Review: The Other Side of Goodbye

The Other Side of Goodbye by Heidi McCahan
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

With this story, readers will be taken on the ups and downs of surviving loss and heartbreak and trying to move on and hope for a happy future.

I've met Chase in the novella and understood and felt Tisha’s loss and grief. In her story we could see that everyone has their own pace of letting go and moving forward. I adored her mother-in-law and how she supported Tisha but wanted her to step into God’s future of happiness.

Ethan has to find his way as a single parent and I loved seeing how he grew in this.

Sadie and Brody were adorable but I feel the author pinned their characters down very well. Children who had to deal with the loss of a parent.

This story will take readers on the truest journey of how to let go but still remember and to trust that God has still has a happy future planned.

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

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About the book:

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

About the author:

Heidi McCahan writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She is a bestselling author of several books, including Her Alaskan Family and A Baby in Alaska. A perfect day for Heidi includes a huge 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 is represented by Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency. A Winter of Sweet Secrets, Heidi’s next novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, releases on September 30, 2025.

Review: The Lies We Trade

The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This debut was well written and will keep readers engaged, and up late at night trying to find out what is going on and who is behind everything.

The premise of the story is about the stock market. The author did a great job of explaining the terms she used with basic everyday examples.

Though I was pulled in and totally committed to find out the truth, there was a lot happening in the story with lota of detail and characters which made the book feel a bit too busy.

However, the main character was driven but flawed and her relationship troubles added a realistic element to the story.

The author also did a great job of giving readers a little bit of leads, but then throwing them off with some twists and turns.

This debut thriller will be a great addition to the TBR of readers who are looking for clean but engaging thriller.

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

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About the book:

A high-powered Wall Street career, a beautiful family in a quiet suburban neighborhood—she seems to have everything. Which means she has everything to lose.

Meredith Hansel should be having the best week of her life. After establishing herself as a portfolio manager at a prestigious Wall Street firm, she’s in the national spotlight for the innovative funds she created. But as Meredith prepares to celebrate, the plates she’s kept spinning for years begin to Her strained marriage reaches a breaking point. Her conscientious teenage daughter acts out under mysterious pressures. Someone vandalizes her home with disturbing graffiti. And Betsey, her most trusted ally at the financial firm, goes rogue, and Meredith is forced to sign a restraining order against her.

Then her worlds collide when she receives a thumb drive and a cryptic note from Betsey threatening to reveal a secret that could have devastating effects on Meredith’s family . . . unless she can figure out what Betsey wants and deliver it in time.

As Meredith begins to dig into the data, however, she begins to suspect that it’s no coincidence her life is crumbling. That maybe what’s happening to her family is connected to what’s boiling beneath the surface at her investment company. Soon Meredith realizes there’s only one way to avoid taking the fall, and it all hinges on Betsey’s true motives. Was she really threatening Meredith or trying to warn her?

Great for fans of Colleen Coble, Laura Dave, Dani Pettrey, and Lisa ScottolineClean, high-stakes women’s domestic suspense with workplace secrets and family dramaA stand-alone Wall Street thriller. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.

Review: When I'm With You

When I'm With You by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 💛💛💛

This story, set in the sweet town of Hearts Bend, will give readers an escape to a small town where everyone knows each other, but also wants the best for each other.

Elizabeth was such a strong, focused and independent person, mainly due to her upbringing and overcoming illness. I loved all the scenes with her and her family. They were so supportive but also in a gentle way tried to push her to maybe think that her plans are just that, her own plans and not God’s plans.

Ryder was easy to like and his struggles to keep up with Elizabeth and be the best option for her felt real. The target on his back with the weird orders and invoices was also interesting to try to uncover. Ryder’s faith and strength added to his charm.

While everyone had given Elizabeth advice (I especially loved her mom’s input) and different options for her future, they allowed and trusted her to go her own way to find her way and purpose in life. Her faith was not so strong in the beginning of the story, but was a beautiful growth journey throughout the story.

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


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About the book:

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!

About the author:

New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny

central Florida.

A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.

The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio

She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.

Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

www.rachelhauck.com

Review: Mistletoe Season: Three Christmas Stories

Mistletoe Season: Three Christmas Stories by Sheila Roberts
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This collection of Christmas novellas were all sweet, charming and added their own touch of warmth.

Say No to Mistletoe was a sweet romance story of the boy next door and how a simple misunderstanding and miscommunication added to missed years but the reconciliation and romance was even sweeter now. This was my second favourite of the series and I loved the male lead Carwyn.

The third story stood out for me with its Irish hints and male character with the adorable Irish accent. I enjoyed this romance between older characters.

The Mistletoe Prince was by far my favourite in the series. I loved the banter between the characters and how the prince just had to overcome challenges and have someone believe again to bring out the prince charming. I was sad to see this one end.

A sweet, warm collection of novellas if you need something short to read.

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


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About the book:

Like walking onto the set of your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie, Mistletoe Season invites readers to fall in love alongside three couples, featuring old flames, opposites attract, and even a royal romance.

Say No to Mistletoe by Sheila Roberts

Mistletoe is Hailey Fairchild's kryptonite. Every time she's kissed someone under the mistletoe it's led to love disaster. Not a good thing for a romance writer! When she was a gawky high school girl, her hunky neighbor, Carwyn Davies, star of the basketball team (and her dreams), kissed her under the mistletoe on a dare. But the kiss wasn't a dream come true. It was a mortifying moment she's never forgotten, and now she's about to go home for the holidays, unengaged and . . . determined to say no to mistletoe. Especially if Carwyn is anywhere around.

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller

Emmy Banks has always loved Christmas. How could she not when she lives in Mistletoe, Missouri? Kieran O'Neill has spent years abroad, renovating an old Irish castle, but returns to Mistletoe for his mother's seventieth birthday. He reconnects with Emmy, his sister's close friend, and spends time with her in her charming antique shop. When the weather turns colder, things start to warm up between Emmy and Kieran. But can Emmy risk her heart when she knows he'll never stay in Mistletoe and she'll never leave?

The Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham

Prince Arran St. Clare has lost his freedom and fairytale life in exchange for a three-month "punishment" in the small town of Ransom, North Carolina. To prove he is ready for the royal life for which he was born, Arran must engage in the Christmas charity fundraiser, The Mistletoe Wish. But when kindness, authenticity, and hard work prove more appreciated in Appalachia than a royal pedigree, Arran must face the mirror and find out who he is beyond the crown. Add a beautiful and intelligent woman who doesn't recognize her own worth, some mistletoe, and a little Christmas magic, and it all might be enough to help the rebel-prince understand what truly matters most.

Featuring three separate stories, Mistletoe Season is the perfect escape from a bustling Christmas season. Pull up a cozy blanket, fix yourself a warm drink, and set yourself up by the fire to enjoy three delightful, low-spice romances.