Can't Wait Wednesday! The Other Side of Goodbye

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 is a new series by a new to me author, but the cover and and story grabbed my interest.

About the book: The Other Side of Goodbye

Where broken hearts come to heal.

"Just because you lost Chase doesn't mean you have to shut me out... “

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 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 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.
________________________________________
Perfect for readers who
• Small-town romance with heart
• Stories of healing and hope
• Complex family dynamics
• Alaskan settings
• Characters who feel like real people facing real challenges

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

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: The Letter Tree

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rachel Fordham again won me over with her deep, intriguing characters, a family feud almost Romeo and Juliet style, and a leading lady captive in a father’s grief who just wanted to break free.

Laura and Isaac were such dynamic characters. I loved that we had POV’s from both of them. Laura had captured my heart early on, but Isaac with his desire to be more than what was expected and romantic deep side totally stole my heart.

I loved the letter tree and how it gave the characters a safe haven to share their thoughts and feelings. I was also happy that Laura saw through the falseness of Alex and was part of getting to the truth vs just being the damsel in distress waiting to be saved.

The plot around who Axel was and what he was up to and the mystery around the feud and how Laura’s mom and Isaac’s uncle were involved, kept me turning the pages.

I enjoyed every moment I spent in the lives of Laura and Isaac.

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


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About the book:

Mere words can’t end their families’ feud, but the Campbell heir and the Bradshaw heiress plan to write a future together. Buffalo, NY, 1924 Laura Bradshaw adores stories with happily ever afters. But since her mother died seven years ago, the Bradshaw Shoe Company heiress has been as good as locked away in a tower. Her overbearing father cares little for her dreams, throwing himself instead into his tireless takedown of his competitor, the Campbell Shoe Company. However, Laura has been gifted with a a mysterious friend with whom she’s been exchanging letters. As heir to the Campbell Shoe Company, Isaac Campbell is a sought-after bachelor who has never felt an inkling of desire for the women who constantly bat their eyes at him. His thoughts are consumed by an oak tree in the Buffalo Zoo—or rather, the mystery woman he exchanges letters with courtesy of the tree. She’s been one of Isaac’s only joys in a life consumed by his father’s tireless hatred of Bradshaw. A hatred that, Isaac is coming to realize, may affect him more personally than he ever imagined. When Laura’s father orchestrates a match between her and an important business owner, she resolves to pursue her only chance at freedom. But Isaac believes their story isn’t bound for a tragic ending. He’s certain there’s more to the Bradshaw-Campbell feud than meets the eye. And he won’t stop digging until he uncovers the truth that might bridge the divide between him and the woman whose words have captured his heart. Praise for The Letter Tree : “ The Letter Tree is a sweet, heartfelt romance that contains all the things I love best in historical romance, including a beautiful epistolary element. Rachel Fordham writes with warmth and grace, crafting a winning love story that’s sure to please. I thoroughly enjoyed it!” – Mimi Matthews , USA TODAY bestselling author of The Belle of Belgrave Square

About the author:

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”.

Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com

Can't Wait Wednesday! When I'm With You

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.

Hearts Bend is always a warm and lovely place to go to escape to. A new series set in Hearts Bend is coming January 2026.

About the book: When I'm With You

She had her life mapped out perfectly—until love rewrote every plan.

Elizabeth Dorsey doesn't do detours. Fresh from MIT with honors and her sights set on Wharton's MBA program, she's got her next twenty years planned down to the minute. A quick summer stint at the family furniture business in sleepy Hearts Bend, Tennessee? Just a pit stop before conquering the Fortune 100.

But some destinations are worth changing course for.

Enter Ryder Donovan—the wildlife officer who once filled her teenage summers with friendship and innocent longing. Now he's all grown up, devastatingly handsome, and stirring feelings that threaten to derail everything Elizabeth thought she wanted. When a mysterious fire brings them together and false accusations tear them apart, Elizabeth must choose between the future she's always planned and the love she never saw coming.

In Hearts Bend, Tennessee, some fires burn hotter than others...

As Elizabeth uncovers fraud that could destroy Ryder's career, their chemistry ignites into something neither can ignore. But with her acceptance to Wharton finally in hand and Ryder facing a job offer in Colorado, can two people heading in opposite directions find their way to the same future?

Sometimes the biggest risk isn't following your dreams—it's having the courage to change them.

"A swoon-worthy romance that perfectly captures the magic of small-town love and second chances. Elizabeth and Ryder's story will have you believing in happily ever after all over again." Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling author

Perfect for fans Debbie Macomber • Susan Mallery • RaeAnne Thayne

❤️ Small-town romance at its finest
🔥 Childhood friends to lovers
💍 A proposal that will melt your heart
🌟 Family bonds that heal and strengthen

When love calls, will you answer?

Get your copy today and fall in love with Hearts Bend!

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: A Promise Engraved

A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Liz Tolsma produced another great mysterious dual time story.

Josie’s past was suspenseful, heartbreaking but also hopeful. Even though there was a lot of violence and danger, I enjoyed seeing how Josie rose above her loss and struggles, extended forgiveness and was able to find happiness.

Kayleigh also had a sad past which was the backbone to her passion to help people in similar situations. Her story line was full of danger and attacks and not until the end you see what the person really wanted. I enjoyed her friendships and the building friendship with Brandon, who was another charming not-what-you-will-expect, hero.

Another great installment in the doors to the past series.

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


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About the book:

Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years?
 
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love?
 
Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love?

About the author:

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her

husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013. Daisies Are Forever released in May 2014. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. Please visit her blog at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@LizTolsma). She is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

Review: The Fault Between Us

The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Wow, this was my first book from this author and it far exceeded my expectations.

The first half of the story had a slower build up, giving readers insights to each sister’s frustrations and insecurities and detail of their relationship with each other. I enjoyed that each sister had a POV throughout the story.

The second half of the story, with the earthquake and uncertainty of everyone’s happy ending, had me flip through the pages and kept me up till after midnight to finish the story.

This was an emotional story with each sister working through the aftermath of abandonment and how to move past it and thrive it. The added mystery and suspense thread added to me not being able to put the book down until the very last point.

I will not hesitate to pick up another book by this author.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss , three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.

1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters can be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters’ strong bond begins to unravel.

Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband’s past make her wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family’s interference.

Sensing something isn’t right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she’ll bring Claire home—with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.

Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they’re brought into the light.

About the author:

Stephanie Landsem writes about women in history for women who love history. Stephanie has traveled on four continents and dozens of countries. When she can’t travel, she reads fiction and history and dreams of her next adventure -- whether it be in person or on the pages of her novels.

Her upcoming release, Code Name Edelweiss, is based on a true story. In 1933 Los Angeles, a Jewish lawyer and his band of amateur spies foil Hitler's plan to take over Hollywood.

In A Far-Off Land, is a story of murder, mystery and mercy set in the glamour of 1930s Hollywood and the grit of the Great Depression.

The Living Water series — The Well, The Thief, and The Tomb, a Novel of Martha—are stories of women transformed by encounters with Jesus.

Stephanie lives in Minnesota with her husband, random adult children, two bold cats and a neurotic dog. When she's not writing or speaking about her novels, she's gardening, cooking, and dreaming of travel to far-off places. You can find out more about Stephanie and her books at StephanieLandsem.com.

Review: The Red Cottage

The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Hannah Linder’s gothic stories are just getting better with each book.

This one had my attention from the start, with trying to find out who took Meg away from the fire scene, if the eloquent Lord is in fact sweet and eloquent or is there a more sinister man behind the front, and will Tom be able to win back Meg’s affections.

I adored Tom’s character. Scruffy outside but so much warmth hidden inside. His back story was also heart breaking.

I was totally kept in the dark about who was behind the attacks, even had a different suspect in mind, and never would have guessed who was behind everything. Loss and heartbreak can make people do some unreasonable things in the search for justice and healing.

A book to add to your TBR if you enjoy a gothic recency themed mystery.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah
Beneath His Silence
When Tomorrow Came
Garden of the Midnights
The Girl from the Hidden Forest
Never Forgotten

About the author:

HANNAH LINDER resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books &

Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 

Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. 

When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

Monthly Recap: October 2025

  

 

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

October has come and gone. Now we enter into a period of fun and prep to the end of the year.

 

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 November

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: One

Freebies: None

Did I read everything I wanted too?

The following I had to carry over

January:

March:

April:

Jun:

Jul:

Sep:

Oct:

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: Prowl

Prowl by Colleen Coble
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

Prowl was another suspenseful thriller from Colleen Coble where the author kept me flipping pages and reading one more chapter to see what would happen.

The attacks on the Sanctuary started up again with a possible murder and someone targeting Paradise - not sure if it all relates to a threat on the Sanctuary of something from Paradise’s past.

The threats were well spread out throughout the story to give the perfect balance of suspense and the relationship development between Paradise and Blake. The threat was also very believable and I was also caught unprepared for who was all involved.

There were still a lot of unanswered questions involving Paradise and her long lost brother and who murdered her parents. I am expecting a thrilling conclusion to the series.

It was also fun to have this series cross over with the Tupelo Grove series.

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

Review: Ambush


View all my reviews

About the book:

Prowl, the second book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series (following Ambush), delivers exactly what her fans the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Dani Pettrey.

When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he's even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose--but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?

Colleen Coble's Prowl combines gripping suspense with closed-door romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn't have to define you.

About the Author:  

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. 

Review: Last Chance Christmas

Last Chance Christmas by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was a great collection of novella’s featuring a few of my favourite characters whose story we didn’t get to wrap up in the series.

If you are looking for stories where you keep flipping pages and want to be kept on edge, this collection is what you are looking for.

Each story had me reading just one more chapter, but the second story had my attention and filled my suspense needs a bit more. The plot was just a tiny bit more thrilling and the shorter chapters made the pace feel faster.

A great collection for that shorter reads during Christmas time.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

This Christmas, love is the greatest rescue of all...

Christmas was supposed to be peaceful in Last Chance County—until escaped killers turn their winter wonderland into a deadly hunting ground.

When a catastrophic blizzard causes a prison transport crash, hardened criminals scatter into the frozen wilderness. With roads impassable and temperatures plummeting, Last Chance County's bravest first responders must abandon their holiday plans for the most dangerous manhunt of their lives.

But in the heart of winter's fury, love is the light in the storm…

Firefighter Izan Collins has waited months to win guarded cop Olivia Tazwell's heart, but when a cartel killer targets his family during a church event, their first date becomes a fight for survival.

Officer Anthony Thomas never believed in Christmas magic—until protecting fierce firefighter Della Nixon from a vengeful serial killer shows him that some gifts are worth any sacrifice.

K-9 Officer Cole Stuart has hunted his nemesis for two years, but partnering with determined EMT Kianna Russell in a deadly mountain pursuit teaches him that some battles are meant to be fought together.

Three couples. Three heart-stopping chases through winter's deadliest storm. Three Christmas miracles that prove love conquers all.

Perfect for readers who love pulse-pounding romantic suspense, Christmas magic, and heroes who fight for love.

Discover why readers are calling this "unputdownable" and "the perfect blend of heart-stopping action and swoon-worthy romance."