Review: Pixels and Paint

Pixels and Paint by Kristi Ann Hunter
My rating: 💛💛💛

Surrounded by an artsy family who is all about fashion, Emma is happiest being in her corner surrounded by computers. Emma often feels like an outsider in her fashionable family but connects with them when she took a turn out side or her comfort zone.

Events lined up and on a chance meeting, she meets and artists who is overseeing a new project she took on. It was fun seeing how the world of art and coding align in this charming light romance.

I have read this author’s regency romance, which I really enjoyed, and happy to see that the author also has a talent in the contemporary romance side of fiction. I hope the author continues with this series.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

For Emma Trinket, life is a delicate balancing act between loving her family and pursuing interests they don’t understand. When the opportunity arises to finally impress them with her job as a computer programmer, she jumps at it even if it means immersing herself in a world she’s despised since childhood. Unfortunately the one man who could crush her prospects is also the best person to help her navigate the lessons she needs to be a success. Artistic expression is both Carter Anderson’s safe space and his livelihood, but his fading inspiration has him worried about his place in life. His encounters with Emma spark a passion to create that he hasn’t felt in years and he isn’t ready to let go of his new muse even if she’s threatening the sanctity of his art world with her digital technologies. As each tries to gain an advantage from the other, Emma and Carter discover they actually might be more compatible than they thought. Will that be enough to unify their opposing missions or will the real differences between pixels and paint tear them apart?

About the author:

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she
wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Burning Truth

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.

Loving this adventure and suspenseful series. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series.

About the book: Burning Escape

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She’s on a mission to revive her career...

Dani Barlow, disgraced journalist, has been given one last chance to redeem herself—follow a tip about a secret militia compound in the Alaskan wilderness and get the scoop that will put her back on top. But when her investigation takes a dangerous turn, she finds herself running for her life. Dani's only hope is the rugged hotshot firefighter who comes to her rescue. As danger closes in, she'll have to trust this mountain man with her life...

He'd risk everything to protect his home…

Grizz has one fight fires and protect the Alaskan forests he calls home. But when a reckless, albeit beautiful, reporter trespasses on his territory, he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist plot bent on destroying everything he’s got left to care for. It seems he’ll have to do the very thing he swore he’d never do trust.

Brace yourself for a blazing tale of suspense, courage, and redemption in the untamed Alaskan wild.

Chasing Alaska
Book 1: Burning Hearts
Book 2: Burning Rivals
Book 3: Burning Escape
Book 4: Burning Secrets
Book 5: Burning Truth
Book 6: Burning Justice

Chasing Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproof

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: What Happens Next

What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

What happens next was a beautiful dual time contemporary with the three different POV and easy flow between past and present.

I loved the mystery around the cold case and learning as the story unfolded what happened. There were so many emotions included in the story, all which felt raw and realistic with the events unfolding in the story.

This was my first book by this author but I will definitely read more.

I listened to the audio and the story was beautifully narrated.

View all my reviews

About the book:

Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy--but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. When she's asked to spotlight her childhood best friend's missing-person case on her podcast, she uncovers desperate secrets and must face the truth before she can move forward.

About the author:

Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of If We Make It Home, Swimming in the Deep End, and More Than We Remember. The Way It Should Be releases February 2, 2021.She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passion for faith, family, fiction, and foster care. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.

Review: Burning Escape

Burning Escape by Michelle Sass Aleckson
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Burning Escape was another fast paced segment in a suspenseful series filled with adventure and characters you will grow to move.

I loved watching Tori and Orion, both strong independent characters who felt they had something to proof, learn they can achieve more when they rely on their team members.

I like how each book in the series has their own storyline, but linked with an high level one which we learn more about after each book.

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

Review: Burning Hearts

Review: Burning Rivals 

View all my reviews

About the book:

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She was born to fight fires...

When Tori Mitchell said goodbye to the handsome stranger after their heart-stopping dance on her last night of freedom, she never expected him to wind up on the same Midnight Sun elite smokejumper team. Now the two rookies are on the run through the Alaska backcountry, chased by militia men intent on stopping the wildlands firefighters. Forced to rely on each other, Tori has to ignore the sparks between them if they're going to stay alive. Otherwise that spark will turn into a flame neither of them can put out.

He's got something to prove...

Born into a family legacy of firefighting, Orion Price is determined to prove his worth up in Alaska. One explosive evening on the dance floor with Tori threatens the only shot he has to step out of the shadow of his mistakes. He's going to take this shot to show his family—and himself—that he can be the man they believe he is. Orion won't risk his heart, even if survival in an isolated community means faking a relationship with Tori.

Brace yourself for a high-octane, heart-pounding, inspirational thrill ride filled with real-life heroism, searing romantic suspense, and the restorative power of unrelenting grace.

Chasing Alaska
Book 1: Burning Hearts
Book 2: Burning Rivals
Book 3: Burning Escape
Book 4: Burning Secrets
Book 5: Burning Truth
Book 6: Burning Justice

Chasing Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproof

About the author:

Author writes under the penname Michelle Aleckson as well.

After growing up on both the east and west coasts, Michelle now loves living the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and four children. She rocks out to 80's music on a Saturday night, enjoys playing board games, and is a hopeless romantic. And if you're wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name.

She writes contemporary romance with a dash of sass and suspense. Connect with her on her website: michellealeckson.com

Can't Wait Wednesday! Burning Secrets and Meet Me on Blueberry Hill

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.

Two books from two series I am busy reading and looking forward to continue with.

About the book: Burning Secrets

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

Wrong place, wrong time…

Wildlife biologist JoJo Butcher isn’t just a smokejumper for the Midnight Sun crew—she’s also in Alaska to finish up her wolf research…until, oops, she finds herself face-to-face with a wolf with nowhere to go…
And then she’s rescued by a hero from the woods. Who exactly is he, and what secrets is he hiding?

He's living a double life...

Undercover FBI informant Michael Crew Sterling hates his life. Buried deep inside a domestic terrorist group, he’s in over his head, trying to discover their lethal plans. And then he saves the life of JoJo Butcher, and suddenly she is sunshine to his dark soul…

Until she accidentally walks into nightmare.

Now Crew must keep her alive by proving that she’s his girlfriend. And she has to play along, or they’ll both be killed. And when they discover what the group is really doing, Crew will have to make a choice that could cost him everything he’s sacrificed to save the woman he’s falling for.

Book four in the epic Chasing Alaska series is an edge-of-your seat tale of danger, loyalty, and the power of hope in the darkest night.

Chasing Alaska
Book 1: Burning Hearts
Book 2: Burning Rivals
Book 3: Burning Escape
Book 4: Burning Secrets
Book 5: Burning Truth
Book 6: Burning Justice

Chasing Montana
Book 1: Flashpoint
Book 2: Flashover
Book 3: Flashback
Book 4: Firestorm
Book 5: Fireline
Book 6: Fireproof

About the book: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill

"What a sweet contemporary romance!" Reviewer—Goodreads

The grump next door can’t really be her hero, right? Fall in love with this grumpy/sunshine, wounded souls with secrets small town romance!

Don’t, don’t, don’t give your heart away to the Boy Next Door…

Copywriter and songwriter wannabe Sadie Hudson vowed never to return to Jonathon Island…but when her grandmother needs her—and she’s the only one left to help—yes, she’ll return, because she’ll do anything for family. Even if it means facing the tragedy that haunts her, the accident that took her sister’s life..

Look away, and don’t get involved…aw, what’s a guy going to do?

Yes, Asher Quinn has noticed his elderly neighbor’s new arrival, but he’s not interested in anything but solitude for reasons he’ll tell no one. And then—shoot—a tree comes down on the house and he can’t live with himself if he doesn’t help. Please let it not cost him the new life he’s constructed here…

Except, Sadie and her sunshine has seeped into his dark soul, and he finds himself wanting not only to help, but to know her more…But if she discovers his secret, it just might send her running from the one place she now calls home.

As for Sadie, Asher has awakened the songwriter inside her, and suddenly Mr. Grumpy has found a place in her heart. And, ignited her courage to enter the town’s songwriting festival on Blueberry Hill. But Asher is more than he has told her…and when the truth comes out…

Well, she knew better than to trust the Boy Next Door, right?

Grab this endearing, touching Jonathon Island romance about taking a chance on a wounded hero and the song in your heart. It’s the perfect summer romance for those who love stories that risk it all for a happy ending.

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


Grumpy/Sunshine
Secrets
Boy next door
Wounded hero

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

What are you waiting on this week?

Monthly Recap: May 2025

 

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

May was another busy month with getting ready to move to our newly purchased house. 

 

What I've read:

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Kindle:

Audio:

Paperback:

Still in progress

What I would like to read in June:

Read:

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

There is quite a few I would love to still read!

Did I buy any new books?

Bought: None

Freebies: None

Did I read everything I wanted too?

The following I had to carry over

January:

March:

April:

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: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

Meet Me at the Fudge Shop by Lindsay Harrel
My rating: 💛💛💛

With a Romeo and Juliet family rivalry, but this time involving a fudge shop, there was a lot of tension and chemistry between the main characters.

I enjoyed Lily’s creativity which sometimes led her into difficult situations. I have a family member like that, and though sometimes it can be frustrating, the ability to focus on being creative versus keeping up with time and commitments, makes your life colourful.

The story was a bit predictable with things that were going wrong and how it all ended, but I still enjoyed the journey and the conclusion.

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


View all my reviews

About the book:

"Loved this sweet story. Meet Me at the Fudge Shop has it all—bitter family feud, former high school sweethearts now rivals, close proximity, and a competition over a fudge shop." Reviewer—Goodreads

Their families are enemies, and he broke her heart, so of course she’ll have to work with him if she wants to save her fudge shop. Except, he wants the shop too…

Oh no. Someone is going to get hurt.

****

There’s no way her rival—and that man who broke her heart—is going to steal her future. Not again.

Fudge maker Lily Hart is back on Jonathon Island, and this time, she’s not going to fail. She’s learned her lesson after failing out of business school, and losing her dream apprenticeship. But her family’s 74-year-old Fudge Shop belongs to her and she’s going to reopen it and join in the revival of Jonathon Island. Even if she has to wrest it out of the greedy hands of her ex-sweetheart, arrogant Declan Kelley.

The woman he can’t forget just might cost him everything…

Business executive Declan isn’t a fudge-maker, but apparently the only way to save his ancestral home is to return to Jonathon Island and reignite the Kelley fudge business. And the Fudge Wars between the Harts and the Kelleys, because feisty Lily Hart is back too. Oh no. Because he’s never forgotten his mistakes, or his regrets that drove him from the island.

But the space can belong to only one family—which means a contest. Whoever sells the most fudge in one month gets the shop. Forced to share the space, sparks—and old feelings—begin to fly. Lily’s creative flair and Declan’s business acumen might just be the perfect recipe for success…if they can stop fighting long enough to realize it.

On the other hand, they might just reignite the town feud…

Sweet, swoony, and full of heart, dive into this romance between reunited rivals who hope to discover that on Jonathon Island, love might be the sweetest thing of all.

If you like secret love, family rivalries, delicious banter, and second chances, you’ll love this Hatfields and McCoys, sweet and clean small town romance!

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


Rivals
Enemies to romance
Coworkers
Second chance at love
Small town shenanigans

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

About the author:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

Award-winning author Rachel D. Russell writes contemporary inspirational romance focused on

forgiveness, redemption, and grace. She's a country girl living in the suburbs, whose resume includes presenting live-animal reptile programs, being a park ranger, a reserve police officer, and a stint in federal prison (where she worked, not lived).

She makes wild attempts to balance writing under publisher deadlines with her full-time career with the federal government. When Rachel’s not cantering her horse down the Oregon beaches, she’s probably interrogating her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent enjoying her active family, including two college-age sons and three keyboard-hogging cats.