great story … or snack. Connect with her at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com or on your favorite social media platform!

Review: Sense and Suitability

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham
My rating: 💛💛💛

3.5 stars

Oh, I absolutely adored Fia and her tendency to herself in muddy waters. Lottie with her adventurous spirit and even William with his quiet broodiness added for a few entertaining scenes which gave readers glimpses of the heart behind Simon Reeves which first captured Emme’s heart.

The love and affection between Simon and Emme were so tangible that it sometimes broke your heart that society had specific rules which kept them apart.

Aunt Bean and Aunt Agnes were quite stern characters trying to keep them in line of society’s expectations. The battle scene between them were another unexpected and enjoyable scene.

I loved Ben’s support in Simon’s quest for a bride and his wisdom which he provided. I would love a sequel with him in the spotlight of finding a bride.

This was an entertaining story with a lot of characters with their own individual uniqueness.

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

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About the book:

In this clean Regency rom-com, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love—until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong? Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance.

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel—until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate—or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs—has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic—no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the clean Regency romance you've been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight but the stakes low in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

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: Rescued Dreams

Rescued Dreams by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Amelia and Ridge were thrown through obstacle after obstacle in this story, trying to escape the danger and target on them. The action and suspense were around every corner and as reader you want a break for the poor characters.

Throughout the series Amelia was a distant colder personality with a lot of walls around her and finally we get to see why.

I enjoyed all the moments I could spend with Ridge and his twin sisters. It was a fun relationship to watch.

I enjoyed my time with the heroes of Last Chance County and hope some of the characters will pop up in future series.

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

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About the book:

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.

About the Author:

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa 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). Since then she's taken the Apprentice and Journeyman writing courses with the Christian Writers Guild, and 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 can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two children--a sparkly Little Princess and a Mini Daddy--and two bunny rabbits. 

Review: The Starlet Spy

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

The Starlet Spy grabbed my attention from the first page and I found myself holding my breath as the story unfolded, trying to discover who can be trusted and who not, especially when one possible character who I wanted to end up with the heroine, was on the list of the possibly untrusted.

I loved being in Sweden. I don’t often, if ever, go there in my book settings.

Amelie was a strong female lead who became one of my favourite characters. I loved being in her head while she had to play this ditzy blond. Her thoughts and how she handled situations made me smile.

One of my favourite books in this series and again showed why the author is climbing higher on my list of favourite authors.

For readers who prefer audiobooks, the narrator was very entertaining and part of the reason why I was so captivated with the story.

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


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About the book:

Hollywood Star Turns Spy
In 1943, Movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the ‘Casablanca of the North.’ When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.


The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Finn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?


With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

 
Don’t miss these other stories:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch
Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss
On My Honor by Patty Hall
The Escape Game by Marilyn Turk
Beneath a Peaceful Moon by Debby Lee

About the author:

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance with heart, mystery, and humor. When she’s not dreaming up swoony heroes or happily-ever-afters, you can find her chasing adventures in Ohio with her husband, two amazing kids, and an endless supply of chocolate. Rachel loves hiking trails almost as much as plot twists and is always on the hunt for the next great story … or snack. Connect with her at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com or on your favorite social media platform!

Review: The Second Story Bookshop

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was a beautiful and entertaining story about second chances. In life and in romance.

The story dealt with some heavy subjects. Bullying and prejudice based on the sins of others. I really respected Gray based on how he was able to stay calm and focused through all these challenges. And how he won over Shelby’s family not once but twice spoke volumes about his character. Yes he had his faults but his emotional maturity showed through.

Another great story which fans of Denise Hunter will adore.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again.

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Granville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.

Granville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

About the author:

Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.

Monthly Recap! September 2025

 

 

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

September was busy with some weekends away and enjoying the last of the warmer weather.

 

What I've read:

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Kindle:

Audio:

Paperback:

None started yet.

What I would like to read in October:

Finished:

Reading:

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

I am not planning my monthly reads anymore! I do have a few review books and other books I want to read for challenges.

Did I buy any new books?

Bought: Two

Freebies: One

Did I read everything I wanted too?

The following I had to carry over

January:

March:

April:

Jun:

Jul:

Sep:

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?