Review: Beneath a Peaceful Moon

Beneath a Peaceful Moon by Debby Lee
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

From the first sentence in Beneath a Peaceful Moon, my attention was grabbed by a strong, independent female lead, who was seeking answers about her lost brother, struggling to fight the advance of a man abusing his power, and a friendship turning into a beautiful relationship.

The suspense of the raging war and wondering if my favourite soldier will return home safely, as well as the internal fight of Mary to perform her spy duties, being honest in her growing relationship with John and her desire to find her brother kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages to see what will happen next.

I also loved how the Greene brothers played important roles in John and Mary's story.

This was another intriguing, mysterious installment in the Heroines of WW2 series.

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


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About the book:

Mary’s Language Skills Could Help End the War in the Pacific
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
Mary Wishram, an orphaned Yakima tribal member, aches for her brother who suffers in a POW camp in the Philippine Islands and her Japanese friends who languish in a relocation center. Determined to end the war by any means necessary, she employs her language skills to become a spy. Leaving Camp Pendleton for the South Pacific, she faces escalating threats of peril to help bring her loved ones home.
 
John Painted Horse, a proud Navajo, struggles with the loss of his father who died in WWI for a country that didn’t consider him a United States citizen. Though his home state doesn’t offer him the right to vote, he joins the Code Talker program at Camp Pendleton. Thrust into mounting danger in the South Pacific, he hopes to bring long overdue recognition and honor to his people, no matter the cost.
 
Will these two wounded souls find healing from their past traumas and a deeper relationship with God, before it’s too late? Or will they lose their chance at love, and everything they hold dear?

Review: The Lighthouse at the Cove

The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3.5


Even though this book is shown as part of the Coral Cove series, it is wholly independent from the first book and can be read as a stand alone.

Piper was the best part of this story. I loved this little girl’s personality, innocence and just how she was so open and easily loved Kaiah.

Kaiah and Reid had chemistry from the start and had to overcome some hurdles and insecurities in their friendship which grew into more. The plot around the festival and how the small town came together to make it a success was warm and cosy. For a small town they had quite a few accidents though.

I appreciated how the author did not draw out the ending too much and even though the characters had some challenges and decisions to make, there was a quick turnaround.

Another cosy story if you need something lighter to read.

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


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About the book:

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a heartwarming Hallmark-style novel perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Sherryl Woods where a single dad teams up with a journalist to save the town's historic landmark lighthouse.

Kaya Ross, a talented and ambitious journalist, needs a break. Following a tough breakup, Kaya embarks on a road trip along the picturesque coastal route from Maryland to Florida. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down in the charming town of Coral Cove. Stranded and in need of help, Kaya meets Reid Turner, a local firefighter with a heart of gold.

Reid, a single father to his daughter Piper, offers Kaya a place to stay in the apartment above his garage in exchange for writing a feature article on the town's annual Light the Dark Festival, which celebrates the town's rich history as the home of an old lighthouse that saved sailors in a storm. The festival serves as a fundraiser for the town and is crucial for its survival of the historic lighthouse, a symbol of Coral Cove's giving heart. This year, the festival holds even more significance as the town is in desperate need of funds to repair the lighthouse, which was damaged by a fire.

As Kaya settles into her new temporary home, she becomes deeply involved in the planning and promotion of the Light the Dark Festival, and as she and Reid work together, love starts to bloom. Together, they work tirelessly to create awareness and excitement for the festival, hoping to attract tourists and save the town from financial ruin. However, just as Kaya starts to feel at home in Coral Cove, her ex-boyfriend reappears with a tempting job opportunity that could change her life.

Faced with a difficult decision, Kaya must choose between her newfound love for the town, Reid, and Piper, or the allure of her career and the possibility of a fresh start. With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, Kaya, Reid, and the community of Coral Cove come together to overcome obstacles, ignite the town's spirit, and make the Light the Dark Festival a resounding success. Along the way, they discover the power of love, friendship, and the importance of preserving their town's heritage.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a captivating tale that combines the charm of a small-town setting, a blossoming romance, and the triumph of community spirit. Readers will be swept away by the heartfelt journey of Kaya, Reid, and the residents of Coral Cove as they navigate love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

Review: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller
My rating: 💛💛💛

I did not expect to like this one as much as I did. It was very relaxing, entertaining but also had some deeper moments with the characters dealing with baggage affecting their fears and boundaries around their hearts.

Olivia had such a positive bubbly personality and it was easy to be swept away in her lively outlook on life. Nothing seemed like a challenge for her.

Liam was a very brooding but dashing gentleman and as his history was revealed to the readers.

I enjoyed all the interactions between these characters and especially how Olivia broke through the walls Liam had built just with her easy going joyful attitude.

If you are looking for an easy, fun and comfy book to have a break from life, you need to pick this one up.

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


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About the book:

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

About the author:

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Atlas

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.

Ronie Kendig always produces great military stories. I am excited for this new series releasing January 2026!

About the book: Atlas

Some hearts are worth fighting for—even when the battle comes home.

Olympic sharpshooter McKenna Neeley thought her biggest challenge was living up to her legendary father's legacy as Nightshade's team sniper. But working as a junior Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, she's about to face her most perilous mission yet—and it has nothing to do with diplomacy.

When a high-stakes dinner party brings Dante Riddell back into her life, McKenna's carefully ordered world tilts off its axis. The brooding security specialist from Omen Tactical Group was her childhood crush, but now he's all grown up—and guarding secrets as closely as he guards his VIP clients.

Despite finally being claimed by his father as a teen, Dante has spent his life believing he isn’t worthy of the Nightshade legacy. When his duty collides with McKenna's consular work sparks fly and keeping their distance becomes impossible. She's everything he remembers and more—brilliant, compassionate, and dangerously distracting. His job is complete the mission and walk away before his damaged heart gets involved.

But when a deadly enemy disrupts peace talks, simple plans shatter like glass.

Trapped together in a web of international intrigue, McKenna and Dante must trust each other—and God’s plan—forging a love that's been years in the making. Because sometimes the greatest battles aren't fought with weapons, but with faith, forgiveness, and the courage to believe in second chances.

Can two wounded hearts find healing in each other's arms, or will the shadows of their past destroy their chance at forever?

"A beautiful blend of faith, heart-pounding suspense, and swoon-worthy romance. This book touched my soul!" — Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling author

Discarded Scions
Book 1: Atlas
Book 2: Apollo

Book 3: Achilles

What are you waiting on this week?

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?